Legends, Myths & Beliefs about Kailash Mansarovar
The Holy Mount Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
Hotels & Resorts in Uttaranchal
Nainital, Ranikhet, Almora, Mussoorie, Bhimtal, Dehradun, Haridwar, Risikhesh, Naukuchiatal, Pithoragarh, Munsiyari, Kausani, Bageshwar, Mukteshwar, Ramgarh, Ramnagar, (Corbett Park)
Introduction
Mount Kailash, 6,740 m. is situated to the north of the Himalayan barrier, wholly within Tibet. It is the perfect mountain with awesome beauty, with 4 great faces. It is the spiritual centre for four great religions: Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism, the Jain religion and the pre-Buddhist animistic religion -
Bonpo. To Tibetans it is known as Khang Rimpoche (Precious Jewel of Snow) and they see it as the navel of the world. It is said that a stream from the mountain pours into a nearby lake and from here rivers flow in the four cardinal directions. The River of the Lion Mouth to the North, the River of the Horse Mouth to the east, the River of the Peacock Mouth to the south and the River of the Elephant Mouth to the West. Strangely enough, four major rivers do indeed originate near
Kailash, the Indus, the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra), the Karnali and the
Sutlej. Tibetans believe that it is the residence of Demchog, a fierce looking tantric deity who lives there with his consort, Dorje
Phagmo. For the Tibetans also, it is a particularly special place in that their poet saint
Milarepa, spent several years here meditating in a cave.
A Shiva-linga shaped Mount Kailash from the Northern Face
For the Hindus Mount Kailash is the earthly manifestation of Mt. Meru, their spiritual centre of the universe, described as a fantastic 'world pillar' 84,000 miles high, around which all else revolves, its roots in the lowest hell and its summit kissing the heavens. On the top lives their most revered God, Shiva, and his consort Parvati. For the Jains, an Indian religious group, Kailash is the site where their first prophet achieved enlightenment. For the older, more ancient religion of Bon, it is the site where its founder Shanrab is said to have descended from heaven. It was formerly the spiritual centre of Zhang Zung, the ancient Bon Empire that once included all of western Tibet. Bon people walk around the mountain in a counter clockwise manner, unlike the other religions. Over the centuries pilgrims have constantly journeyed immense distances to achieve enlightenment or cleanse themselves of sin, braving enormous distances, particularly harsh weather and bandit attacks.
The Path To Nirvana
The majestic Himalayas figure prominently not only in the topography of India but in its history and mythology as well. The youngest mountain range in the world, and yet the mightiest, the Himalayas are many things to many people.
About The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
People have been visiting Kailash - Mansarovar for centuries. Almost all the major passes of Uttaranchal Himalayas lead to Kailash - Mansarovar. The important ones in the Kumaon region are Lipulekh, Lampiya Dhura, Nuwe Dhura, Lowe Dhura, Unta Dhura, Jayanti and Kungri Bingri. Since 1981, under the auspices of the Indian ministry of external affairs and with the cooperation of the Chinese government, Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam has been conducting trips to Kailash - Mansarovar through the Lipulekh pass. The number of people allowed visiting Kailash - Mansarovar is limited and it is hoped that in the near future, more Indian pilgrims will be allowed to visit Western Tibet, the region of sacred mountains and lakes.Mansarovar Lake
The circumference of Mansarovar is 88-km, its depth is 90m and total area is 320-sq-kms. The lake freezes in the winters and melts only in spring. It looks unbelievably fascinating on moonlit nights when an ethereal ambience pervades the atmosphere. The circumference of Rakshas Tal, also known as “Ravan Kund”, is 122-km. A 6-km long natural channel - “Gangachhu” - connects Manas with Rakshas Tal.
Route Map Of Kailash Mansarovar
Important: Adi-Kailash and Om Parvat are in the region of 12,000-14,000 feet, with cold winds blowing in the daytime and in the evening. This is a hazardous trek at high altitudes, on mountainous terrain with occasional bad weather. Do not ignore these instructions or take them lightly, as the consequences could be serious. Clothing should be light, wind proof, water repellant and capable of providing enough warmth. It is recommended that each trekkers carry the following items:
1. Wind-proof
jacket with parka 1 no.
2. Sweaters 2 full sleeves 1 half sleeve
3. Balaclava (Monkey cap) 1 no.
4. Woollen and leather gloves 1 pair each
5. Woollen/cotton long johns 2 pairs
6. Woollen socks 4 pairs
7. Cotton socks 4 pairs
8. Jeans|Pants 3 nos.
9. Shorts 2 nos.
10. Shirts/T-shirt 6 nos.
11. Sun glasses (good quality), with chain 1 no. for hanging around neck
12.Hunter/Marching/Trekking shoes 2 pairs (Carry extra shoe laces- normal shoes
will be useless for Trekking)
13. Peaked cap or broad brimmed straw hat 1 no. (for protection against the sun)
14. Water bottle (1 large)
15. Torch light (carry two sets of extra cells and one bulb) 1 no.
16. Raincoat (1 large size)
17. Belt pouch for camera/money/ medicines/documents 1 no.
18. Large Plastic sheet for water proofing your luggage
19. Plate/Mug/Spoon 1 set
20. Toilet paper, Sun screen lotion (for protection from sunburn) 1 no.
21. Candles, Match box/lighter
22. Multipurpose knife 1 no.
23. Rubber slippers 1 no.
