ABOUT MOUNT KAILASH

Mount Kailash (standing tall at approximately 22000 feet) is not just a mere massive mountain situated in the Great Himalayas, it is much greater than that. For believers living in various parts of the world, it is an embodiment of spirituality, faith, religion, hope and of love. Mount Kailash, the holiest of the holy mountains is situated within the Tibetan Plateau. Tibetan Plateau is the highest in the world, and is rightly said to be the “Roof of the World”. According to Hindu beliefs, Holy Mount Kailash is considered to be an Abode of Lord Shiva, where he lives with his consort Goddess Parvati. It is said that Lord Shiva still resides atop the mountain and perform various activities like practicing yoga, meditation, etc. It is believed to be an incredible personification of a place of peace and power. Some even believe and consider it to be “Heaven on Earth”. It is the most worshipped mountains in the world, and is considered to be of massive spiritual significance for four different religions, namely Hinduism, Budhhism, Jainism and Tibetan Bon Tons. The Tibetan Buddhists regard the mountain as Kang Rimpoche, or ‘The Precious one among Glacial Snow’ and believe it to be the residence of Demchog or Chakrasamvara. The Jains call the mountain as Astapada and their belief is that this is the place where the first of the twenty-four Tirthankaras, Rishaba attained liberation. Mount Kailash of holy Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has been embedded deeply in the myths of Ancient Asia as a sacred place since eternity. Many theories believe it to be the center and birthplace of entire world. Pilgrims believe that by making it through the pilgrimage and having a divine view of the Abode, they will attain Nirvana and all their sins will be cleansed off. Anyone who visits the place and indulges in the pilgrim trek will feel the immense power and peace this place holds within. It is believed that anyone who comes here will be attaining enlightenment.

ABOUT LAKE MANSAROVAR

The entire journey of holy Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is full of great folklores, mysteries and superior beliefs. The best part about the sacred yatra is that it does not just consist of the Mountain; it also takes you in front of the Holy Lake Mansarovar.

Along this holiest of the holy yatra, pilgrims indulge in pilgrimage of a wonderous and sacred Lake Mansarovar, which stands at the foot of Mount Kailash. Lake Mansarovar stretches up till approximately 88 kilometers area wise and is famous worldwide as a divine freshwater lake with crystal-clear and pristine waters. It is also said to be changing colors, from crystal blue towards the edges to emerald green in the center. A full moon night is supposed to be the best an ideal opportunity to see the Lake at its best as it shines like a jewel. Believers and pilgrims who come for the yatra, believe that completing a full kora or circumambulation of Lake Mansarovar is considered to be an act of wish fulfillment and it cleanses our soul from all sins of previous hundred years. As per Hinduism, the Lake was formed inside the mind of Lord Brahma, hence the name Mansarovar was given to it. ‘Manas’ means ‘Mind’, and ‘Sarovar’ means ‘a large water body’. Another very positive and interesting belief about the sacred lake is that when you take a holy dip inside the pristine waters of Mansarovar, you feel something otherworldly. It is said that the dip can cleanse away all your pains and sorrows and all your negative energies within seconds. Drinking its water or bathing in the lake will again, get your soul as well as your mind clear of any negative thoughts and will set you on track to attain Nirvana. Pilgrims also have stated to see several events in their lives or moments from their past after they took a small dip in the freezing waters. This interesting phenomenon has been experienced by many people with reverence and wonder.

KAILASH MANSAROVAR YATRA: WHEN AND HOW

The journey through the Kailash Mansarovar yatra is divine in itself and on the way you may experience many different destinations holding some unique and sacred significance in the minds of the pilgrims coming here from different parts of the planet . This trek is stated to be the most challenging and adventurous of all the pilgrim treks in the world. You will experience lush green valleys, infinitely stretched barren lands, a range of snow-capped mountains and beautiful lakes. It is indeed an experience of a lifetime and a “bucket-list worthy” trip to take.

The visit happens from May till the finish of September in the Tibetan area of China. The most important part of the pilgrimage is known as the kora. A kora means to steer while circling around any particular place or spot. It is accepted that any individual who finishes the kora will gather up the entirety of their wrongdoings that he or she might have committed in life. Various religions have various convictions about the parikrama of Mt. Kailash. The Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims complete the kora, clockwise, while the Jains as well as the Bon pilgrims walk around the mountain anti-clockwise. The total length of a full kora around the Holy Mountain is 56 kilometers. The landscape scene is quiet risky and the journey turns out to be steep and unpleasant now and again. Hence, the pilgrims need to be at the best of their health to complete the journey.

MOUNT KAILASH PARIKRAMA

The Mount Kailash trek or parikrama is rightly said to be one of the most daunting and dangerous one for the pilgrims in the world. It takes 3 days to complete the one full round or kora around the Shiva’s Abode. The trek is divided into three days since our bodies are not programmed to be trekking in such high altitude and in such light breathing conditions. The base camp is setup in Darchen which is at an altitude of around 15,000 feet above sea level. There are camps or local guesthouses for accommodation and to relax the mind and soul after the tiring climb and descent around the mountain. The first day trek starts from Darchen and heads towards Dirapuk Monastery. This day is a very easy day since the trek route is mild and moderate with just some little ups and downs. You just need to stick together with the group at all points. The second day of the trek starts from Dirapuk and takes you all the way to Zuthulphuk Monastery. This day is the most daunting as well as the most tiring or challenging day of the three. It takes you through the Drolma La Pass, which is the highest point of the trek at an elevation of 5630m. The trek is extremely dangerous with drastic ascents and descents and one needs to be very careful with the same as it features a rough and rugged terrain. It is advised to not stay at the Drolma La pass for much long since the thin air and strong cold winds could be harmful. The third and last leg of the kora is the easiest, covers the least distance and completes the holy parikrama of the Mount Kailash at Darchen. While this is certainly not a picturesque stretch of the kora, the consistent ground underneath permits you to float off and ponder the previous three days.

Some great philosopher has rightly said, “The Journey is the most memorable part of the trip.” And on this great mix of a spiritual and an adventurous journey, you could come across many different divine spots or spiritual hubs which are accompanied with immense sanctity. These holy places to visit on the way through Kailash Mansarovar Yatra are given further.

Darchen

Darchen is the base camp for starting the parikrama to the holy Mount Kailash. It is situated right in front of the mountain, and is basically a small village. Darchen is surrounded by several varieties of tea shops, so people could stay warm. Due to its location, people travelling on a Kailash Mansarovar yatra need to rest in here every year. People start their trek from here, and those who do not want to go further can stay here for a few days before heading back home with the group.

Yam Dwar

‘The Gateway to the God of Death’ and ‘The Gate of Salvation’ is a few names or meanings given to the mysterious Yam Dwar located in Tarboche at an elevation of about 15,000 feet. People or pilgrims going forward on the pilgrimage trek around the holy Kailash parvat, need to go through this door so all their sins are gone and they can achieve Nirvana. People tend to pray to the God of Death – ‘Yam’ while passing through the gate so they could start their holy pilgrimage and for the deceased to pass through the bridge in their spiritual form.

Rakshas Tal

The lake of devil or the Rakshas Tal carries many mysterious tales and folklores regarding the Demon King – Ravana. It is situated near the Lake Mansarovar and the most interesting thing about the lake is that it was once a part of the holiest lake Mansarovar. It is recognized throughout the world as the sole saltwater lake in Tibet and is said to comprise of poisonous gases. Earlier, it used to be a part of Lake Mansarovar, but then due to the geographical shifts and movements the two lakes got separated. A thin isthmus of mountains separates them now, as if differentiating the good and the bad.  The Rakshas Tal is said to be the dwelling place of Ravana and thus, is of great historical and spiritual relevance.

Nandi Parvat

Nandi is Lord Shiva’s sacred vehicle and a symbol of honor existing in today’s time as the holy Nandi Parvat. It is said to be one the most vital peaks in the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra holding utmost divinity. Nandi is said to be born as human, but is depicted as a half-man half-bull or a bull sitting with its limbs folded. It is said that he was said to die at the age of 8, and so he started worshipping to Lord Shiva with great attention and passion. This made Lord Shiva happy and he gave a piece of a necklace with a bell attached to Nandi thus transforming him into half-human half-bull and making him immortal. It is said that Nandi is the hub of powers, provider of boons, a true symbol of honor, justice, faith, wisdom and boldness and also the protector of Dharma.

Gauri Kund

Also called as Parvati Sarovar, the Gauri Kund consists of a plethora of tales and folklores about Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is one of the most winsome lakes across the globe. It is recognized as “The Lake of Compassion” and is tucked at an elevation of around 5608 metres above sea level. The ancient tale relating to the Gauri Kund has been very illustrated in the holy Shiva Purana. According to the tale, it is said that Gauri Kund is the place where Goddess Parvati was able to get back her son – Lord Ganesha. Gauri Kund is said to be an essential spot to be seen by all the pilgrims of the Kailash yatra. The splashing of the water of the Kund is believed to purify your senses and your soul.

Ashtapad

Nestled within the majestic embrace of the Himalayas lies a place of profound spiritual significance, a realm where the ethereal and earthly converge – Ashtapad. As part of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra facilitated by Comfort My Travel, this mystical destination holds a unique place in the hearts of pilgrims seeking a deeper connection with divinity.

Ashtapad, often referred to as “Eight Steps,” is a sacred mountain peak that stands as a beacon of spiritual awakening. Situated within the Kailash range, this hallowed site resonates with spiritual energy, drawing seekers from various faiths. It is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva shared cosmic wisdom with his consort, Parvati, and where Lord Vishnu manifested in his Vamana avatar.

The journey to Ashtapad is not merely a physical one; it’s a passage into the realm of higher consciousness. Comfort My Travel orchestrates an experience that takes pilgrims on an inner and outer journey of discovery. The meticulously crafted itinerary ensures that pilgrims not only navigate the physical challenges of the journey but also tap into the spiritual essence that Ashtapad exudes.

Upon reaching Ashtapad, pilgrims are greeted by a breathtaking panoramic view that transcends the limitations of language. The vista encompasses the sacred peaks of Mount Kailash and Manasarovar Lake, while the clear skies seem to bridge heaven and earth. This vista is not just a feast for the eyes; it’s an invitation to transcend the ordinary and touch the sublime.

Ashtapad’s spiritual significance resonates deeply in Hindu and Jain traditions. For Jains, it holds the distinction of being the place where the first Tirthankara, Rishabhadeva, attained enlightenment. It’s a pilgrimage site for the spiritually inclined, a place where the veil between the physical and the metaphysical becomes thin.

Comfort My Travel’s approach to the Ashtapad experience is rooted in both spiritual enrichment and logistical convenience. The journey is carefully planned to offer pilgrims the space and time for introspection and meditation. Guides provide insights into the significance of the site, while support staff ensure that pilgrims can focus on their inner journey without being encumbered by practicalities.

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, with its jewel-like addition of Ashtapad, is a transformative expedition that leads to self-discovery and spiritual growth. Comfort My Travel understands the intricacies of such a pilgrimage and caters to the needs of modern-day pilgrims while respecting the sanctity of the journey.

Ashtapad is not merely a destination; it’s a realm where the sacred manifests in the ordinary and the extraordinary becomes tangible. Through Comfort My Travel, the ascent to Ashtapad becomes a passage to the sacred heart of the Himalayas, a pilgrimage that bridges realms and leaves an indelible imprint on the soul.

In the embrace of Ashtapad’s spiritual aura, pilgrims find solace, inspiration, and a connection to something greater than themselves. With Comfort My Travel as your guide, the journey to Ashtapad becomes an unforgettable odyssey – an expedition that transcends time, space, and the confines of the material world, leading to an encounter with the divine.