Mount Kailash Tour from Nepal is a mountain in Ngari Prefecture in Tibet, in the Kailash range of the Transhimalay in western Tibet. Its peak lies at an altitude of 6,638mtrs ( 21,778 ft) and is one of the world’s most mysterious and sacred places. Most religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Tibetan, consider it the center of the universe and the ultimate destination of souls.
Table of Contents
Mount Kailash remains an undiscovered and unsolved Mystery to this day, and it’s not because of a lack of effort. Each religion has some mythology and connection related to Mount Kailash.
Importance of Mount Kailash in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism:
- Hindu communities consider Mount Kailash to be the home of Lord Shiva, also known as Adi yogi or destroyer in the Hindu trinity.
- For Buddhists, it represents Buddha Demchok and enlightenment.
- Jains consider it sacred because it’s where their savior (tirthankara) achieves liberation.
Geological And Geographical Features of Mount Kailash
Location and Elevation
Mountain Kailash is in China’s Tibet Autonomous Region, nearly 6,638 meters above sea level. It is near the source of some of Asia’s longest rivers, such as the Indus, Sutlej, the Brahmaputra, and Karnali. Its coordinates are around 31.0704 N latitude and 81.3119 E longitude. Some scientists have designated this mountain the “spiritual center of the world.”
Formation and Geological Significance
Mount Kailash and its surroundings were formed through various geological processes, including large movements and erosion over millions of years. Glacial erosion has shaped the mountain and created sharp ridges. Scientists describe its peak as a man-made vacuum pyramid.
Surrounding Landscape And Ecosystems
Mount Kailash lies mainly in Tibet, but parts of it touch the border of India and Nepal. It is around Manasarovar Lake and Rakhsatal. The region’s topography is a breathtaking blend of towering peaks, deep valleys, and rocky terrain.
The challenging weather conditions, difficult terrain, and intriguing ecosystem allure numerous travelers to this destination every year.
Hindu Mythology And Mount Kailash
Association with Lord Shiva
Hindu communities consider Mount Kailash the home of Lord Shiva, also known as Adi Yogi Mahadev. Devotees believe that Mahadev lives there with his companion, Parvati, and their children, Ganesh and Kartikeya.
Mansarover, which lies alongside Kailash, is a source of many holy rivers, including Brahmaputra, Indus, Karnali, and Ganga. Hindus trek to Mansarover every year and dip in Mansarovar Lake or drink water from the sacred lake. They believe that it can wipe away sins and cleanse their souls.
Buddhist Belief and Mount Kailash
Buddhists believe that Mount Kailash is the center of the universe. They take the Kailash trek annually and perform kora, which means circulation around the mountain, by singing and chanting Buddhist mantras.
The Tibetan Buddhist monk Milarepa is the only person who climbed Kailash Parbat in the 11th century. His achievements are still talked about in the history of Kailash Mansarovar.
Jainism and Mount Kailash
In Jainism, Mount Kailash is a sacred place connected with spiritual significance. Some Jain traditions believe it is where several revered Jain saints attain enlightenment ( moksha). The mountain is also seen as a symbol of purity and spiritual ascent in Jain cosmology.
Mount Kailash Pilgrimage Tour Manasarovar
Mount Kailash pilgrimage tour is the best option for followers of various religions and spiritual seekers. The Kailash region is popular for its substantial religious significance and cultural merits.
The journey normally begins in western Tibet. Pilgrims trek through rocky terrain, enduring harsh weather conditions. Along the way, they visit various sacred sites like Lake Manasarovar and perform rituals and prayers to cleanse their sins.
Read More: Pilgrims Trek from Kathmandu to Langtang
Routes And Access Points For Manasarovar And Mount Kailash Tour From Nepal Kathmandu
Multiple routes and access points exist for your Manasarovar yatra or Tibet tour to Mount Kailash from Nepal.
Direct flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa
If you want to begin your Mount Kailash tour from Nepal, one common route is a flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa. After your flight to Lhasa, you can take a long journey from Lhasa to Kailash, passing through towns like Shigatse and Sagab before reaching Darchen. It is where the tour starts for Kailash and Lake Manasarovar.
Overland Tour to Kailash area
There are other options for your overland tour, like taking a direct flight or an overland tour from Nepal to Tibet through the Rasuwagadhi—Kerung border. After that, you can follow the same route from Darchen to Kailash Mansarovar. You do need to prepare beforehand and get a Tibet travel permit for this.
Another option for an overland view of the Kailash region is to take a short flight by plane or helicopter from Nepalgunj to Manasarovar.
It is a much shorter but equally scenic flight that offers a darshan of the sacred Mount Kailash and the lake from a distance. This option of Kailash tour cost might differ for natives and foreigners. During the pilgrimage tour, the cost will depend upon the method you choose to get to Mount Kailash or whether you are taking a long or short group tour.
Rituals and Practices During the Tibet Kailash Trek Tibet
Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers perform many rituals during this journey to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarover in Tibet, China. They are deeply rooted in religious beliefs and significance. Here are some of the key rituals and practices:
- Mount Kailash Kora or Parikrama: Circling the foot of Mount Kailash or Kailash Kora is one of the central rituals of Manasarover yatra. The complete circuit around Mount Kailash is approximately 52 kilometers and is usually done on foot for three days.
- Holy Dip in Lake Mansarovar: Hinduism and Buddhism consider Lake Mansarovar one of the holiest lakes. Devotees like to dip in its waters, believing it’ll purify them and wipe out sins. Some also collect water from the lake and carry it back home.
- Puja and Meditation: Participants often engage in various puja (religious rituals) and meditative practices during their Kailash kora trek, which include chanting mantras, offering prayers, and more.
- Observance of Vows: Many pilgrims take vows (varta) during the Kailash trip, promising to follow certain religious promises of abstaining from specific activities for the pilgrimage. These vows are acts of devotion towards their god.
- Interaction with Sadhu and Monks: The journey often involves encounters with sadhus (holy men) and monks who live around Kailash. During the yatra, pilgrims ask for blessings, guidance, and spiritual wisdom.
- Respect for Nature and Environment: The Manasarovar yatra takes place in the sacred region of Kailash. Participants must respect nature. This includes practicing responsible waste disposal, conserving water, and following local customs and regulations.
Biodiversity of Mount Kailash
The biodiversity surrounding the Kailash region is very rich and diverse. Despite the harsh and high-altitude environment, the region offers a variety of flora and fauna.
The summary of the biodiversity of the Kailash region and Lake Manasarovar is as follows:
Vegetation: Around the lower regions of Mt Kailash, you can find juniper forests that help provide habitat and food for wildlife. You can also find herbs and medicinal plants for various purposes, such as healing and performing rituals.
Wildlife: The region is home to several iconic Himalayan wildlife species, including the Tibetan antelope (chiru), Tibetan wild ass (kiang), and gazelle. Rare birds and animals like Tibetan snowcock, snow leopard, and brown bear.
Mt Kailash Landscape
Temples, monasteries, and sacred sites around Mt Kailash
- Lake Manasarovar: Mansarovar Lake, one of the world’s highest freshwater lakes, is at a height of 4600 meters towards the west of Rakshastal and north of Kailash Parbat.
- Yam Dwar: The word Yam means Yam raj, the god of death, and Dwar in the gate. In Tibet, they call Yam Duwar Tarboche, which is where they start circumambulation of their lord.
- Chiu Gompa: Chiu Gompa is a Buddhist monastery in the Ngari Prefecture of Tibet. It is religiously essential for Buddhists who visit to meditate, pray, and seek spiritual guidance.
- Rakshastal Lake: Rakshastal, the Lake of Demon, is situated in Tibet near Kailash Mansarovar. The name Rakshastal comes from Sanskrit, and its literal meaning is the lake of the demons or Rakshas.
Religious Festivals Around Kailash Tibet
Religious festivals are important in people’s cultural and spiritual life worldwide. Here are some religious festivals celebrated with great devotion in the Kailash region.
- Saga Dawa: Saga Dawa is one of the most important festivals in Tibetan Buddhism. Tibetans celebrate it throughout the many regions, including Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar.
- Losar: Losar, or Tibetan New Year, Tibetan celebrates Losar with joy and enthusiasm. It marks the beginning of the Tibetan lunar calendar.
- Guru Purnima: Guru Purnima is an important festival of Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains to honor spiritual teachers and gurus.
- Shivaratri: Maha-Shivaratri, or the Great Night of Shiva, is a festival dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is celebrated across India and Nepal. Hindu pilgrims visiting Mount Kailash observe special prayers and rituals on this day.
Impact of Tourism
Tourism around Kailash region affects the environment, culture, and local communities in many ways:
- Environmental Impact: The arrival of tourists can lead to environmental degradation through littering and habitat destruction.
- Cultural Impact: Tourism can impact local cultures and traditions. The arrival of tourists can affect traditional practices, sacred sites, and the region’s significance.
- Infrastructure Development: Construction of Roads, hotels, and restaurants to accommodate tourists.
- Economic Opportunities: Tourism can provide economic opportunities for local communities, such as employment in the hospitality sector, handicraft sales, and guided tours.
Conservation and Environmental Concerns
Conservation and environmental concerns in the Kailash region include:
- Habitat Destruction: Human activities like construction and tourism can harm the natural habitats of plants and animals.
- Pollution: Littering, waste disposal, and vehicle emissions can pollute the air, water, and soil.
- Loss of Biodiversity: Habitat destruction and pollution can lead to the loss of plant and animal species. It can also disrupt the balance of the ecosystem and affect its environmental changes.
- Climate Change: The effects of climate change, such as melting glaciers and weather patterns, can impact the region’s biodiversity and local communities.
Local communities, governments, and conservation organizations must collaborate to reduce these environmental impacts. This will help protect the Kailash region’s unique environment for future generations.
Learn More: Our Travel Blogs
Future Challenges
Conservation Challenges: Balancing conservation efforts with tourism development is a challenge.
Increasing the number of tourists can ruin natural resources and wildlife habitats. Which will require sustainable management practices and the preservation of biodiversity.
Tourism in the Kailash region can bring economic benefits and cultural exchange. It can also bring challenges in terms of environmental sustainability and Cultural preservation.
Effective management strategies, community involvement, and responsible tourism practices are necessary to reduce the negative impacts and ensure the region’s long-term sustainability.
FAQs
How Much is the Kailash tour package from Kathmandu?
Kailash tour package costs depend on factors like traveling to Mount Kailash by road or taking a small group tour.
Can we go to Kailash Tibet from Nepal?
Yes. Various routes and tour guides will help you reach Mt. Kailash from Nepal and back to Kathmandu.
How far is Kailash from Nepal by road?
It is approximately 170 km from Kathmandu to Gyirong Town and approximately 667 km from Gyrong Town to majestic Mount Kailash. Depending on your pace and tour choice, this trip can take 11- 16 days.
How much does a Kailash trip cost?
Depending on your nationality and tour choice, it can cost you Npr180,000- 220,000.
Which month is best for Kailash?
Anywhere from May to October would be suitable for your Kailash trek.
Conclusion
Mount Kailash’s tour from Nepal is an amazing journey filled with religious values and amazing experiences. For the shortest route available, you can begin your journey by flying to Kathmandu and then take a connecting flight or drive from Kathmandu to Nepalgung. From there, fly to Simikot. Next, embark on a scenic helicopter ride to Hilsa, near the Nepal-Tibet border.
Cross the border on foot and board another helicopter ride to Taklakot. Continue the journey by passing through beautiful landscapes to reach Lake Mansarovar. Finally, proceed towards Mount Kailash. You can also take a Tibetan tour guide or tour operator to learn all the facts and secrets about the Kailash region.
