Mt. Kailas, 6,740 m. is situated to the north of the Himalayan barrier, wholly within Tibet. It is the spiritual center for four great religions: Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism, the Jain religion, and the pre-Buddhist animistic religion – Bonpo.
For Tibetans, it is known as Khang Rimpoche (Precious Jewel of Snow) and they see it as the navel of the world.
For Hindu, it is an abode of Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati.
For Jains, their first Tirthankar Rishabhdev Maharaj attained nirvana or freedom from rebirths here on Ashtapad Mountain. Next to Mt.Kailas is Ashtapad Mountain. Kailas Mountain is also known as Mt.Sumeru.
For Buddism, Mt. Kailas is the place of Lord Buddha (Padma Sambhava)
It is said that a stream from the mountain pours into a nearby lake and from here rivers flow in the four cardinal directions.
Four Great rivers from Mt. Kailas Mandala:
Indus(Sindhu)
The River of the Lion Mouth to the North
Brahmaputra
The River of the Horse Mouth to the east
Karnali
The River of the Peacock Mouth to the south
Sutlaj
The River of the Elephant Mouth to the West.
Mount Kailas – The Land where everything is SATYAM SHIVAM SUNDARAM
When we do the Parikrama, our body absorbs the entire positive energy radiating from the Holy Mt.Kailas, thereby helping us attain peace within ourselves. This is the place where one loses all worldly identities and experiences moments of absolute reality.
Why do we do Parikrama?
Parikrama is performed to help unburden yourself of the baggage of stress, negative emotions, and materialism with which you have walked on this holy land. It helps you to be able to get into your spiritual self and connect with Lord Shiva Himself.
Let’s see how.
Pra is an adjective which means very much onward or forward. Dakshina means south.
Walking in the clockwise direction or towards the Right is Dakshina (South) is associated as a straightforward, compliant, submissive, and an honest, impartial, amiable, and auspicious gesture in praying to God.
We assume and believe God is on our right side and that he is being righteous in all ways.
While doing Parikrama you need to practice the following:
Total Parikrama: total Parikrama is 52 km, out of which 20km is by bus. The remaining 32 km is on foot or horseback. Out of the 32km, 4 km is compulsory on foot
The diameter of Mount Kailas is almost 52 kilometers. Hindus perform a parikrama, Buddhists call it a Kora. Tibetan Buddhists believe that a single kora washes away the sins of one life and that 108koras can help one attain nirvana in this life. Normally, Pilgrims complete the circuit in three days, but this also is difficult.
This is because the circuit, though mostly level, involves the crossing of a 5600m pass (Dolma Pass). For these three days, you can hire and ride on horseback/yak back or get a porter to help you. Some part of the parikrama has to be covered on foot even if you have hired a horse.
Start from Darchen and drive to Tarboche (10 km) and trek to Dirapuk (8 km) 5 – 6 hours(night halt).
After breakfast, drive approx. 10 km. to a place called ‘Tarboche.’ The trek starting point of Kailas Parikrama. One can pick up a chit for porter and horse, but the rule is you cannot choose your porter or horse. The first day of Parikrama from Tarboche is a gradual walk. Mesmerizing trails and different shapes of the Holy Mountain can be seen. The trail leads us to a few ups and downs till we reach our camp/guest house at Dirapuk (5210 m) 8 km/ 5 – 6 hours trek. A huge Shivlingam view of Holy Mt. Kailas, northwest faces us. Overnight in Camp / Guest House
Small Parikrama- 1km by foot
If by chance one cannot go for three days Parikrama, they can do a small parikrama of Tarboche (about 1 km), which is considered as full Parikrama. After finishing this parikrama, one can go back in the same vehicle to Darchen and wait for two days for the group to arrive. Our staff will be there to look after them.
6 km. uphill trek/Horseback to Dolmalapass, 4 km. downhill trek to Zutulpuk valley, 8km flat walk/horseback to Zutulpuk Gompa(night halt).
Today’s Parikrama leads to the much higher side of the holy path just beneath the Holy Mount Kailas. The walk will bring us to one of the highest points at Dolma La, 5,600 m before descending to the gradual field towards Zuthulphuk for the overnight stay after 5-6 hours walk. Zuthulphuk (4790 m) 18 km/ 9 – 10 hours.
First 6 kms on horse or walk
After early breakfast, the group will set off as the sun’s rays break over the ridges above. After the footbridge, the trail rises a rocky slope. Take this gently but steadily. It soon reaches a level walk. The peak of Mount Kailas rises to the right and can now be seen linked to a long spur, which joins the eastern ridge. This is the top edge of the glacial valley from which the Lhachu (‘Divine River’) flows.
This day is the climax of this holy journey & is the most difficult day of our journey. One has to pass through Dolma La Pass – 5600m – highest altitude on this tour. Physically, it is the most arduous day. At the pass is a large boulder depicting Tara (Shaktipith), festooned with prayer flags. Here too, Tibetans leave a memento of themselves such as a drop of blood, a lock of hair, or even a personal snapshot. You will be able to sit on horseback for this strenuous 6 km trek to the top.
The second 4 km only walk
After perhaps 5 to 7 minutes, we descend a steep, rock-strewn path to the valley below. Just below the pass is Lake Gaurikund i.e. ‘The Pool of Great Compassion’. Take great care now because it is easy to sprain your ankle or worse. You must negotiate steep staircases down to a snowfield. The only way down is to walk slowly from boulder to boulder. A final steep descending staircase brings you to the valley floor. There is no other option than to walk down for these four km.
Third 8 km on horseback or walk
From here it is still about 5 hours to the day’s destination with no shelter in between. It is vitally important to remain on the right-hand side of the river, the West bank. If not, you will get trapped and become unable to cross it. The walk now becomes very pleasant and relaxing (as long as the weather is clear and there is no howling gale.) The path follows the gentle slope of the valley over grassy fields and clear brooks for several Kilometers before it narrows and turns further south to merge with another valley before reaching Zuthulphuk, visit the ‘Miracle Cave’ of Milarepa. Overnight stay in the guest house.
8 km beautiful walk/horseback where Trek ends. Drive about another 10 km to Darchen.
The morning can be spent exploring the caves and visiting the temples and shrines that have been built around Milarepa’s cave.
One imagines Milarepa’s disciples meditating here. Many of the caves contain meditation platforms, self-contained by dry stonewalls which divide them from their cooking partitions and entrance areas. It is well worth the short climb up to these caves before beginning the final stage of the trek. The winding gradual track finally ends our holy pilgrimage walk 8 km/ 4 – 5 hrs.
Once we reach the trek end point near Darchen, our bus will be waiting to take the group back to Darchen.
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