Mt. Kailash

It stands at a staggering height of 22,112 ft to the north of the Himalayan banner, within the borders of Tibet. It is said that a stream from Kailash pours into a nearby lake and from here rivers flow in the four cardinal directions. Strangely enough, four major rivers do originate near here, the Indus, Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra), Karnali and Sutlej.

Most pilgrims to Kailash also take a dip in the nearby, highly sacred Lake Mansarovar (Lake of Consciousness and Enlightenment). Adjacent to Mansarovar is Rakas Tal (Lake of Demons) in which pilgrims don't bathe but do pay their respects.

Mt. Kailash is referred to as the center of the universe in Eastern religious texts from India to Japan. Thus, its significance and origin vary across different faiths.

For Hindus, Mount Kailash is the earthly manifestation of Mt. Meru, the spiritual centre of the universe around which all else revolves. With its roots in the lowest hell and its summit kissing the heavens, where on top live Lord Shiva and Parvati.

Jains call the mountain Astapada and believe it to be the site where Rishaba, their first tirthankara (spiritual leader) achieved enlightenment. For Tibetans, Mt. Kailash is known as Kang Rimpoche (Precious Jewel of Snow) and is seen as the navel of the world and the abode of Chakrasamvara. Followers of the older, more ancient religion of Bon believe the mountain is the where their founder Shenrab is said to have descended from heaven.

Pilgrims to Kailash believe that spiritual merit is gained by circumnavigating its 32-mile path beginning at Darchen. A single circuit wipes out a lifetime's worth of sins while 108 circuits brings enlightenment. The journey made by Hindus who walk clockwise around the mountain is known as Parikrama, which normally takes three days. However, the overly devout attempt to do it in a single day.