Mount Kailas, a great mass of black rock in unique diamond-like shape, is one of the most honored holy places. This huge peak, elevated to over 22,000 feet, is located in the Himalayan Mountains of far western Tibet. Lake Mansarovar, a sacred river, flowing adjacent to Mount Kailas, makes it a mesmerizing sight. This highest freshwater lake in the world creates an impression that it has been engraved precisely out of the rock. The view of an enormous lake, somewhat round in shape, with a reflection of the mystic Mount Kailas in its clear water is profound enough to spellbind any visitor.
Four religious faiths, Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and the followers of the Tibetan religion of Bon, consider it as their holy place. Hindu mythology believes that Shiva, the God of destruction and reconstruction, exists in the high point of a legendary mountain named Kailas. As a result, Mount Kailas is observed in Hinduism as the ultimate spiritual destination. Tibetan Buddhists call the mountain, the ‘Precious One of Glacial Snow’, and consider it as the dwelling place of Chakrasamvara. The Jains accept Mount Kailas to be the place where Rishaba, the first of the twenty-four Tirthankaras accomplished freedom. For followers of Bon religion it is supposed to be the seat of the Sky Goddess Sipaimen.
Pilgrims to this holy destination need to travel weeks of difficult route. They feel that walking around Mount Kailash will take away all evil doings and bring good luck in life. This walk is made in a clockwise direction by Hindus and Buddhists, but counterclockwise by followers of the Jain and Bon religions. The pilgrimage around this sacred mountain is called the Kailash Kora. Most of the pilgrims to Kailas will also go for a dip in the nearby sacred Lake Manosaravar, though it is always very cold. The landscape around the mountain is enriched by clear blue streams. Pilgrimage to Mount Kailas and the marvelous lakes there offer an exceptional experience because of the most enchanting surroundings.
Though this religious mountain is such a wonder of Nature, it is not possible for unhealthy people to reach here. The pilgrims are supposed to be in robust health as the very journey demands it. Even hale and hearty people need to safeguard themselves from acute mountain sickness.