The holy Mount Kailash is situated in the western Tibetan plateau of the northernmost region of the Himalayas. Also referred to as Mount Meru and Kang Rinpoche, or snow jewel, Mount Kailash is a 22,028 ft high peak known for being the abode of Shiva. Hindus perform a ‘parikrama’ or walk around the 32-mile (48 km) circumference of Mount Kailash, an act that is believed to wipe away all sins. Four holy rivers originate from Mount Kailash: the Indus, the Brahamputra, the Karnali and the Sutlej.

Travel 18 miles southeast of Kailash, and you arrive at the placid blue circular Lake Mansarovar, also known as Tso Rinpoche or ‘precious lake’ in Tibetan. Bathing in the freezing cold water of the lake which is said to contain miraculous powers is considered to be of massive spiritual benefit.

Kailash Peak has been the center of devotion from ancient times for the Devas, Danavas, Yakshas, Kinners, Vidyadharas, Gandharvas, Apsaras, yogis, Munis, Siddhas, Tapees and humans. A lot of pilgrims visit Kailash-Mansarovar every year. Kailash-Mansavrover today belongs to China and Tibet. Therefore, only a few pilgrims can visit Kailash-Mansarovar with the permission of Chinese authorities.

Kailash is difficult to access. Pilgrims have to cross many mountain ranges to reach there. There are various routes to reach Kailash from India.
One route goes from Ladakh region of Kashmir; the second route passes through Gangotri towards Nailang Ghat; the third route is from Badrinath via Man Ghat; the fourth route goes via Niti Ghat which is in North- East direction of Joshi Math; the fifth route goes via Almora, Dharchula, Gabyang and Lipu Ghat and the sixth route goes from Nepal towards Kailash-Mansarovar.

Kailash Parikrama

A distance of 48 km is to be covered to complete Kailash Parikrama. Parikrama starts from Darchen which is situated at the feet of Kailash Mountain. If we go west from Darchen, we pass Sersuna, Nandi Cavas, a flag pole called “’Tarbo’. Next stopover from Sersuna is Nyanari Gompa. West side of Kailash peak is visible from here. A little ahead of Nyanari Gompa is Desphu Gompa, on the banks of Lha-chu river. It is located at 16,400 ft above sea level. Full view of Kailash Peak is visible from here.
This is the most beautiful view on Earth. Snow-clad Kailash Mountain looks as if Lord Shiva himself is standing there covered with holy ashes. Perfectly symmetric Kailash peak looks like a white swayambhu shivlinga. Here sight of Kailash peak gives indescribable divine bliss. Pilgrims bow down innumerable times to the said abode of Lord Shiva. This snowclad peak of Kailash is known as Himratna.
The next destination of Parikarma is Dolma-la-pass, at 2000 ft. Immediately below this, there is Gaurikhud. Gaurikund is a lake of about one kilometer circumference. It is covered with ice all the time. Devoted pilgrims break the layer of ice and have a holy dip in the cold water.

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra takes normally 28 days. Of these 28 days, 11 days yatra is on Indian side and rest of the yatra is on the Chinese side. The trekking starts on 4th day on the Indian side. The Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam Limited makes arrangements to provide accommodation, transportation and food on the Indian side of the Yatra. The Chinese authorities provide accommodation, logistics and other arrangements on the Chinese side.

Mansarovar Lake

Lake Manasarovar lies at 4,590 meters (15,060 ft) above mean sea level, a relatively high elevation for a large freshwater lake on the mostly saline lake-studded Tibetan Plateau. It is relatively round in shape with the circumference of 88 kilometers (55 miles). Its depth reaches a maximum of 90 m (300 ft) and its surface area is 320 square kilometers (120 sq miles). It is connected to nearby Lake Rakshastal by the natural Ganga Chhu channel.
Manasarovar is near the source of the Sutlej River, which is the easternmost large tributary of the Indus. Nearby are the sources of the Brahmaputra River, the Indus River, and the Karnali River (Ghaghara), an important tributary of the Ganges River.
During winter, the lake water freezes to solid ice. Tibetan people cross the lake without any fear by walking across or on yak.

Etymology
The word ‘Manasarovara’ originates from Sanskrit, which is a combination of the words ‘Manas’ meaning mind and ‘sarovara’ meaning lake. According to Hindu religion, the lake was first created in the mind of Lord Brahma after which it manifested on Earth.

In Hinduism

As per Hindu theology, Lake Mansarovar is a personification of purity, and one who drinks water from the lake will go to the Abode of Lord Shiva after death. He is believed to be cleansed of all his sins committed over even a hundred lifetimes.
Bathing in the Mansarovar and drinking its water is believed to cleanse all sins. Pilgrimage tours are organized regularly, especially from India, the most famous of which is the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra which takes place every year. Pilgrims come to take ceremonial baths in the cleansing waters of the lake.
The region was closed to pilgrims following the Chinese Invasion of Tibet. No foreigners were allowed between 1951 and 1980. After the 1980s it has again become a part of the Indian pilgrim trail.
The lake, in Hindu religious belief, is also supposed to be the summer abode of the Hamsa goose. Considered to be sacred, the Hamsa is an important element in the symbology of the subcontinent, representing wisdom and beauty.

Rakshas Tal

Next to Mansarovar, there is another lake called Rakshas Tal. It is spread over an area of 225 sq. km. Here demon king Ravana worshipped Ashutosh Shambhu, that is why it is called Rakshas Tal or Ravanhrid. There are two beautiful islands within Rakshas Tal. A narrow hill separates Mansarovar and Rakshas Tal. A small river called Ganga-Chu joins both the lakes. There are eight Buddha Gompas situated on the banks of Mansarovar. There is a vast plane called Barkha on the north side of Mansarovar. Darchen is on the North side of Barkha. Kailash Parikrama starts from Darchen.

How to reach

The nearest railhead is at Lucknow. Lucknow is well connected with regular passenger and express train services with all major cities in India. One can take a taxi and travel to Nepalgunj before starting the trek to Kailash Mansarovar.

Source: India Post, DT. June 12, 2013.