Ancient cosmography identifies Kailash
with the mighty Sumeru, the central peak of the world.
To Buddhists, the "the father mountain" represent the
means to enlightenment; Lake Mansarovar, the "mother
principle", represents transcendental consciousness.
Hindus consider Kailash to be the throne of Lord Shiva,
one of the three principle gods of the Hindu pantheon,
whose long, matted hair forms the holy Ganges River. As
a Bon center, Kailash enjoys great popularity in the
folk religion of Tibet - it is the soul of the country
and assures protection for all Tibetans.
It is for these reasons that few foreigners travel to
this remote western corner of Tibet. For most who do,
there is only one destination in mind - Mt. Kailash and
Lake Manasarovar. From time immemorial this area has
been sacred to Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and the
followers of Bon, Tibet's indigenous religion. Even
today, pilgrims from all over the Himalayan region
travels to Kailash to perform the arduous parikrama or
kora ( circumambulating of the mountain ).
Scenically, the area is outstanding. At 6,714 meters
(22,022 ft.), Kailash is a glittering snow dome towering
above the Tibetan Plateau like a beckoning jewel,
visible from miles away and the Circule is total 53 Km
only 10 Km is covered by road, the rest is trekking.
Manasarovar is famous as one of the highest lakes in the
world. Four of the greatest rivers of South Asia - the
Indus, Sutlej, Karnali and the Brahmaputra ( The yarlung
Zangpo in Tibet ) - originate from around Mount Kailash.
Despite years of social and political upheaval, Tibet's
grandeur, magic and mystery still remain
undiminished-truly an adventurer's paradise. Tibet's
breathtaking Himalayan range rising from the Tibetan
Plateau; holy Mount Kailash; the ruins of "lost cities"
Tsaprang and Tholing; and Lake Manasarovar, one of the
highest freshwater lakes in the world, are but a few
places to which Mother-Land Trek can escort you, either
by road or by air. |