Kailash Mansarovar Tour Difficulty

What is Kailash Mansarovar Tour Difficulty? Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a pilgrimage towards the holy Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. The sacred mountain Mt. Kailash lies in the far west of Tibet Autonomous Region. The holy mountain stands like an Egyptian Pyramid in the middle of the flat barren landscape of the Tibetan Plateau.

Believed to be the Abode of Lord Shiva, it is the pilgrimage site for thousands of visitors every year. Mt. Kailash, which is call Kang Rinpoche in the local dialect, is the sacred peak for the followers of four different religions: Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and Bon respectively. Five Buddhist temples which are mysterious for centuries are built to encircle the Kailash Parvat (‘Parvat’ means ‘Peak’).

The other natural site that makes the holy Kailash Mansarovar Tour is Lake Mansarovar that is located about 15 miles distant from this peak. The believers of the four religions come to the lake premises to take a holy dip so as to cleanse their past sins.

The turquoise water of Mansarovar Lake, the pyramid-like Mount Kailash and stunning natural beauty of this region makes Kailash Mansarovar Lake journey more memorable. This has been a center of attractions for the pilgrims and the other international tourists since time immemorial.

Religious Significance of Mt. Kailash

As it is river by four major religions: Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and Bon, they have their own religious significance of this holy mountain. The followers of these religions believe that there are different legends according to their religious faiths. All the people following these religions believe that the journey to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar is a pilgrimage to renounce their misdeeds done in the past. Visiting these revered natural sites gives them a sense of purgatory by cleansing their body and soul.

The Hindus believe that Mount Kailash is the abode of Lord Shiva, the creator of the earth and its creatures. They believe that Lord Shiva resides on top of the holy peak with Goddess  Parvati, Lord Ganesha and Lord Kumar (Kartikeya). The four faces of the mountain are made up of four different valuable materials: Crystal, Ruby, Gold and Lapis Lazuli.

They consider it the pillar of the world and it is situated on the heart of the six mountains symbolizing the lotus flower. The Hindus consider that climbing Mt. Kailash is disrespecting Lord Shiva and his family. Therefore, nobody has mounted on the zenith of this peak till the date.

Religious Diversity of Kailash Mansarovar Tour Difficulty

The Buddhists revere this holy mountain and call it by the name Mount Meru as it is describe in their sacred scriptures. They regard it to be the central of the cosmology, so it is the holiest pilgrimage site in the Buddhist traditions. A sect of Buddhism, Vajrayana Buddhists believe Mount Meru is the home of the Buddha Chakrasamvara (also known as Demchok) who is symbolic to supreme bliss and ecstasy.

It is also believe that the scholar Saint Milarepa defeat the champion of Bon religion of Tibet, Naro Bonchung in a challenge. Through his sincerest meditation, Saint Milarepa won a competition of reaching close to the peak of Mt. Kailash  and taking some snow in his hand.

Similarly, the followers of Jainism and Bon-Po religions worship the mountain to be the dwelling place of their supreme deity. Due to the deep-rooted religious faith and reverence, climbing the peak of Mount Kailash (6,638m) is thought to be against their sentiment.

A couple of times, the Chinese government had given chance to conquer the peak to the selected expedition team. As it is against the will of the people having religious faith, now the Chinese government has strictly prohibited the mountaineering expedition to this holy pyramid. As a result, the pilgrimage to the holy Kailash Parvat has contributed a lot to benefit the Tibetan tourism and a large sum of revenue.

Religious Importance of Lake Mansarovar:

Lake Mansarovar is the complementary natural heritage of Tibet that makes the holy Kailash Mansarovar tour. Lake Mansarovar is the holiest lake of Tibetan Autonomous Region and is located around 32 kilometers from Mt. Kailash. In Tibetan dialect, it is call ‘Mapham Yum Tso’ which means ‘invincible turquoise lake’ that is situated at 4,950 meters from the sea level.

This is one of the highest altitude freshwater lakes in the world and one of the most beautiful lakes of the entire China. Tibet is located in the Tibetan Plateau and surrounded by the gigantic Himalayan range in the south including Gurla Mandhata. It is one of the major pilgrimage sites equally respect by the followers of Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism and Bon-Po religions.

The Buddhist people associate Lake Mansarovar with the legendary lake Anavatapta, which is the place where Maya Devi (Buddha’s mother) conceived him. According to the other version of Buddhist legend, Queen Maya Devi had taken a holy bath in this lake before giving birth to Lord Buddha.

Hindu people believe that it is the holiest lake that has the strength of giving salvation from the sins committed in the past. They believe that taking a dip into the holy water of the lake, they can cleanse the sins which they made in the previous life knowingly or unknowingly.

Type of  Mansarovar Lake Tour

Besides Mount Kailash, Lake Mansarovar is another natural heritage of Tibet which attracts hundreds of thousands pilgrims every year. The flow of the tourists is ever growing year over year because the people from different religions participate in Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. They believe that this is one of the most significant pilgrimage which should be done before they die so that they will reside in heaven!

The history of pilgrimage to Lake Mansarovar by the Hindu people dates back to more than 1,500 years. They believe that the lake was first created by Lord Brahma in his mind and later in reality. The word ‘Mansarovar’ comprises of two parts: ‘Manas’ means ‘the mind’ and ‘Sarovar’ means ‘the lake’. Combining together, as it is the lake create in the mind first, it was named ‘Mansarovar’.

Situate at the southern base of Mt. Kailash, Lake Manasarovar is recognized all over the world for its rare beauty and has been stunning the world for many centuries. Looking into the historical background and religious importance of Mount Kailash and Lake Sarovar, we can confidently opine that it has been the central attraction for the people from different religions since time immemorial.

Along with the development of Information and Communication Technology, these holy sites are getting more and more publicity. And millions of the pilgrims from all over the world are visiting it for religious purpose. Other people make Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for the splendid view of the lake and the peak including the surrounding area.

Unique Kora (Circumambulation) around Mount Kailash

The most famous pilgrimage journey of Tibetan Autonomous Province, Kailash Mansarovar journey takes place every year. Kailash Mansarovar Lake travel is done by thousands of pilgrims and non –pilgrims throughout the year. This Tibet tour is popular for religious value, cultural importance and thrilling natural beauty. The roadway to Mount Kailash takes you through the barren landscapes, lush valleys and turquoise water lakes surrounded by snowcapped peaks. Driving along the roadway that connects many waterfalls and forests sheltered by diverse species of flora and fauna makes this tour lifetime experience.

Due to the religious importance and beliefs of people from different religions, it is clear that Mount Kailash Lake Mansarovar tour is ultimate destination for every pilgrim. The pilgrims throng to the holy pilgrimage site, Mt. Kailash to owe excuses in return of the sins they have made in front of Lord Shiva. The Kora or circumambulation around Mt. Kailash is the important part of this religious tour to get salvation from the sinful acts. Some of the pilgrims are found doing this kora by measuring the entire Kora path walking on bare feet or even body-length prostrations.

There is belief that doing this holy ritual of circumambulation on  bare feet or body-length prostration is best way to get salvation. Apart from this, the Kora around Mt. Kailash brings good fortune to present and future generations and helps them to get enlighten as well. There is a hardliner belief that if one completes 56-kilometres-long kora along the path situated above 5,000 meters, s/he gets rid of sins. And if one does the same circumambulation for 13 times, they will be enlighten for the whole life. Besides, if one accomplishes kora ritual for 108 times continuously, they will get enlightenment then and there.

Different Tendency of Kailash Mansarovar Tour Difficulty

Nevertheless, there is different tendency of taking circumambulation of the holy Mt. Kailash differently according to their religious beliefs. Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims perform the kora walking clockwise whereas the followers of Jainism and Bon-Po perform the same circumambulation anti-clockwise. There is an interesting legend associated with the anti-clockwise kora ritual followed by the Bons.

There was a challenge: Who mounts on the peak of Mt. Kailash first? Between Saint Milarepa and Naro Bonchung of Bon religion. Saint Milarepa won this challenge by his deep mediation and wise tactic that he allowed the Bon people to worship the holy pyramid but they should take around anti-clockwise. Since then, the Bon people and Jain people take the opposite kora procedure around Mt. Kailash.

It is mandatory that all the pilgrims complete the kora along the 56-km-long trail located above 5,000 meters on foot. You are not allow to ride on a horseback or in a jeep to perform the ritual along the rough and dangerous terrain. Therefore, there is high possibility of getting altitude sickness or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). We highly recommend you not to participate in the kora if you are not physically fit and strong to complete the length. Moreover, the food, accommodation and other services in the remote areas of Tibet are not as quality as found in  Lhasa or other city areas.

Accommodation and Food Facilities during Kailash Mansarovar Tour Difficulty

You can find the quality accommodation and food facilities at the stopovers in the city areas. Whether you begin from Nepal or Lhasa, the towns are full of quality lodges, restaurants and resorts that provide quality food and accommodation. But in the remote areas of Tibet, you cannot get all the food and accommodation of your expectation. In some sections of the journey, you should rely on the weather or fortune for all to happen!

You find very basic facilities of the food and accommodation en route Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage tour. Only basic dorm beds are available in teahouses and small inns at remote areas that you need to make a huge compromise.  There is always lack of water and electricity due to the harsh geography and weather conditions. You cannot find fresh meat or vegetables grown by the local people and the price is quite high on the other hand. So, it is wise to bring your own food will never be wrong, such as some dry food, instant noodles, fruits and so on.

Kailash Mansarovar Tour Difficulty Time

It is important to have a complete knowledge about the weather condition of the Tibetan Plateau to successfully complete this pilgrimage. If you fail to choose the right season for Kailash Mansarovar Tour, you may have to face very harsh conditions. You can make this religious journey to Mt. Kailash and Lake Mansarovar all seasons except winter season of the year. As the Tibetan Plateau lies above 4,500 meters elevation, it will be really tough to make this journey.

In winter, daytime temperature goes below zero whereas the nights are around -18 Degree Celsius. First of all, it is almost impossible to reach this holy site due to the heavy snowfall in winter. Dolma La Pass (5,630m) and the road around Mt Kailash and Lake Mansarovar remain frozen due to the thick layer of the ice. From November to Early March, you hadn’t better make the journey around Mt. Kailash. However, you can plan Lhasa Sightseeing tour and Lhasa Mount Everest Base Camp tour  in winter.

You can make the trip to the abode of Lord Shiva in spring, summer and autumn seasons. In these seasons, the days are warm with pleasant temperature while the nights are around freezing point. The weather remains stable with clear visibility so that you can see the snowcapped peaks and wonderful terrain during the journey. The best time for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is spring (April, May and June) and autumn (September and October).

Conclusion of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Difficulty

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a religious journey towards the holy Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. This is the pilgrimage to the Egyptian Pyramid-like Mountain situated on the Tibetan Plateau. The abode of Lord Shiva, Mt. Kailash is a historical pilgrimage heritage that has visited by hundreds of pilgrims every year. Taking the circumambulation around Mt. Kailash is the key for good fortune to the present and future generations. Taking a holy bath in Lake Mansarovar is the ultimate way to get salvation from the sins committee in the previous lives.

Nepal Trekking Routes is a local trekking and tour operator based in Thamel, Nepal. It has collaborated with the local tour operator in Tibet. We have made different tour packages related to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra to help you book the right package. We have also made Kailash EBC tour, Lhasa Everest Base Camp tour and many more. For details, reach us via phone calls, emails, WhatsApp or online booking system.