Mount Kailash nestled in the Tibetan region of the Himalayas (at an altitude of 14k-15k ft) has always attracted people from across the world. The mountain and the place as such holds immense significance for people across multiple faiths like Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism and is famously known to be center of the world. Though called by numerous names, Kailash according to Hindu mythology is said to be the abode of Lord Shiva, who is believed to be sitting there in an eternal meditation along with his wife Devi Parvathi. Similar holy significances from other faiths have made this a sacred land. Every year thousands of people who have been graced with the opportunity to visit this Holy land, circumambulate the mountain with a hope to wash away their sins, bring good fortune and blessings for themselves and their families. The entire trek for circumambulating is approx. 52 KMs which can be completed in 3 days normally. There are people who walk, others who take the yaks and some very few who prostrate for every step to complete this 52 KM journey around the mountain. It is believed that seeing the mountain in all its glory is itself a blessing of many good deeds of many births and those who have managed to successfully complete this circumambulation are said to have attained salvation from this continuous birth and death life cycles.
The land is a source of some of longest perennial rivers like Indus, Brahmaputra, Sutlej and also the two sparkling freshwater Lakes, Manasarovar and Rakshas Tal. Lake Manasarovar with its crystal clear waters is said to be where the Gods bathe and Rakshas Tal with its clear blue waters is said to be where the Demons bathe. Those blessed ones who have visualized these heavenly wonders have not been able to express their overwhelming emotions and joy.
For me, the journey to Kailash was purely a blessing and a dream come true. The journey to Kailash is taxing both physically and mentally and is a true test of grit and faith. Over the years with increasing number of people who visit the place, accommodation and facilities have improved drastically. The travel up to the base camp is extremely scenic and one gets to witness many majestic lofty snow capped peaks of Himalayas. The first Darshan of Kailash is got at the Lake Manasarovar from where Kailash appears as a small pyramid shaped snow capped mountain. Well this is only a description of how the mountain looks but what each one sees is a totally different personal experience altogether. Happy faced tearful eyes are what one gets to see at the mere sight of Kailash and words fail miserably to convey the experiences of each individual.When only the sight of the mountain was enough to fill my senses with gratification, I am yet to experience the joy of completing the circummabulation, which some day by the grace of the Lord I hope to achieve. For now the pictures of that ultimate pilgrimage is what I have as memories to keep that burning desire alive. I sign off with a hope to write that amazing experience one day.