| Tibet
Holy Mt. Kailash
Mt. Kailash (22028 Feet), considered to be a physical embodiment
of the mythical Mt. Meru, is believed to be the most sacred mountain
in the world. Its snow dusted rock pyramid is located in the scenically
rich area of western Tibet, which lies between the Himalayas and
Karakurum ranges. From its peak, one can enjoy the views of Afghanistan,
Pakistan, India, and Nepal. It is considered most auspicious to
make a religious pilgrimage around its fifty-three kilometres circuit
(32 miles parikrama).
In fact, the entire region of Mt.
Kailash is of important religious significance and includes the
two turquoise-blue, pristine high-altitude lakes of Mansarovar and
Rakshesa. Mt. Kailash is regarded holy by followers of several religions.
To Hindus, Kailash is the abode of Shiva and nearby Manasarobar
Lake, the soul of Brahma. Tibetans call Kailash Kang Rimpoche. Jains
worship it as Mt Ashtapada, the peak from which the religion's founder,
Rishabanatha, achieved spiritual liberation. And the followers of
Bon-Po, the ancient pre-Buddhist shamanistic religion of Tibet,
revere Kailash as the soul of Tibet.
 Another
uniqueness contributing to the mystical aspects of Kailash is that
four most sacred rivers of the Indian sub-continent begin from here
- Sutlej, Karnili (a major tributary of the Ganges), Brahmaputra
and Indus. The end of these rivers are more than 2,000 kilometres
apart, yet they all have their source within hundred kilometres
of Mt. Kailash. Nature lovers can encounter numerous unusual species
of birds, wildlife, and flora here. This holy region is known as
navel (center) of the universe, attracting scholars and researchers
from all over the world. Mt. Kailash (also known as the 'Sumeru
Parbat' in Hindu epics) provides a spiritually enriching, naturally
unique and a truly rewarding journey of a life-time!
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