Kailash Mansarovar: The Heavenly Abode on Earth
Kailash Mansarovar is often called “Heaven on Earth”, a sacred destination that demands unwavering faith and immense determination. Nestled in Tibet’s Kailash Range of the Trans-Himalayas, Mount Kailash remains unconquered, standing as a divine enigma. Despite its altitude of 6,638 meters, which is lower than Mount Everest (8,848 meters), no human has ever summited its peak. This spiritual marvel, situated near the borders of Nepal and China, holds profound religious significance across multiple faiths. Its majestic presence resembles a crown when viewed from the serene waters of Lake Mansarovar. Tibetans revere it as “The Jewel of Tibet.”
Spiritual Significance and Natural Beauty
Although climbing Mount Kailash is forbidden, circumambulating (trekking around) the sacred mountain is permitted by the Chinese government. Draped in snow, its magnetic black rock structure radiates a divine aura, surrounded by pristine lakes and flowing rivers. Some of the great rivers originating from this range include the Indus, Brahmaputra, Karnali, Ghaghara, Sindhu, and Sutlej, with the Karnali River merging with the Ganga in India.
Two prominent lakes near Mount Kailash are Lake Mansarovar and Lake Rakshas Tal, separated by a thin land strip. Lake Mansarovar, the holiest lake in Hinduism, is crucial to completing the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Unlike the salty Rakshas Tal, Mansarovar’s waters are sweet and crystal clear. Symbolically, Mansarovar represents purity and divinity, while Rakshas Tal signifies darkness and negativity, illustrating the balance of good and evil within the universe.
Mansarovar: The Lake of Divinity
The name Mansarovar originates from the Sanskrit words “Manas” (mind) and “Sarovar” (lake), indicating a sacred water body that purifies the soul. Tibetan texts refer to it as “Invincible Lake.” At an altitude of 15,060 feet (4,590 meters), it is the highest freshwater lake in the world, stretching 88 km in circumference and plunging 300 feet deep. The local Hindu Koli tribal community, known as Mansarovariya, claims descent from King Mandhata of the Ikshvaku dynasty.
Beyond its breathtaking beauty, Mansarovar is believed to absolve sins, granting spiritual rebirth to those who bathe in its waters. Ancient texts describe its shimmering blue waves as pearls, with swans gracefully gliding over them—an image poet Kalidasa immortalized in his literary works.
Mysteries and Legends
Kailash Mansarovar is steeped in mystery. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Indra and Lord Shiva once swam in the lake disguised as swans. It is also said that the Sapta Rishis (Seven Sages) descend at dawn to bathe in its sacred waters. Devotees have reported witnessing mysterious twin lights moving in the night sky over Mount Kailash. Additionally, on auspicious days like Guru Purnima, Buddha Purnima, and Kartik Purnima, it is believed that enlightened beings gather in divine harmony at Mansarovar.
Best Time for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
The ideal time for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is from June to August, with travel remaining feasible until October. After November, harsh winter conditions make the pilgrimage impossible. One of the best viewpoints to digitally capture Lake Mansarovar is from Jiwu Gompa, a hillside near the lake offering a panoramic view of this celestial wonder.
Journey to Kailash Mansarovar
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra typically takes around three weeks and can be undertaken via road, trekking, or yak rides. However, a helicopter journey offers a breathtaking aerial perspective and significantly reduces the travel time to 12 days, compared to 22-25 days by land.
For those seeking a spiritually enriching and adventurous journey, Aradhya Tours and Travels Pvt Ltd provides dedicated Kailash Mansarovar Yatra services. Explore their offerings and embark on this once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage.
Click here for more details on Kailash Mansarovar by helicopter.
