Dubbed as the stairway to heaven, Kailash Mansarovar has been surrounded by mysteries throughout centuries. It holds strong sentimental values to the Hindus, Bons, Jains and Buddhists all across the globe. Hindus believe that the Kailash Mountain is the abode of Lord Shiva, the destroyer of evil. Buddhists think of it as the home of Buddha Demchok, who represents supreme bliss. Bons, the native religion of Tibet considers Mt. Kailash as the ‘9-story Swastika Mountain’.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is considered to be one of the most important pilgrimages for devotees of Lord Shiva. Conquering the formidable peaks, walking along arduous terrains is bound to engulf you in a sense of isolation during this expedition. Overcoming the challenges as you walk this arduous journey is the best feeling you can ever get. Located in the remote and inhabitable area of Tibetan Himalayas, travelling to Mount Kailash is a journey that will change your life forever.

About Kailash Mansarovar

As per Hindu religion, Kailash Mansarovar is an abode of Lord Shiva and his divine consort Goddess Parvati that radiates the philosophy of purusha and prakriti. Surrounded by Mansarovar lake, one of the holiest and most revered lakes in the universe, Mt. Kailash is an enigma that is yet to be solved. It is believed that one parikrama of Kailash Mountain is comparable to the life cycle of a person and whoever completes the parikrama is said to be reborn as a different person. It takes almost 3 hours to cover the Parikrama of the mountain.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a strenuous journey to follow but is the one that mustn’t be missed by anyone. The Yatra itself is said to revive one’s mind, body and soul. It takes away all the sufferings and hardships one has endured in his/her life and frees him/her from the earthly attractions. People believe that whoever bathes in this sacred lake will attain Moksha as the lake is said to relinquish the sins of lifetime of that person.

The mysteries surrounded by this holy mountain have time and again fascinated scientists from all over the world. What’s more interesting is that ancient text reveals that no mortal shall ever be allowed to walk atop Mt. Kailash, the lord resides. He who dares to venture the mountain to see the god shall die immediately.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Routes

Mount Kailash a.k.a OM Parvat is one of the most mysterious and sacred mountains in the world that is a part of the Trans-Himalaya in the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China. Due to its Pyramid like shape resembling the pyramid of Egypt, it is also called a “Man-made Pyramid”. Every year, thousands of pilgrims go on Kailash Mansarovar Yatra to seek blessings from Lord Shiva. There are tons of complex routes to reach Kailash. However, Indians can only travel through two routes to reach the mystical destination Kailash Mansarovar. Here are the routes pilgrims can undertake-

• Route I: Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand)
• Route II: Nathu La (Sikkim)

Mysteries Surrounded by Mt. Kailash

Mt. Kailash is perceived to be the ultimate destination for those who want to attain spiritual peace and Moksha. Devotees of Lord Shiva believe that he sits in the state of meditation on the summit of Mount Kailash. Kailash Mansarovar is surrounded by myths, legend and mysteries that have its fair share of controversies (fueling the conspiracy theories) even today. Let’s take a look at some of the widely popular ones. It’s up to you to decide whether you think they are true or not. No matter what, devotees and followers of Lord Shiva will speak in favor of these legends and we can’t argue since we don’t have any scientific explanation for such phenomenon/behaviors.

1. At the base of Mount Kailash, two ethereal lakes i.e. Mansarovar and Rakshas Tal are located that are said to be the ying-yang version of each other. Rakshas Tal is believed to be born of intense austerities performed by Ravana who wanted to appease Lord Shiva (being a staunch devotee). Due to its close association with demonic figure, the lake was endowed with salty water with no traces of aquatic life whatsoever. Contrary to that, Lake Mansarovar is popular for its spiritual significance so much so that it is said that whoever will take a dip in the holy water of the lake will be blessed by Lord Shiva himself.
2. Bons believe that Mt. Kailash is the axis mundi i.e. the cosmic axis or centre of the world from where heaven meets earth. Only a highly pure soul can climb up the mountain and reach the stairways to heaven. Many climbers tried summiting the mountain but failed to do so. These people were alleged to have vanished into thin air as they never returned.  It is also said that once a group of climbers from Siberia reached a certain point of this mountain and immediately aged by a few decades. Interestingly, these climbers died of old age a year after climbing the holy mountain.
3. What is more unnervingly mysterious about Mt. Kailash is that its location synchronizes with all other ancient monuments in the world and the Earth’s north and south poles. The mountain is situated at an exact distance of 6666 kilometers from the monument of Stonehenge. Weird isn’t it?
4. Trekking all the way to the peak of Mountain is forbidden for all. Legend has it that, once a Buddhist monk named Milarepa dared to venture far enough to reach atop the Mount Kailash. When he returned, he warned everyone not to bother the god residing up on the peak. Disturbing the divine energies is avoided by all as it is feared that interfering in god’s abode without his permission will bring wrath in the world.
5. Many people believe that Kailash is the epicenter of supernatural powers. This is one of the reasons why Tibet has attracted people throughout ages as they wished to figure out the source of unexplainable powers be it in form of intellectual, power or energy but failed in their attempts.