The majestic Mount Kailash, an unclimbed peak in the remote southwestern part of the Tibetan Plateau, stands as a beacon of spirituality, revered by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon practitioners alike. Its proximity to the pristine Lake Mansarovar, considered one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world, further elevates its mystical allure. While the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra itself is a life-altering experience, the surrounding region is dotted with numerous other sacred sites and natural wonders that enrich the pilgrimage. These attractions not only offer breathtaking vistas but also deepen one’s understanding of the profound spiritual heritage of the Himalayas.
Embarking on a journey to Kailash Mansarovar is more than just a trip; it’s a profound spiritual quest, a physical challenge, and an immersion into a unique cultural landscape. The best time to undertake this journey is generally from May to October, with May-June and September being particularly favorable due to pleasant weather and clearer skies. Monsoon season (July-August) can bring rain, especially in the Nepal border regions, but Tibet itself remains relatively dry. Winters (November-March) are extremely harsh and inaccessible.
Here are the top 8 tourist attractions near Kailash Mansarovar that every pilgrim and traveler should consider visiting:
1. Lake Mansarovar: The Lake of Consciousness and Enlightenment
Lake Mansarovar, known as Mapam Yumtso in Tibetan, is arguably the most significant attraction after Mount Kailash itself. Situated at an elevation of approximately 4,590 meters (15,059 feet) above sea level, this vast freshwater lake is a shimmering sapphire amidst the rugged brown landscape, reflecting the grandeur of the surrounding peaks.
Spiritual Significance: For Hindus, Lake Mansarovar is believed to have been formed in the mind of Lord Brahma, hence its name, which combines “Manasa” (mind) and “Sarovaram” (lake). It is considered the purest body of water, and a dip in its holy waters is believed to cleanse one’s sins and bring spiritual liberation (Moksha). Buddhists revere it as the lake Anavatapta, where Queen Maya is said to have conceived Buddha. The lake is also significant in Jainism and the Bon religion.
Experience: While direct dipping in the lake is often restricted now, pilgrims can still collect its sacred water for ritualistic purposes. The serene ambiance of the lake, with prayer flags fluttering and the distant view of Mount Kailash, offers a profound sense of peace and tranquility, ideal for meditation and introspection. The circumference of the lake is about 90 km, and some pilgrims also undertake a circumambulation of the lake.
2. Yam Dwar: The Gateway to Salvation
Yam Dwar, literally meaning “the gateway of the God of Death” (Yama), is the official starting point of the Mount Kailash Parikrama (circumambulation). Located near Darchen, the base camp for the Kailash trek, Yam Dwar holds immense symbolic importance.
Spiritual Significance: It is believed that by passing through Yam Dwar, pilgrims symbolically leave behind their worldly attachments and ego, preparing for the spiritual journey into the divine realm of Lord Shiva. It represents a metaphorical death and rebirth, signifying the shedding of past karma before embarking on the arduous Kora. Pilgrims offer prayers and perform rituals here to seek blessings for a safe and successful pilgrimage.
Experience: While not a grand architectural structure, Yam Dwar is a significant landmark where pilgrims gather, offer prayers, and begin their 52-kilometer circumambulation of Mount Kailash. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation and devotion, as groups of pilgrims set off on foot or by pony.
3. Gauri Kund: The Lake of Compassion
Gauri Kund, also known as Parvati Sarovar, is a beautiful, small freshwater lake located en route to Mount Kailash, particularly on the steep descent from Dolma La Pass. Perched at an altitude of approximately 5,608 meters (18,399 feet), it is a striking sight amidst the stark mountain landscape.
Spiritual Significance: According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva, bathed in this lake. It is famously associated with the legend of Lord Ganesha’s creation and resurrection. The Shiva Purana describes it as the “Lake of Compassion.” Pilgrims often visit Gauri Kund to cleanse their souls and seek the blessings of Goddess Parvati. Many believe that taking a dip in its icy cold waters purifies one’s sins.
Experience: The trek to Gauri Kund is challenging, involving a descent from the high Dolma La Pass. The pristine turquoise waters of the lake, nestled amidst towering peaks, offer a serene and picturesque setting. While a dip might be daunting due to the cold, the sheer beauty and spiritual aura of the place are deeply moving.
4. Rakshastal: The Lake of the Demon
Located west of Lake Mansarovar, Rakshastal presents a stark contrast to its sacred counterpart. While Mansarovar is revered as the lake of consciousness, Rakshastal is often referred to as the “Lake of the Demon” or “Ravan Hrud,” due to its association with the demon king Ravana.
Spiritual Significance: Hindu mythology states that Ravana, the antagonist in the epic Ramayana, performed severe penance at this lake to appease Lord Shiva. The lake’s barren landscape, lack of vegetation, and saline water are often attributed to its association with demonic energies. Unlike Mansarovar, taking a dip in Rakshastal is generally avoided, though pilgrims often offer prayers from its shores.
Experience: Despite its ominous name, Rakshastal’s desolate beauty is captivating. Its deep blue waters, framed by barren hills, offer a dramatic and awe-inspiring spectacle. The Sutlej River originates from the northwestern tip of this lake, further adding to its geographical significance. The contrast between Rakshastal and Mansarovar, often called “light and darkness,” “good and evil,” offers a philosophical dimension to the pilgrimage.
5. Tirthapuri: The Land of Hot Springs
Tirthapuri, situated northwest of Mount Kailash on the right bank of the Sutlej River, is renowned for its natural hot springs and the Tirthapuri Monastery. It is a vital stop for pilgrims, often visited after completing the Kailash Kora.
Spiritual Significance: Tirthapuri is associated with Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), who is credited with establishing Tantric Buddhism in Tibet. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche and his consort Yeshe Tsogyal meditated in a cave behind the monastery, where their footprints are said to be embedded in a granite rock. For Hindus, the hot springs are believed to have medicinal and purifying properties, and a bath here is considered highly meritorious.
Experience: Pilgrims often relax and rejuvenate in the warm, mineral-rich waters of the hot springs after the strenuous Kailash Yatra. The Tirthapuri Monastery, with its ancient artifacts and serene atmosphere, offers a glimpse into Tibetan Buddhist culture and history. The surrounding landscape, though arid, has its own unique charm, providing a peaceful retreat.
6. Asthapad: The Eight Steps to Liberation
Asthapad, meaning “eight steps” in Sanskrit, is a revered pilgrimage site located near the southern face of Mount Kailash. It holds profound significance for Jains, though it is also acknowledged by other faiths.
Spiritual Significance: For Jains, Asthapad is believed to be the place where Rishabhadeva, the first Tirthankara (spiritual teacher) of Jainism, attained ‘Moksha’ or liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The “eight steps” symbolize the journey towards spiritual enlightenment and nirvana. It is said that after Rishabhadeva attained nirvana, his son, Emperor Bharata, constructed three stupas and twenty-four shrines of the 24 Tirthankaras in the region.
Experience: Asthapad offers some of the most spectacular panoramic views of Mount Kailash. Pilgrims often spend time here in meditation and prayer, reflecting on the path to spiritual liberation. While the exact location of the “eight steps” may be debated, the entire area around Asthapad is considered sacred and conducive to spiritual contemplation.
7. Muktinath Temple: A Sacred Abode of Lord Vishnu
Though located in Nepal, further south from the direct vicinity of Kailash Mansarovar, Muktinath Temple is an extremely significant pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists, often included in extended Kailash Mansarovar itineraries, especially for those traveling via Nepal. It is situated at the foot of the Thorong La mountain pass in the Mustang district of Nepal, at an altitude of 3,710 meters (12,172 feet).
Spiritual Significance: For Hindus, Muktinath is one of the 108 Divya Desams (sacred Vaishnava temples) and is considered a “Mukti Kshetra,” meaning “place of liberation.” It is believed that Lord Vishnu attained liberation from a curse here. The temple enshrines a human-sized gold idol of Lord Vishnu as Mukti Narayana. The temple also has 108 waterspouts, through which sacred water flows, and pilgrims traditionally bathe under them to cleanse their sins. For Buddhists, Muktinath is a sacred place where Guru Rinpoche meditated.
Experience: The journey to Muktinath offers stunning views of the Annapurna mountain range. The temple complex itself is vibrant with prayer flags and the sounds of devotion. Taking a ritual bath under the 108 spouts is a powerful and spiritual experience for pilgrims. The serene atmosphere and the confluence of Hindu and Buddhist traditions make Muktinath a truly unique destination.
8. Nandi Parvat: The Abode of Lord Shiva’s Vehicle
Nandi Parvat, named after Nandi, the sacred bull and vahan (mount) of Lord Shiva, is a significant peak located near Mount Kailash. Its unique shape is often said to resemble a resting Nandi.
Spiritual Significance: As Nandi is Lord Shiva’s most devoted attendant, Nandi Parvat holds immense religious importance for devotees. It is believed to be where Nandi himself resides, overseeing the sacred abode of his Lord. Pilgrims often offer prayers and seek blessings from Nandi Parvat, believing it enhances their connection to Lord Shiva. It is also believed that those performing the Inner Kora of Mount Kailash often visit Nandi Parvat.
Experience: Nandi Parvat offers breathtaking views of Mount Kailash from a unique perspective. The trek to this area, often part of the more challenging inner parikrama, is an opportunity for deeper spiritual engagement and appreciation of the majestic Himalayan landscape. The sheer scale and beauty of the mountains here are awe-inspiring, reinforcing the spiritual significance of the entire region.
Conclusion
The journey to Kailash Mansarovar is a pilgrimage of a lifetime, not just for the devout but for anyone seeking a profound connection with nature and spirituality. The surrounding attractions—from the sacred waters of Mansarovar and Gauri Kund to the symbolic gateways of Yam Dwar and the ancient meditative sites of Tirthapuri and Asthapad—each add a unique layer to this extraordinary experience. Visiting these sites not only enhances the spiritual journey but also offers a rare opportunity to witness the breathtaking beauty and rich cultural heritage of the Tibetan plateau. As you traverse this mystical land, you will not only witness its wonders but also embark on an inner journey of self-discovery and enlightenment.
