Inner Kora or Parikrama of Mount Kailash provides Magical Experience

The supremely sacred Mount Kailash is segregated into two distinct Koras, Inner and Outer Kora, which are completely different from each other. Both these Koras differ in terms of parikrama or Circumambulation difficulty level, the inclusion of spiritual hubs, traveled distance and the regions covered in each of these Koras. The Inner Kora is known to be more complicated and challenging and so quite a less number of pilgrims opt for it, as the decision of circumambulation lies solely with the devotees. This yatra is recommended only for physically fit people having prior trekking experience. 

   

Devotees planning for Inner Kora are taken to the southern part of the base of this sacred peak for the felicitation of the inner parikrama. Kailash Yatra holds religious significance among all the four religions Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Bon. Hindus revered this mountain as the heavenly abode of Lord Shiva and his wife Goddess Parvati, Bon consider it as the Damchauk's Home and observe it as the nine-story Swastika, Buddhists entail it as the residence of Lord Buddha and Jains pay homage to this mountain because they considered it as a hub of Nirvana attainment for their first Tirthankara.

The Inner Kora or Parikrama is a 34 km walking journey, which also includes some spiritual destinations such as:

Nandi Parvat - Each and every peak around Mount Kailash is filled with great divinity due to which these are worshiped and regarded by every pilgrim coming for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Nandi Parvat is one such peak that is ardently followed by people. The Nandi, a holy bull, is a sacred vehicle of Lord Shiva, who acts as a messenger and delivers devotee's message to Lord Shiva, as Lord Shiva is believed to be engrossed in deep meditation on the top of Mount Kailash. This peak is named as Nandi Parvat due to its shape and appearance that greatly resembles a Nandi. Thus, pilgrims on this religious voyage revered this Parvat.  

Saptrishi Caves - Saptrisi Caves are assumed as the home of the seven rishis, who were ardent devotees of Lord Shiva. These caves are believed to be the extreme hub in the inner parikrama and are considered as the most difficult treks of this Yatra and only the experienced mountaineers can have  access to its trekking.  The Saptrishi Caves are located approximately at a height of 6000 metres and consists of the thirteen Chortens that are well managed and maintained by the Gengta Monastery. Pilgrims in these caves are going to witness abundant religious books kept inside these caves that are kept to pay homage to Lord Shiva. Pilgrims will also get a glimpse of the Nandi Mountain from the Saptrishi Caves.

Ashtapad - Ashtapad, the most beguiling pilgrimage spot of Jain religion, is also the nirvana attainment centre of the first Jain Tirthankar Bhagwan Rishabhdev. Ashtapad means 'eight steps' and it is named so because there exists an array of eight mountain peaks and also because the eight giant steps might lead to the palace. Among all the spiritual destinations,  the Ashtapad is regarded as the most beautiful due to the presence of abundant natural beauty and some unique elements. This peak is in  the Sichuan Province of  South West China and lies quite near to the Tibetan border.

Atmalingam – Atmalingam is formed from the snow Pushpadanta that comes through the Ashtapadu path created from the tip of Kailash. It is believed that Holy Sailodha river stream water originates from this Atmalingam. The Saptarishi and the yogis took a holy dip in pious waters and received Lord Shiva's blessings, thus it is considered as the most blesses part of the Mount Kailash having great prominence in the Hindu culture. It is a great feeling and blessing to walk down the path that has been walked by innumerable saints and rishis and it is also said that the Saptarishi and other religious beings still live in the unseen caves of and are invisible to the human eyes.

Kuber Kund  - During the Inner Kora or parikrama of Mount Kailash, pilgrims will spot a significant lake called Kuber Kund. This lake is highly revered among the worldwide tourists due to innumerable tales associated with it. Devotees coming to this lake are sure to be awestruck with its breathtaking scenic surroundings and serenity found around this lake.  

Despite Inner Kora being a challenging and difficult trek, devotees still opt for this parikrama, as the peace and blissfulness achieved after completing the parikrama are difficult to describe in words. The eternal peace and satisfaction achieved during the voyage of Kailash Inner Kora are immense and the divinity lying in between spiritual hubs is simply magical. 

 

Journey to the Heavenly Abode of Lord Shiva

The success of the pilgrimage tour depends completely on the desperation of the devotees to encounter spiritual power. Mt. Kailash believes to be the heavenly abode of Lord Shiva. Every year thousands of pilgrims travel to this splendid location for experiencing a divine exposure of the lord. Why is divine power so important in our life? Out of fear, devotion every pilgrim travels to this amazing destination for seeking the grace of the lord. This religious site is equally important among other religions like Buddhists, Jains and Bon Po. 

In early religious scripture, it is mentioned that the sages or hermits traverse to the secluded mountains for meditation. It is said Lord Shiva along with his consort goddess Parvati, meditated in the laps of Mt. Kailash. The Hindus believe Lord Shiva as the center of cosmic energy. The devotees want to establish an amazing relationship with the Lord in due course of the journey. Due to its spiritual significance, Mt. Kailash is forbidden. The pilgrims undertake a sacred ritual of traversing around the mountains covering a distance of 38 kms. 

In Hinduism, circumambulation around Mt. Kailash believes to be a sacred ritual. No one is allowed to climb up the mountains. The pilgrimage journey to Mt. Kailash itself is a ritual to rediscover true self. In any pilgrimage tour, one needs to realize the omnipresence of the divine power. In due course of time, one wants to surrender to the lord. The wide presence of the Lord makes the devotees confronted the spiritual aura. On this trip, the pilgrims also take a holy dip in the sublime water of Lake Mansarovar. One realizes the tranquility of the world while taking these sacred trails. 

Everyone believes that one needs to visit this sanctified place with a pure heart. The grandeur of the god can be experienced with the pure heart only. Before stepping into Mt. Kailash one needs to be pure from the heart. The main objective of the pilgrimage tour is to find out the right pathway of guidance. The darkness of ignorance leads a human mind in a wrong path. This journey will definitely explain the worth of life. While taking a circumambulation across the mountains, the pilgrims will start recognizing the importance of spiritual aura. This pilgrimage tour will be a complete journey of an individual to become a perfect man. 

How to reach Mt. Kailash 

Mostly from Nepal, Tibet, and China one reaches this pristine location. The trek starts from Yam Dwar. Mostly the tourist guides drive the pilgrims till Yamdwar and from there the sacred trek starts. As the name Yamdwar suggests the gateway to reach out the pure form of life. With every single step around the mountains, the pilgrims understand the piousness of the lord. Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a life-changing one where one experiences of discovering the true self. On the way to Mt. Kailash you will come across beautiful snow caves at Zuthulphuk. The optimum height will be 5670m at Dolma Pass. Once in a lifetime, one should take this soul trek to get an attachment with divine power. Kailash Mansarovar Yatra takes you across the rugged landscape of the mountains in the hope of attaining enlightenment. Without encountering such grandeur of the supremacy, it is quite difficult for an individual to believe the existence of the lord in the laps of the mountains. Every year thousands of pilgrims travel to this sacred land for utter belief and faith in religion and rituals. The piousness of the tour makes the pilgrims understand the complete surrender to the Lord. 

Basic preparation before going to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a lifetime accomplishment for the devotee. Those who want to attain liberation or nirvana in their life take refuge to the heavenly abode of Lord Shiva. Thousands of devotees advance to the world of spirituality to seek inner peace. It is said that the devotees attain mental peace taking a break from the scheduled life.

The pilgrims devote their life to undertake such arduous journey to seek blessings. The pilgrims take the refuge to the beautiful hills of Kailash for acquiring the inner happiness. For Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, you have to go through certain altitude. For the advanced level of preparation one has to go through mental as well as physical hardships. Without enduring such penury, it would be difficult for the devotees to complete the circumambulation around the Kailash.

Basic preparatory strategies

•    Every day schedule your exercise at least for 20 minutes to avoid any kind of physical strain during the journey. The exercise includes walking, running, swimming, or cycling etc.

•    With regular exercise, start training with basic equipment of trekking like weights, backpack. This kind of strenuous training is required for the overall management of strength. You should have strong back and shoulders to carry out such tireless journey across the mountains.

•    Firstly you have to understand there is a difference in the path. Trekking along the mountainous terrain is quite difficult. So while walking or running on the treadmill it is better to walk or run on an inclined plane.

•    At least 7-8 months prior to the journey, start preparing yourself.

•    Get your cholesterol, blood pressure, sugar level check on a regular basis.

•    If you have asthma, then you must take special care.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a strenuous pilgrimage that requires a proper balance between mind and soul. You have to undertake the journey under adverse climatic conditions. Therefore, you have to think about the extremities and make yourself prepared to go close to Mother Nature.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra – A Cherished Lifetime Dream for the Devotees

Kailash Yatra; is considered a lifetime dream and journey to Mount kailash. The spiritual location with several supersonic sites and the residency of the almighty. Lord Shiva, is true symbol of the ultimate divinity to the mankind. We believe every human soul of this Universe is associated with the Sacred mountain of Kailash. Kailash as an icon give to the world that the vicious circle/chakra of life goes on by the universal truth  and divine devotion of Shiva and eternal power.

  With the Hindu Mythology Linga and 7 sarpas hold importance as treated lucky hence numerous examples are set in association like - Seven Pheras or (rounds) in a Hindu marriage, the Saptrishi or (seven sages), seven Suras in music signify the importance of the number. There is a believe that the number seven describe as the entire time and space pillars revolving around the earth. On the same lines of the numerology of seven explains the positioning of mount Kailash as the seventh mountain in line with the mountain ranges.
 

Geography of  Kailash Yatra.

   

The pious and spritual mountain of Kailsah  is located in the Tibet region of the Himalayan belt. Since the region is restricted and part of Tibet (Chinese Territory) require permits/permission from the Chinese authorities is required for (Kailash Mansarovar yatra) the journey to the sacred site.

The region is at the altitude of 20,000 ft above sea level, the Kailash mountain is spread over an area of around 63 kms. Standing tall high with an elevation and the Stony up and down terrain of the mountain, makes journey to region challenging, tiring and picturesque with several faces and added divinity all around.

Different formats of Mount Kailash

When we see the mountain from the south direction, we would feel the drawing of an image of the three-eyed Lord Shiva’s face. On looking at it from the west side, the mountain looks with the theme and  the signs of Nagaraja Vasuki, which usually resides around Shiva’s neck i.e., the snake.

 Based upon the Hindu Mythological books – the symbols of Nagaraja on the mountain appear at the time of turning around of the Ocean of Milk.

From the north side the enigmatic feel of this divinity can be felt where the shrine of  Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati lies. 

Mount Kailash a sacred hill of Tibet (China)

Mount Kailash (Tibetan: Kang Rinpoche) with the spiritual value is located in the west of Tibet

The Sacred Mountain is considered pious by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. According to the ancient texts, it is considered to as the center of the world. The reason can be gauged from the geographical significance of its place: within 30 miles radius, are the sources of mighty rivers Indus (north called "Sindhu" in India), Sutlej (in west), Brahmaputra (Yarlung Tsang-po in east), and Karnali (largest tributary to the Ganges in south). There is a myth with the religious belief, most sacred and worthy time to make the Mt. Kailash Pilgrimage is in the year of horse, as this holy site is believe to be opened first for pilgrims in the year of horse and 2014 is horse year and happens once in twelve years, so there would have hundreds of pilgrims gather at the Mt. Kailash and carry their ritual ceremony.

 

Mt Kailash Parikrama (Pilgrimage Circuit) - A pilgrimage to Mt Kailash is of great solace for the pilgrims of all the religions since it involves darshan of Kailash and Mansarover which evolves various faces. The Outer Pilgrimage Circuit (Chikhor) is approximately around 38 km, and Tibetans can complete a circuit in a day. The pilgrims from Tibet cherish to complete 13 circuits, in order to achieve the moksha. Some pilgrims do a circuit performing Kyangcha (Prostration). While the average circuit takes about 14 hours to complete, those doing prostration could take a couple of weeks. Those pilgrims who intend achieving secure their path to enlightenment try for 108 circuits. Buddhists and Hindus travel clockwise around the mountain while Bonpos travel anti clockwise. Most travellers take three days to complete a circuit.

Day 1 - Darchen - Drirapuk Gompa

Darchen - Chogu (Chuku) Gompa (3-4 hrs), Chogu (Chuku) Gompa - Drirapuk Gompa (3-4 hrs)

Day 2 - Drirapuk Gompa - Dolma La - Zutrulpuk Gompa

Drirapuk Gompa - Zutrulpuk Gompa (7-8 hrs)

Day 3 - Zutrulpuk Gompa - Darchen

Zutrulpuk Gompa - Darchen (3 hrs)

        

Lake Manasarovar Kora (Pilgrimage Cicuit) - Together with Mt Kailash, Lake Manasarovar is a pilgrimage site. There is a pilgrimage path around the lake and a circuit is a little over 112km, taking 4-5 days to complete. Chiu Gompa, 30 km south of Darchen, is a good starting point for a circuit around the lake.

 

Day 1 - Chiu Gompa - Langbona Gompa

Day 2 - Langbona Gompa - Seralung Gompa

Day 3 - Seralung Gompa - Trugo Gompa

Day 4 - Trugo Gompa - Chiu Gompa

Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage tour is the most sacred and difficult trek and route to reach the uphill. On this route we have long path and stretches of barren land, lush green valleys, snow capped peaks and spiritual blue lakes.

 

Mt. Kailash is the Nivas i.e., abode of Lord Shiva, and a great source and starting point of the Brahmaputra, Indus, Sutlej and Karnali. This mountain is considered as one of the ten most beautiful mountains in China with all spiritual and magnetic power to clinch the minds of the pilgrims from various parts of the world. It has shape of a pyramid in Egypt with four nearly symmetrical sides. Its bright coloured snow-covered top makes it the eye catchy and memorable mountain. In the vicinity sacred mountain, there are five temples in total. All of these temples are shrouded by mystery and legends.

The peak of the Mt. Kailash is always covered by white clouds. Hence the locals and the pilgrims have this belief if someone can clearly view the peak, he or she will be very lucky. For several decades, Mt. Kailash has been an attractive mountain to pilgrims and explorers. However no one has reached its top until this date since we can’t climb god becoz of the spiritual reasons.

Five temples around Kailash The Mount Kailash in its circumference has five monasteries, namely Nyari Monastery, Drirapuk Monastery, Songchu Monastery, Gyangzha Monastery and Thailong Monastery. Nyari is the first site on the Kailash Kora and the last two are situated on the inner kora. Each monastery has its own different legendary stories and has been bestowed by distinctive sculptures, statues, murals, thangkas and other Tibetan cultural objects. Although most of the temples & Monasteries are destroyed due to changing weather of the terrain but still some of the monasteries offer simple accommodation to pilgrims and trekkers and function as mud houses during the Kailash Parikrama.