Kailash Yatra is one of the spiritual walk through the pilgrimages where more than 100 devotee visit to clear their heart and soul. Mount Kailash is the tallest mountain standing on the Tibetan Plateau. It is one of the mountains that holds spiritual energy and power. This place holds so much importance to Hindu, Buddhist, Jainism and Bon community.
This place remains untouched and it is still a mystery why this place holds such a mystery still this day. If you ever think of cleaning your soul and your wrong doings you should walk on the Kora as it is believed that if you walk on the path of Kora then you will cleanse your wrong doings and regain your life again. Regaining your life is a myth but this place will turn your myth into truth if you ever get an opportunity to go on Kailash Yatra then don’t miss out.
In this blog we will discuss about Kailash Yatra via Nepal and why it is the ultimate route for spiritual seekers and adventure lovers.
Spiritual significance of Mount Kailash Kora
If you are the devotee of Lord Shiva then this place is perfect for you. Mount Kailash lies near Tibet. The trek’s trail passes through the beautiful scenery which will let our awe from your mouth. Lord Shiva is believed to be one of the powerful god in Hindu religion and this place is home to Lord Shiva holding a magnet to spirit power. Lord Shiva’s devotee are the most common yogis you will acknowledge at Kailash Kora chanting mantras and doing meditation on the lap of Kora beyond the skies. Kora plays a very vital role for the Tibetan, Buddhism and Hindu practices. As Lord Shiva is one of the greatest god for Hindus the place is peaceful peace represents Lord Buddha. For Buddhist and Hindus completing the circuits means purifying their bad doings and bring blessing.
In short, Hindu believe that mount Kailash is dwelling peace of Lord Shiva and Parvati, Buddhists revere Kailash Kora as the home of Buddha Demchok or Chakrasamvara, Jains consider this site where Rishabhadeva attended liberation and Bon followers believed that it is the seat of spiritual power.
Some of the sacred sites in Kailash Kora are Lake Manasarovar a sacred lake where pilgrims bathe and purify themselves. Gauri Kund a small lake near the Drolma-La Pass which adds significant in the pilgrimage. And last but not the least Drolma-La Pass the highest point of the trek, where many pilgrims believe they receive divine blessings for their journey.
Kailash Kora is said to absolve sins and bring spirit merit. Trek to Kora is considered as a life time achievement completing 108 is believed to lead you to enlightenment.
Why choose the Nepal route?
There are many ways to reach Kailash Kora including the India route Uttarakhand, Sikkim and China Tibet Autonomous Region. However Nepal’s route is considered as the best route to reach Kailash Kora and some of the reasons are explained below.
Ease of Access
Kathmandu, considered as the capital city of Nepal is well connected by international flights and serves as the main gateway to Kailash Kora route.
Scenic Beauty
The journey to Kailash Kora includes travelling through lush green hills, Himalayan Vistas, and the stunning landscapes adjoined to the route to Tibet.
Rich Culture
Kailash Kora plays a very vital role for the Tibetan, Buddhism and Hindu practices. Through your routes you will get a chance to experience Tibetan, Buddhism and Hindu culture.
Established Logistics
There are lots of reliable travel agencies and well managed infrastructures that are specially meant for Yatras.
Flexible Options
There are so many travelling options to choose from you can choose either helicopter routes or overland routes these are available based on your budget and fitness level.
Main Routes from Nepal
Overland Route
This route will take you through Kathmandu to Kailash via Kyirong. This is the most traditional and popular option this option is best fit for those who wants a gradual journey with the time for acclimatization.
Itinerary
From day 1 to day 3 you will arrive to the capital city Kathmandu and start sightseeing via processing. From day 4 to day 5 you will drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi then head to Tibet border Kyirong. From day 6 to 8 you will get a time to acclimate and drive to Saga then to Lake Manasarovar. From day 9 to day 11 you will trek from Darchen to Dirapuk then head to Dolma La Pass at the altitude of 5630 meters and to Zuthulpuk.
Major highlight of Overland route are driving through the Langtang region, crossing through lush hills and High Mountain passes, exploring sacred Manasarovar Lake and at last completing your trek around Mount Kailash Kora in 3 days.
Helicopter route
This route will take you from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj to Simkot to Hilsa making this route ideal for those travelers who have small amount of time and seeking for comfort this is the fast and scenic way to reach Kailash Kora.
Itinerary
From day 1 to day 2 you will fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj then to Simkot. From day 3 to 4 you will travel from Heli to Hilsa and cross Taklakot Tibet. From day 5 to day 8 you will drive to Lake Manasarovar and begin Kailash Parikrama. From day 9 to 11 you will complete Kora trek and return from the same route.
Scenic view through the sky is the major highlight of this trek. Time efficient and less physically demanding making it best for senior citizen or those with health concern.
Scenic and Cultural Attraction
Kathmandu Valley
On Kathmandu valley after you land your journey starts from here with spiritual immersion. You will get to see one of the sacred place for Hindus as well as Lord Shiva and that is Pashupatinath Temple. Exploring monkey temple Swayambunath and Buddhastupa having a significance importance to Buddhist. Newars are the authentic culture in Kathmandu valley you will discover ancient Newari architecture and culture.
Syabrubesi to Kyirong Valley
As you drive to the North you will discover serene forest and rivers in the Langtang region, get the taste of Tibetan villages in Kyirong as well as crossing border into Tibet marked by rugged terrain and snowcapped peaks.
Saga and Lake Manasarovar
These places are the major spiritual milestones. Lake Manasarovar is one the holiest lakes in Asia imagine exploring this lake. You can perform pilgrim’s rituals and take sacred bath. You will get to witness Rakshas Tal known as the demon lake with dark blue waters.
Mount Kailash Kora
This is your awaited journey. You will pass through sacred sites along the routes like. Gauri Kund a small lake near the Drolma-La Pass which adds significant in the pilgrimage. Drolma-La Pass which is the highest point of the trek, where many pilgrims believe they receive divine blessings for their journey. Dirapuk a location where you can get magnificent views of North face of Kailash. Zuthupuk which is associated with sage Milarepa and known for medication caves.
Getting ready for Kailash Kora Yatra
Physical ability, mental preparedness and altitude preparation is the vital things that you have to consider if you think this executing this Yatra. For physical training you should consider truing cardiovascular activities and focus of legs to build strength. To cope up with altitude and weather conditions you should perform meditation to build your mental health. Your flexibility and mobility also plays a huge role so try performing yoga as well.
Kailash Kora lies at the higher altitude meaning the UV rays are comparatively higher so preparing high SPF sunscreen and sunglasses would be beneficial, not only that pack some layered clothes that can soak your moisture. Altitude is higher there may be a sign you might suffer from altitude sickness so remember to know sign and symptoms related altitude sickness. Practice your cardiovascular activities 2 to 3 months before executing your Kailash Kora Yatra remember this trek is not a piece of cake as you think it is.
Best Season for Yatra
The ideal season for the yatra to mount Kailash is from May to September as well as June to August as these months serves you favorable weather and accessibility. Do not consider monsoon season due to rainfalls which affects Tibetan Plateau and can cause flight delay.
Permits
For Kailash Yatra you need 5 permits they are Chinese group visa can be obtained from Kathmandu, Tibet Travel Permit, Alien’s travel permit obtained from west Tibet. Military permit to travel special regions near Kailash. These document can be accessed from Travel Agency.
Conclusion
Kailash Yatra via Nepal is a journey for life time. As there is easy access from Kathmandu which is well connected by international flights and serves as the main gateway to Kailash Kora route. So if Mount Kailash is coming on you mind then Nepal route is the perfect answer for you, paths, beauty and culture you explore through Nepal route is phenomenal.
