Kailash 6714 m
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There are few places on Earth comparable to the mysterious, stunningly beautiful and completely isolated Mt Kailash, which lies well hidden in a remote and deserted region of western Tibet. Beyond the Himalayan mountain range, in one of the highest and loneliest spots on the planet, the extraordinary rocky pyramid rises, named Kailash by the ancient inhabitants of Asia.
Historians consider Kailash to be the legendary mountain Meru (Sumeru or Sineru), mentioned in many myths and written accounts, and which ancient Indian civilizations believed to be the Axis Mundi, or the axis of the world.
In order to understand the importance of holy Mt Kailash it is necessary to know that it is considered the legendary abode of the gods. The top of its massive pyramid is the home of the highest deities of four great religions which traditionally worship the mountain. That is why believers come to its foot to pay their respect, each in their own way.
Historians consider Kailash to be the legendary mountain Meru (Sumeru or Sineru), mentioned in many myths and written accounts, and which ancient Indian civilizations believed to be the Axis Mundi, or the axis of the world.
In order to understand the importance of holy Mt Kailash it is necessary to know that it is considered the legendary abode of the gods. The top of its massive pyramid is the home of the highest deities of four great religions which traditionally worship the mountain. That is why believers come to its foot to pay their respect, each in their own way.
Kailash kora
![Picture](/uploads/9/6/0/8/9608225/8056717.jpg?393)
One circle around the mountain (54 km) is symbolically one revolution of the wheel of life or the cycle from birth to death. This, simultaneously, brings about the purification and forgiveness of all sins committed in this lifetime.
In a place called Yam Dwar there is a small gate called Gang Nui. It represents the entrance to the valley. Pilgrims circumambulate the chorten three times in a clockwise direction saying prayers and sermons before going through the passageway and entering the valley. It is said that in the past, certain saints returning from Kailash attained enlightenment in this spot so a homa, short fire offering ceremony, is usually performed. Even though western travellers often do not share the beliefs of the Hindus and Buddhists, one should gracefully pay respect and take part discretely in the rituals.
We reached Tara’s mountain pass at midday. My guides joyfully started singing, their voices echoing through the mountains and returning somehow amplified. These were moments of great happiness, when all the struggles of travelling are forgotten and replaced by sheer joy. This was the physical and spiritual climax of the pilgrimage because the Drolma La pass is considered the most holy spot on the trail and arrival there marks the beginning of a completely new life. It is also considered a great honour bestowed on the pilgrim. Then we threw into the air hundreds of little pieces of paper on which we had written the names of all the people dear to us. We let the wind carry away our prayers for their wellbeing and good health.
In a place called Yam Dwar there is a small gate called Gang Nui. It represents the entrance to the valley. Pilgrims circumambulate the chorten three times in a clockwise direction saying prayers and sermons before going through the passageway and entering the valley. It is said that in the past, certain saints returning from Kailash attained enlightenment in this spot so a homa, short fire offering ceremony, is usually performed. Even though western travellers often do not share the beliefs of the Hindus and Buddhists, one should gracefully pay respect and take part discretely in the rituals.
We reached Tara’s mountain pass at midday. My guides joyfully started singing, their voices echoing through the mountains and returning somehow amplified. These were moments of great happiness, when all the struggles of travelling are forgotten and replaced by sheer joy. This was the physical and spiritual climax of the pilgrimage because the Drolma La pass is considered the most holy spot on the trail and arrival there marks the beginning of a completely new life. It is also considered a great honour bestowed on the pilgrim. Then we threw into the air hundreds of little pieces of paper on which we had written the names of all the people dear to us. We let the wind carry away our prayers for their wellbeing and good health.