Mount Kailash is known as the ‘center of the universe’. This holy mountain is believed to balance the energy axis of the universe. For Hindus, this snow-capped mountain is the abode of Lord Shiva. It is the dream of devotees of Lord Shiva to do the Kailash Mansarovar Darshan once in a lifetime. This mountain has an unclimbed status as it is considered sacred for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bons. The mountain has remained enigmatic for centuries. It has even got an uncanny vibe. Many tourists and scientists have tried to uncover the mysteries surrounding it. Whether it is its unclimbed status or the pyramid-like structure, this mountain has a lot of intriguing stories around it. Ever wondered how a mountain can be sacred in four different faiths? Why this mountain is not located in India when it’s the abode of the Hindu God—Lord Shiva? Why Mount Kailash climbing is not permitted?

Curious to know about Mount Kailash? Let’s find out its mysteries before we travel and explore. In our childhood, we all after hearing the stories of Lord Shiva asked “Kailash Mansarovar Kahan Hai’’ to our parents and elders. So, we have put together the history, facts, and all other interesting information about Mount Kailash to make your yatra more engaging and a deeply relatable experience. Here’s what you need to know about Mount Kailash. Happy reading!
 

Location Of Mount Kailash

Wondering, where is Mount Kailash? Well, Mount Kailash is one of the highest peaks of the Kailash range, which forms a part of the Trans-Himalayas. The Trans-Himalayas are located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. The mountain is located at the western trijunction of China, India, and Nepal. Mount Kailash lies in the western part of the Tibetan plateau. The region is fully under the control of the Government Of China. The Lake Mansarovar is situated about 20 km from the Mount Kailash. Both Mount Kailash and the holy Lake Mansarovar are considered to be sacred for Hindus. The yatra is organized by the Ministry Of External Affairs and it can also be done via yatra packages offered by travel management firms.

History Of Mount Kailash 

Let us take you into the fascinating Mount Kailash history that may intrigue you completely! Mount Kailash is known as ‘Mount Meru’ in Buddhism and is regarded as the abode of Demchok. It is believed to be the centre of the cosmos. For Hindus, this holy mountain is the home of Lord Shiva—the God of destruction and regeneration. For Jains, the mountain holds great significance as Rishabhnatha—the first Tirthankar of Jains attained salvation at Kailash Mansarovar Tibet. Several monks and sadhus have meditated at Kailash Mansarovar and achieved salvation. Mount Kailash is mentioned in  Hindu scriptures—Shiv Purana, Vishnu Purana, Skanda Purana, and Ramayana. The mountain is considered one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in the world. The mountain also serves as the source of four holy rivers—the Indus, the Brahmaputra, the Sutlej, and the Karneli. Kailash Mansarovar is home to one of the holiest Lakes—the Lake Mansarovar. As per Hindu scriptures, Ravana—the demon king recited ‘Shiv Tandava Stotram’---a hymn in praise of Lord Shiva at the Kailash Mansarovar. Several scientists and researchers have tried to decode the Mount Kailash mystery, particularly for its unclimbed status. 

Why Is Kailash Mansarovar Not A Part Of India?

A burning question for centuries is why Mount Kailash is not located in India when it’s believed to be the abode of the Hindu God—Lord Shiva as per the Shiv Purana and other Hindu scriptures. Well, Lord Shiva is omnipresent and beyond time and distance. The pilgrimage to Mount Kailash was permitted by the People’s Republic Of China after it annexed Tibet in 1951. The 1954 Sino-Indian agreement permitted pilgrimage. However, the 1959 Tibetan uprising and the China-India War of 1962 led to the closing of the borders and the yatra. The route was reopened after the India-China agreement of 1981. After this, the yatra was again suspended for five years due to COVID-19. 

 Kailash Mansarovar finds its mention in Skanda Purana, Vishnu Puran, and Shiv Puran as it’s the abode of Lord Shiva. However, its actual location is the Tibetan plateau which is under the control of the Government Of China. The region never remained under the control of the Government Of India.

British Expedition To Tibet 

The British expedition to Tibet started in 1903 and lasted till 1904. The British invaded the capital city of Lhasa. The British were having a finger in the pie as they wanted to gain control over it. The British were not able to gain control over the land and instead, a treaty was drawn up in which provisions were made to respect the frontiers of Sikkim and Tibet. It was done to make easy trade possible between the British and the Tibetans. The invasion was also done to curb the ambitions of the Russian Empire to capture the East. After the annexation of Garhwal and Kumaon, the British began capturing Tibet. 

Invasion Of Tibet By People’s Republic Of India

Tibet was annexed by the People’s Republic Of China on 24th October 1951. The Government Of Tibet agreed with the Seventeen Point Agreement. The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA). In October 1950, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) launched a military campaign in eastern Tibet.  During the 1959 Tibet uprising, the Dalai Lama (spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism) sought refuge in India. Tibet is an autonomous region administered by the People’s Republic Of China. 

Kailash Mansarovar Darshan 

In the Tibetan language, Mount Kailash is known as Kang Rinpoche. The word literally translates into the ‘most precious jewel of snow’. Although Mount Kailash is part of China and fully administered by the Government Of China, the pilgrimage to Mount Kailash can be done hassle-free. The Mountain is believed to be the holy abode of Lord Shiva. The overland journey of the yatra involves multi-day long-distance trekking.

 If the land journey bothers you, fret not, we have a better option for our travellers. With the vision and mission to make the yatra an easy affair, we have introduced the Kailash Aerial Darshan yatra to help millions of Shiva devotees fulfill their dream of visiting the home of Lord Shiva. It’s a journey through a chartered flight that allows pilgrims to do the darshan of the holy Mount Kailash from the comfort of flight. Pilgrims can enjoy the aerial views of the Mount Kailash. There’s no trekking involved in this route. It is suitable for all ages and is the most comfortable route. 

Are you ready to experience Mahadev’s celestial abode? Don’t wait any longer! Promise yourself a pulse of spirituality with Kailash Aerial Darshan Yatra. Every year, millions of Shiva devotees do the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra with the power of faith in their hearts and will continue to do so. For more details on Kailash Mansarovar Yatra tour packages, get in touch with our team of seasoned travel professionals at 91-8510007751.