A sacred peak in the Tibet Autonomous Region

#getgoing2025 Mount Kailash is a sacred peak in the **Tibet Autonomous Region of China**, near the borders of India and Nepal. Revered by multiple religions and shrouded in mysticism, it is one of the world’s most spiritually significant mountains. Mount Kailash remains a profound symbol of divinity, drawing pilgrims, scholars, and adventurers while guarding its mysteries from the modern world. Here’s an overview: Key Features** 1. **Geography**: - Elevation: ~6,638 meters (21,778 ft). - Unique **four-sided, symmetrical pyramid shape**, often called the "Jewel of Snow." - Located in the **Transhimalaya** range, close to sacred lakes **Manasarovar** (freshwater) and **Rakshastal** (saltwater). - Source of four major Asian rivers: **Indus**, **Sutlej**, **Brahmaputra**, and **Karnali**. 2. **Religious Significance**: - **Hinduism**: Believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati. It is considered the axis of the universe (*Axis Mundi*). - **Buddhism**: Associated with Demchok (Chakrasamvara), representing supreme bliss. A key site for tantric practices. - **Jainism**: Site where the first Tirthankara, Rishabhadeva, attained liberation (*moksha*). - **Bön**: Sacred as the "Nine-Story Swastika Mountain," central to the ancient Bon religion of Tibet. 3. **Pilgrimage (Kora)**: - Circumambulating the mountain (**Kora**) is a major ritual. The 52-km trek takes ~3 days, crossing the **Drolma La Pass** (5,636 m). - Pilgrims believe completing the Kora erases sins; 108 circuits guarantee enlightenment. - Prostrations (full-body bows) are performed by devout followers along the route. 4. **Unclimbed Peak**: - No recorded successful ascents due to **spiritual reverence** and legal bans. Climbers respect its sanctity, and local beliefs warn of divine wrath for trespassers. 5. **Mystical Legends**: - Aging acceleration: Some claim rapid nail/hair growth during the Kora. - "Swastika" shadow: A natural phenomenon seen on its southern face at certain times. - Links to mythical Mount Meru, the cosmic center in Hindu/Buddhist cosmology. Conservation & Access** - **Protected Status**: Part of UNESCO’s **Kailash Sacred Landscape** initiative. - **Travel Restrictions**: Foreign visitors require permits, and access is regulated to preserve cultural and ecological integrity. - **Environmental Sensitivity**: Efforts to minimize tourism impact on fragile ecosystems. ---Cultural Impact** - Inspires art, literature, and films (e.g., *Shambhala* myths, Bollywood movie *Tamasha*). - Symbolizes harmony between humanity and nature across Eastern philosophies.