Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Trek: Experience A Unique Combination of Adventure and Spiritual Ecstasy!
vanika
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There are several places in India that are considered to be the spiritual destinations, however, Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has something special to boast about. It is a journey which represents a unique bond between nature’s creativity and the sheer spiritual energy that the place emanates. Being a perfect exemplar of the “image of God” recreated by the sacred texts of the religions across the globe, Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is popular for providing a lifetime kind of experience. It not only helps to revive the lost connection with one’s own self but also offers a chance to get appealed by the feelings of being integrated, unified, organized and whole.
The major attractions of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra include a Parikrama of Mount Kailash and a holy dip in the Mansarovar Lake. The journey is also famous for the difficult feat that the trekking enthusiasts have to cover in order to fulfil their passion for adventure and thrill. Being one of the most arduous treks, Kailash Mansarovar Yatra also gives a chance to live an epic climbing adventure.
Best Time to Visit: The best time for the trekking expedition to Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake is considered from mid-May to mid-October. During this time period, the weather remains steady and visibility of the region is at its finest. Moreover, the temperature levels are cool throughout the day. In addition, it is believed that the best time for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is during Saga Dawa Festival. Being one of the important festivals in Tibetan Buddhism, it witnesses a huge flock of tourists who wish to have a quick glance at the cultural roots and traditional heritage of the region.
Tracing Our Steps To The Holy Abode of Mount Kailash
Before signing up for the trekking expedition to Mount Kailash and Mansarovar trek, there were several things that gave me cause to wonder. In the moments when my decision was swirling around the waves of uncertainty, I was confident of rediscovering the most neglected “me” on the journey. With a streak of adventure and a hope for joy, I stepped into the unknown zone to battle against the nightmares of living into a world of constructions.
The trekking expedition to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra took its flight when I reached Kathmandu, the sprawling capital of Nepal. Perched at an elevation of about 1,400 meters, it lies on the bowl-shaped Kathmandu valley which is the spiritual heart of the state. It is believed that the valley is created from the bed of a sacred lake by deity Manjushri and is symbolic of the beautiful patchwork of terraced fields and sacred temple towns showcasing the glory of the architects and artisans of Nepal. The beauty of the place was immensely captivating and drifted my mind to the astounding scenic views that nature beholds. Despite getting tired after such a long journey, the curiosity to explore more of the area was intact. But the call of drowsy eyes and waning strength made it difficult for me to play my curiosity to the fullest.
Next day, I began my sojourn by seeking blessings at Pashupatinath Temple and Budhanilkanth Temple. This was the day when I drove from Kathmandu to Dhunche to reach Kyirong. Here, my way had been blocked by the immigration formalities that need to be completed before moving ahead. Thankfully, I carried all the documents that saved me from any mishap and helped to enter in those geographical boundaries to which nature had not added any fence, unlike humans. If the journey through this place has to be explained in few words, I must say it was a journey of introspection. It not only enlightened me on the superficial construction of boundaries by humans but also offered moments where one can seamlessly relate to one’s own fragmented self.
Further, I reached Dongba, a place of majestic beauty which knows no bounds. Home to a panoramic view of the blue lake Pieko-Tso and the astounding views of Yarlung Zangpo (the Brahmaputra River), the place lends an experience of one-of-its own kind. The beautiful mountain terrains and high plains double the level of excitement of hiking.
The best part about this location is the highs and lows of this terrain that lead to the sight of an abode of purity, Mansarovar Lake. Nestled in the lap of nature at an altitude of 22,028 ft above sea level, it is the highest freshwater lake in the world. The crystal clear blue water of the lake and its emerald green appearance has never failed to sway the mind of thousands of tourists across the world. The view of such an exceptional beauty of nature gave me a plethora of opportunities to turn into a photographer to create negatives for the moments lived in ecstasy and excitement.
And therein arrives the time to start trekking to Mount Kailash. As the first day of Kailash Parikrama begins, Yama Dwar served as the starting point of the trekking expedition. Yama Dwar, the Gates of the Lord of Death, is believed to be the gateway where all mortal bonds have to be shaken off to meet the deity of great religious relevance, Lord Shiva. It is a place of symbolism where truth prevails and the spiritual concept of supreme reality holds value. It also offers the closest views of a place of great religious significance and mythological importance, Mount Kailash.
Standing tall at 21,778 feet, Mount Kailash is considered to be the source of four mighty rivers of Asia including the Brahmaputra, the Ganges, the Indus and the Sutlej. Mount Kailash is a testament to one of the popular sayings, ‘The best views come after the hardest climb.’ When the rays of the sun fell on such a mighty mountain, the whole region brimmed with light and transformed into a matrix of unbelievable possibilities. For a while, it seemed that the Lord himself has sent a messenger to remind that after darkness, comes the light, and that life holds in surprise for those who know how to give fire to the flickering hopes. Before descending through rocky paths and loose stones, it was time to dig deep into those experiences that made this journey worth-undertaking.
Must-carry essentials:
- Trekking shoes and Trekking pole
- Duffel bag
- Torch with extra batteries
- Hand gloves
- Warm clothes
- Tracksuit
- Extra pair of socks
- Moisturizer
- Camera
- First Aid Medical Kit
To think back to ones’ own childhood, it reminds us of our free self where the idea of a creative life used to inspire us. However, when we started growing, those creative impulses have been slowly replaced by the struggles of life. But one should never forget that life offers a chance to all to design it beautifully. The imbalances that clog lives and limit the innate capacity for joy cannot keep one away from adding a memorable experience to the calendar of his life. So, do not hesitate to play hide and seek with perceived realities to restore the fun that sometimes lies in living life on the edge. And one such experience lies in the trekking expedition to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
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