Mt. Kailash which is known as Kangrinpoche in Tibet is believed
to be the navel of the world from which flows four great Rivers
(The Ganges, Bramhaputra, Sutlej and Indus) that they give life
to the areas they pass through. Mount Sumeru, described by Hindu
epics, as the center of the earth is believed to be Mount
Kailash. This 6714m high peak of Western Tibet has long been a
sacred object of worship for four major religions-Hindus,
Buddhists, Jains and Bons. For Hindus, Mt, Kailash is the domain
of Lord Shiva whereas Buddhist worship the mountain as the adobe
of Samvara (Demchok)- the wrathful manifestation of Buddha. For
Jains, this is the place where their saints emancipated from and
for Bons, their founder Shenrab alighted from haven in. A
Pilgrimage tour to Kailash and a Kora (Trek) around it is the
supreme goal for the faithful.
The Manasarovar Lake
According to Hindu mythology Lake Manasarovar was formed in the
mind of Brahma-the creator of the world for his sons to bathe
after having performed austerities so it is the most respected
of Tibet’s Lake.
The ideal time to circle Manasarovar is in late autumn and early
spring when the streams and rivers flowing into the lake are
low. Some Tibetans prefer to circumambulate the lake in winter
when everything is frozen. It is then possible to walk very near
to the shoreline. During most of the year, a pilgrim should be
prepared to wade across small and large streams.
Nepal
