Mount Kailash, rising majestically to 6,638 meters (21,778 feet) in the remote western region of Tibet, is much more than a towering peak. It is a profound spiritual symbol revered by millions across several religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and the indigenous Bon faith. Its reputation as the “centre of the universe” is deeply embedded in ancient cosmology, mythology, and spiritual traditions that have been passed down through millennia.
Though Mount Kailash stands at 6,638 meters—far lower than Everest—no one has ever reached its summit. Over the years, several expeditions, including one by the British in 1926 and another by the Japanese in 2001, had to turn back due to illness, extreme weather, or inexplicable setbacks. Across time, pilgrims report surprising experiences in the vicinity of this sacred site like, hair and nails sprouting rapidly, or sudden signs of aging, all in mere hours. One vivid account comes from Russian ophthalmologist Dr. Ernst Muldashev, who led a 1999 expedition near Mount Kailash. His team documented voices and stone‑fall sounds emanating from within the mountain, and he referenced tales of Siberian climbers who aged dramatically after lingering too long.
At the foot of Mount Kailash lie two starkly different lakes, the Lake Mansarovar and Rakshas Tal.
Mansarovar is a serene freshwater lake, valued by pilgrims for its purity and spiritual power. It is one of the 51 great Shakti Peethas and the abode of goddess Saraswati. Read more details > Manasa Shakti
Lake Manas Sarovar
Just next to it is Rakshas Tal, a saltwater lake with a more scary , lifeless appearance. Rakshastal Lake is located to the west of Lake Mansarovar, about 50km from Mount Kailash. It is situated at an elevation of 4500 meters in the Ngari Province of Tibet. According to legend, this is where Ravana, the demon king from the Ramayana, meditated and performed intense penance to win Lord Shiva’s favour. In the Tibetan language, the lake is known as Lagngar Cho or Lhanag Tso, which means “the dark lake of poison”. There are four islands in Rakshastal, named Topserma (Dose), Dola (the two biggest), Lachato (Nadzhado), and Dosharba.[5] The islands are used by local people as winter pastures for their yaks. River Satluj Originates from Lake Rakshastal in Tibet.
Situated in one of the most inaccessible and pristine regions of the Himalayas, Mount Kailash’s striking pyramid-like shape and isolated grandeur have inspired awe and reverence. The mountain’s sacred status transcends its physical form, representing a cosmic axis around which the universe revolves, a spiritual sanctuary, and a symbol of ultimate liberation.
Mount Kailash and the cosmic axis: The Mount Meru
In Hindu and Buddhist cosmology, Mount Kailash is often identified with Mount Meru, the legendary cosmic mountain regarded as the axis mundi—the spiritual and physical center of the universe. Ancient scriptures describe Mount Meru as the pivot around which the heavens, earth, and underworld revolve. This cosmic mountain connects the divine and mortal realms, symbolizing the universe’s structure and balance.
Mount Kailash’s remote location and symmetrical, pyramid-like silhouette reinforce its symbolic association with Mount Meru. It is considered the earthly manifestation of this mythical mountain, making it a tangible representation of the universe’s spiritual center. The concept of axis mundi is common in many cultures worldwide, representing a sacred point where heaven and earth meet, and Kailash is the most revered example of this in the Himalayan region.
A sacred abode for Lord Shiva and other divine beings across religions Mount Kailash holds a unique place in the spiritual imagination of multiple faiths:
Hinduism: Kailash is the eternal abode of Lord Shiva, the destroyer and transformer within the Hindu Trimurti. It is believed that Shiva meditates here in eternal peace with his consort Parvati and his bull Nandi. This makes the mountain not just a physical peak but a spiritual sanctuary where the earthly and divine worlds converge. The mountain is also associated with various Hindu legends, including the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) and the cosmic dance of Shiva (Tandava).
Buddhism: Tibetan Buddhists regard Kailash as the home of Demchok (Chakrasamvara), a deity representing supreme bliss and enlightenment. The mountain is a pilgrimage site for Buddhists seeking spiritual merit and insight.
Jainism: Kailash is believed to be the place where the first Tirthankar, Rishabhanatha, attained liberation (moksha). This makes it a gateway to spiritual enlightenment and liberation for Jains.
Bon Religion: The Bon faith of Tibet venerates Kailash as a sacred mountain, central to its cosmology and spiritual practices. This multi-faith reverence makes Mount Kailash one of the rare places on Earth that holds universal spiritual significance.
The centre of rivers and life: Sacred geography
Mount Kailash is the source of four of Asia’s greatest rivers, each flowing in different directions:
Indus River (flows to the west)
Sutlej River (flows to the southwest)
Brahmaputra River (flows to the east)
Karnali River (a tributary of the Ganges, flows to the south)
These rivers sustain millions of people across several countries, including India, Nepal, Tibet, and Bangladesh. The fact that these mighty rivers originate near Kailash enhances the mountain’s image as the center of life and civilization, reinforcing its cosmic centrality. It symbolizes the origin point from which life and culture radiate across the region.
Every year, thousands of pilgrims from various faiths undertake the arduous Kailash Kora—a 52-kilometer circumambulation around the mountain. This pilgrimage is considered one of the most sacred spiritual journeys in the world. Devotees believe that completing the Kora purifies the soul, absolves sins, and brings spiritual renewal. The trek is physically demanding due to the high altitude and rugged terrain, but it is a profound act of faith and devotion. The pilgrimage is also a symbolic journey toward liberation, connecting the physical act of walking with inner spiritual transformation.
Mystical phenomena and symbolism
Mount Kailash is associated with several mystical phenomena that deepen its sacred status:
Sacred Sounds: Pilgrims often report hearing sounds resembling the sacred chant of “Om” or the rhythmic beating of Shiva’s damru (drum) emanating from the mountain, especially during meditation or at dawn and dusk.
Natural Symbols: At sunset, the mountain’s shadow famously forms a perfect swastika—an ancient symbol of auspiciousness and cosmic order in Hinduism and Buddhism. Additionally, snow patterns on Kailash sometimes resemble the “Om” symbol, further reinforcing its spiritual symbolism.
These phenomena are widely regarded by devotees as manifestations of the mountain’s divine energy and cosmic significance.
The bridge between Earth and heaven
Across all traditions, Mount Kailash is viewed as a bridge between the earthly and heavenly realms—a place where time and space converge. It is said to be the spiritual axis connecting heaven and earth, making it a focal point for meditation, divine presence, and cosmic harmony.
For millions, Mount Kailash is not just a mountain—it is the heart of existence, a timeless symbol of divine presence, cosmic order, and ultimate liberation. Its sacredness remains untouched by time, inviting all who seek spiritual truth to witness its eternal majesty.
How to Reach
Manasa Shaktipeeth is located on the banks of Kailash Manasa sarovar in Tibet.
By Air: The Nearest Airport is Jammu Airport of India or Kathmandu Nepal. Part of the route to Manasa sarovar can be covered by helicopter and takes 10 to 11 days.
By Railway: No Railway route is available.
By Road: The excursion can start from Lucknow, Delhi or Kathmandu.
From Kathmandu Nepal it is usually 14 days.
From various places in India it is usually 16 days.
