KailasaShen shan ‘ holy mountain’

Kangrinpoche – ‘precious jewel of snows’

Tise – ‘river peak

2

One world…..

Namo Lume kyapch’og namkyi chinlap tang,Namkar getsok druppe nut’u tang,Bönnyi nampar dagpe dentop kyi, Jitar mönpe donkun drup gyurcig,

Tenpe nyingpo sanggye yungdrung....

Blessings without error is the excellent refuge,The power of beneficent acts,

The power of pure truth, that there is a reality,May it be the goal of every prayer.

Bon-po prayer

4

Pashupatinath templePashu, meaning animal and nath meaning Lord, therefore Shiva is also know as lord of the animals.

Pashupatinath is the largest Shivaite temple complex in Asia.

Situated 5 kms east of Kathmandu on the bank of sacred Bagmati River, the temple of Lord Shiva-Pashupatinath with two-tiered golden roof and silver doors is famous for its superb architecture.

Guheswari Temple: Near Pashupatinath is another historic and holy temple. This is a shrine of Goddesses Sati (Parvati); Lord Shiva’s consort. But the temple of Guheswari houses no image of any goddess. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple courtyard.

5

Rato machendranath – protector of kathmandu

6

Nyatapola temple

7

Boudhanath Stupa – the all seeing eyes of Buddha

Boudhanath (also called Bouddhanath, Bodhnath or Baudhanath or the Khāsa Caitya) is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Kathmandu, Nepal. It is known as Khāsti by Newars as Bauddha or Bodh-nāth by modern speakers of Nepali. Located about 11 km (7 miles) from the center and northeastern outskirts of Kathmandu, the stupa's massive mandala makes it one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal.

The Buddhist stupa of Boudhanath dominates the skyline. The ancient Stupa is one of the largest in the world. The influx of large populations of Tibetan refugees from China has seen the construction of over 50 Tibetan Gompas (Monasteries) around Boudhanath. As of 1979, Boudhanath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along with Swayambhunath, it is one of the most popular tourist sites in the Kathmandu area.

8

Swoyambhunath – the monkey templeSwayambhunath is an ancient religious complex atop a hill in the Kathmandu Valley, west of Kathmandu city. It is also known as the Monkey Temple as there are holy monkeys living in parts of the temple in the north-west. The Tibetan name for the site means 'Sublime Trees' (Wylie:Phags.pa Shing.kun), for the many varieties of trees found on the hill.

According to Swayambhu Purana, the entire valley was once filled with an enormous lake, out of which grew a lotus. The valley came to be known as Swayambhu, meaning "Self-Created." The name comes from an eternal self-existent flame (svyambhu) over which a sūpa was later built.

The dome at the base represents the entire world. When a person awakes (represented by eyes of wisdom and compassion) from the bonds of the world, the person reaches the state a bit higher. The thirteen pinnacles on the top of it symbolises that sensient beings have to go through the thirteen stages of enlightenment to reach Buddhahood.

9

Epicenter of four religions

Bon faith Buddhist faith

Hindu faith Jain faith

10

Bon – Po’s

Bon-pos - The land of origin of the pre-Buddhist Bon-pos, it is the site where their founder Shenrab descended from heaven and is the spiritual centre of the ancient Bon empire which once included all of western Tibet.

Mt Kailas is their soul mountain. They also call it ‘nine-storey swastika mountain’, thus describing the mountain’s prominent markings and recalling that the swastika is an ancient Asian symbol.

When a Buddhist revival embraced this area from Ladakh in the tenth century it absorbed many of Bon traditions. The Bon-pa also circumambulate Mt Kailas but in their traditional anti-clockwise manner, opposite to Buddhists and Hindus.

11

In Buddhism The Tantric Buddhists believe that Kailash is the home of the Buddha Demchok (also known as Demchog or Chakrasamvara), who represents supreme bliss.

There are numerous sites in the region associated with Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), whose tantric practices in holy sites around Tibet are credited with finally establishing Buddhism as the main religion of the country in the 7th-8th century CE.

It is said that Milarepa (c. 1052-c. 1135 CE), champion of Tantric Buddhism, arrived in Tibet to challenge Naro Bön-chung, champion of the Bön religion of Tibet.

The two magicians engaged in a terrifying sorcerers' battle, but neither was able to gain a decisive advantage. Finally, it was agreed that whoever could reach the summit of Kailash most rapidly would be the victor. While Naro Bön-chung sat on a magic drum and soared up the slope, Milarepa's followers were dumb founded to see him sitting still and meditating. Yet when Naro Bön-chung was nearly at the top, Milarepa suddenly moved into action and overtook him by riding on the rays of the sun, thus winning the contest.

He did, however, fling a handful of snow on to the top of a nearby mountain, since known as Bönri, bequeathing it to the Bönpo and thereby ensuring continued Bönpo connections with the region.

12

In Hinduism

• According to Hinduism, Lord Shiva, the destroyer of evil and sorrow, resides at the summit of a legendary mountain named Kailāśā, where he sits in a state of perpetual meditation along with his wife Pārvatī, the daughter of Himalaya.

• According to one description in the Vishnu Purana, Mount Kailash is the center of the world, its four faces are made of crystal, ruby, gold, and lapis lazuli. It is the pillar of the world; is the center of the world mandala; and is located at the heart of six mountain ranges symbolizing a lotus. The four rivers flowing from Kailash then flow to the four quarters of the world and divide the world into four regions. In fact the Indus, Brahmaputra, Sutlej (a major Indus tributary) and the Karnali (a major Ganges tributary) all rise near the mountain, making it the hydrographic nexus of South Asia.

13

In Jainism

The Jains, who refer to Kailash as Mount Ashtapāda, believe the founder of their faith; Rishabhadeva attained Moksha or Nirvana (spiritual liberation) at this place.

Nepal and Tibet Himalaya

14

The Himalayan range stretches all the way from …. In India to Pakistan – ‘it is said that there are millions of trails that criss cross the Himalayas and all trails finally lead to “Kailash”

15

Faces of the Himalayas

Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR)

The Tibet Autonomous Region also known as “The Roof of the World”. With the overpowering image of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, to monasteries on remote high mountain peaks, Tibet is one of the

most enchanting lands on earth. Magnificent images of wildlife across inspiring scenery and encounters with nomadic shepherds are

just some of the experiences in this region. It is a hidden world of mystery, and one of the greatest civilizations in history. Tibet’s

isolation and remoteness has for continually given it a unique flavor, which has intrigued visitors from mountaineers to royalty.

Holy Mount Kailash“But even among the mightiest (mountains) there are some

of such outstanding character and position that they become symbols of the highest aspiration of humanity, as expressed

in ancient civilizations and religions, milestones of the eternal quest for perfection and ultimate realization,

signposts that point beyond our earthly concerns towards the infinity of a universe from which we have originated and

to which we belong”

Lama Anagarika Govinda, “The Way of the White Clouds”

18

Kailash parvatElevation 6,638 m (21,778 ft)Location Mount Kailash is located in China, TibetRange Trans-HimalayasCoordinates: 31°4′0″N 81°18′45″E / 31.066667°N 81.3125°E / 31.066667; 81.3125First ascent No ascent attempts Mount Kailash (Tibetan: གངས་རི ན་པོ ་ཆེ, Kangrinboqê or Gang Rinpoche; simplified Chinese: 冈仁波齐峰 , Gāngrénbōqí fēng; Sanskrit: Kailāśā Parvata) is a peak in the Gangdisê Mountains, which are part of the Himalayas in Tibet. It lies near the source of some of the longest rivers in Asia: the Indus River, the Sutlej River (a major tributary of the Indus River), the Brahmaputra River, and the Karnali River (a tributary of the Ganges River).  It is considered as a sacred place in five religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Ayyavazhi and the Bön faith. In Hinduism, it is considered to be the abode of Lord Shiva and as a place of eternal bliss. The mountain lies near Lake Manasarowar and Lake Rakshastal in Tibet. There have been no recorded attempts to climb Mount Kailash; it is considered off limits to climbers in deference to Buddhist and Hindu beliefs. It is the most significant peak in the world that has not seen any known climbing attempts. The word Kailāśā means "crystal" in Sanskrit. The Tibetan name for the mountain is Gangs Rin-po-che, meaning "precious jewel of snows". Another local name for the mountain is Tisé (Tibetan: ཏི ་སེ་) mountain, which derives from ti tse in the Zhang-Zhung language, meaning "water peak" or "river peak".  In the Jain tradition, the mountain is referred to as Ashtapada.

Nepalgunj

19

Nepalganj a town in Nepal, located in the Banke district of the Bheri region (Terai), near Nepal's southern border with India. Known as the transport hub for western Nepal, the town is the starting point for some of the most adventurous treks to Dopla and Jumla regions.

The major places in Nepalgunj are Gharbaritole, Ganeshpur, Sadar Line, Koreanpur, Belaspur and B.P. Chowk.

The border crossing, 6 km south of Nepalganj, is one of a limited number of places where non-Indian foreigners are allowed to cross the border with India.

Location Far West Nepal, Banke region of Terai Population 300,000 peopleNative Language Awadhi, Nepali And TharuTourism Language EnglishTemperature Max: 36°C & Min: 6°CNearby Cities Kathmandu (531 kms)

Bageshowri temple

BP Chowk

Simikot

20

Simikot is located in far western Nepal, and is about as remote as you can get! Simikot is the district administration area for the whole Humla region. It is located far north west from Kathamandu.

Hilsa & Sher borderHilsa is a small village situated on the

banks of the Karnali river near the Sher county of Tibet, China. Karma the local

headman is in charge here and will be at the landing site to greet you.

Khojarnath

22

Khojarnath temple (Optional tour): Chenga Sherab Jungne (1187-1241) bestowed the king of Purang, Jowo Atigman (jo bo a tig sman), with spiritual teachings and the transmission of Mahamudra. In turn, as a token of appreciation, the king presented the Drikung order with additional territories and with the famous shrine of Khojar (kho char lha khang), known as the shrine of Khojarnath. Up to the present day the impressive building, surrounded by white washed stupas and a large wall of mani-stones and yak-skulls inscribed with mantras, is one of the foremost objects of pilgrimage in western Tibet. During the period in which Drikung took control of Khojarnath, in 13th and 14th century, the Drikungpa found also patronage in the Buddhist rulers of the Khas Malla kingdom in Western Nepal.

23

Purang - TaklakotLocated in the southwest of Tibet, Purang County covers a total area of 12,497 sq km (4,825 sq miles) and has a population of over 7,000. It lies 398 km (247 miles) south of the town of Shiquanhe and only 20 km (12 miles) from Sino-Nepal border. The lower altitude (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), compared with other areas in the Ngari region, gives it a more hospitable climate and makes it the most favorable environment in the Ngari region for agriculture.  The Nepal Mansion, which can be found north of Purang County, is an alluring place for curious visitors. The so-called mansion is in fact a 50-meter-high (164 ft) hillside honeycombed with dozens of caves which are used as lodgings by economical Nepalese and Indian businessmen. The Purang International Market, 10-minutes walk west of the Nepalese Mansion, is where Nepalese and Indian traders sell their goods.  As a seasonal market, the Purang International Market is open from July 15 to Oct 15 every year. In summer Nepalese and Indian businessmen bring their spices, cloth, coffee and jewelry here for sale or to be exchanged for sheep and wool, which will be taken back home before winter comes.  

Langka tso

24

Ravan tal (Rakshas tal, Langka Tso)Is famous for being the lake of the lord Ravan (learned of all gods). In Jain version of Ramayana, Ravana is one of the Trisastisalaka Purusa (63 illustrious persons) who appear in every time cycle. According to Jain cosmology, every time cycle has nine sets of Baladeva (balabhadra), vasudeva (narayana) and partivasudeva (anti vasudeva or anti hero). Rama, Lakshmana and Ravana are the eighth Baladeva, Vasudeva, and Partivasudeva. In the Jain epic of Ramayana, it is Lakshmana who ultimately kills Ravana and not Rama as told in the Hindu version. In the end, Rama who lead an upright life renounces his kingdom, becomes a Jain monk and attains moksha. On the other hand, Lakshmana and Ravana go to hell. However it is predicted that ultimately they both will be reborn as upright persons and attain liberation in their future births. According to Jain texts, Ravana will be the future Tirthankara (omniscient teacher) of Jainism.Ravana at first went to meet Shiva. Nandi the vehicle of Shiva, refused to let Ravana in. He got annoyed and started teasing Nandi. To show Nandi his love for Shiva, Ravana attempted to uproot and move the mountain on a whim. Shiva, annoyed by Ravana's arrogance, pressed his littlest Toe on Kailash, pinning him firmly and painfully under it. His ganas informed Ravana of whom he had crossed, upon which Ravana became penitent. He plucked his nerves and used them as strings to compose music and sang songs praising Shiva, and is said to have done so for years until Shiva released him from his bondage.

Pleased with his resilience and devotion, Shiva gave to him the divine sword Chandrahas (Chandra-Moon, Has-laugh, literally 'the laughter of the moon' but referring to the shape formed by a crescent moon which resembles a smile). It was during this incident that he acquired the name 'Ravana', meaning "(He) of the terrifying roar", given to him by Shiva - the earth is said to have quaked at Ravana's cry of pain when the mountain was pinned on him. Ravana in turn became a lifelong devotee of Lord Shiva and is said to have composed the hymn known as Shiva Tandava Stotra.

After Ravana had been given the Celestial juice of Immortality by Brahma, he went on to please Shiva. He cut his head & put it as sacrifice for pleasing Shiva, but Shiva replaced his head with a new one. This was repeated Nine times, on which Shiva was happy & pleased with Ravana's resilience & devotion. Thus he also got name Dasa-sheesha.

In Buddhist philosophy it is believed that centuries ago two gold fish of Mansarovar dug a channel through Lake Mansarovar to Lake Ravan tal bringing the purified waters of Manas to Rakshas tal thereby purifying the lake – this channel is still visible and is know as the Ganga chu.

25

Mansarovar

Far beneath us, some miles away, lay the most brilliantly beautiful blue sea, the celebrated Mansarovar lake........ The foreground was flat, rolling hills and ridges sloping gradually towards the lake, all bare and tinted in the most crude colours - reds and pinks and orange - while hundreds of miles to the north and

west in the violet distance there stretched range after range of low, jagged hills, all alike, and succeeding one another in endless succession. Conspicuous, and towering above them all, was the snow-capped

summit of the Sacred Kailas. In the Forests of Upper India, Thos. W. Webber, London 1902

Lake Manasarovar (also spelled Mansarovar and Mansarowar; Sanskrit: is the highest freshwater lake in the world, located at the foot of Mount Kailash in Tibet. It is the holiest lake in Asia and an important pilgrimage

destination for Hindus and Buddhists alike. According to Hindu tradition, Manasarovar was created by Brahma, god of creation, to provide an appropriate place for religious rituals. It is said that he had 12 sons, who were holy men and performed rituals and austerities on the dry land at the site. To give them a more

suitable place to earn merit, Brahma created the beautiful Lake Mansarovar.

The lake's Indian name derives from this legend: Brahma had a mind (manas) to create a lake (sarowar). For Hindus, a circumambulation of Mount Kailash and a dip in the cold waters of Lake Mansarowar removes

the sins of all lifetimes, bringing salvation from reincarnation.

Buddhists associate Manasarovar with Anotatta Lake, where the Buddha was mystically conceived. According to Buddhist legend, the Buddha's mother was transported here by the gods, where she bathed in

the sacred waters of Manasarovar until her body was purified. She then saw a white elephant running to her from Mount Kailash, as the Buddha entered her womb. There were once eight Buddhist monasteries around the lake, symbolizing the Wheel of Life. Pilgrims circumambulated the lake, visiting each of the

monasteries along the way, representing a turn of the wheel. Most of the monasteries have now disappeared (the most notable survivor being Chiu Gompa), but Buddhists still make the pilgrimage around

the sacred lake.

26

Darchen village at the base of Kailash

Road to Astapad

Darchen the name is actually derived from ‘Da Qing’ (Flag Pole). Darchen is a small but rapidly expanding village at the foot hill of Mt. Kailash known as the base camp for all Kailash trips.

Kailash Hotel

27

Kailas faces….Mountains grow and decay, they breathe and pulsate with life. They attract and collect invisible energies from their surroundings: the forces of the air, of the water, of electricity and magnetism; they create winds, clouds, thunderstorms, rains waterfalls, and rivers They fill their surroundings with active life and give shelter and food to innumerable beings. Such is the greatness of mighty mountains....

In the dust-filled valleys and low plains of our daily existence we have forgotten our connections with stars and suns; and therefore we need the presence of these mighty signposts and milestones to shake us up and arouse us from the slumber of self-complacency. Not many are there who hear the call or feel the urge to rise from under their thick blanket of petty self-interests, of money-making or pleasure-hunting, but the few whom the call has reached, and in whom the longing for greater things is still awake, form a steady stream of pilgrims who keep alive the traditions and knowledge of these sources of inspiration.

The Way of the White Clouds, Lama Govinda,

Hutchinson, 1966

To see the greatness of a mountain, one must keep one's distance; to understand its form, one must move around it; to experience its moods, one must see it at sunrise and sunset, at noon, and at midnight, in sun and in rain, in snow and in storm, in summer and in winter and in all the other seasons. He who can see the mountain like this comes near to the life of the mountain, a life that is as intense and varied as that of a human being.

28

Trail around Kailash(From left to right)1. Yamdwar2. Shersong3. River crossing before Dirapuk4. Trail to Dirapuk5. Our pack animals (Yaks)6. Drokpa's en-route to Dirapuk7. Camp spot at Dirapuk8. Rest prior to climbing Zutrulpuk9. Our horses & herders

Dadapuri (Tirthapuri)

29

Located northwest of Mount Kailash in Western Tibet, the Tirthapuri Hot Springs are closely associated with Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche). Pilgrims bathe in pools fed by the springs, visit the monastery containing the guru's footprint and dig for healing stones along a one-hour pilgrimage route. The Tirthapuri Hot Springs are located about 80km northwest of Mount Kailash, 65km west of Darchen, and 9km south of Moincer (Mensi). Tirthapuri is accessible by road but there is no public transportation.

30

New developments along this route

Roads then…

Roads now…

The entire Kailash road is now pavedKunshal airport at Shiquanhe will also start flights this year for touristsNew hotels are upcoming at Purang, Mansarovar and Darchen

31

Accommodations and facilities on route

Batika - Nepalgunj Snowland (Old) - Nyalam Parmath - Paryang

Mud houses Saga - Hotel Nyalam Hotel

32

Ground and air transports involved

33

The ground staffOur staff consists of local Nepal High altitude sherpa and additional local Tibetan staff and guides.

All staff have been with us since our inception and are trained mountain guides with an seven years and more of handling expertise in the kailash region.

Our cooks too have a varied experience and will create mouth watering delights that will amaze you.

Climate and distances

34

Place Min °c Max °c Distance HeightKathmandu

15 30 1350 m

Nepalgunj 22 38 784 kms 1 hour flight

150 m

Simikot 5 18 1 hour flight

3250 m

Hilsa 5 18 68 kms 20 mins flight

3500 m

Khojarnath

5 18 15 kms 3700 m

Purang 5 22 20 kms 3750 mMansarovar

0 22 80 kms 4654 m

Darchen 0 22 30 kms 4754 mAstapad – Nandi Parvat

- 5 16 3 kms 4900 m

YamdwarTarbocheShersong

0 22 7 kms

Dadapuri 0 22 80 kms

35

The parikarma routes for Mt. Kailash & Mansarovar lake

Route maps

36

Humla to Kailash route map

37

Manakamana – wish fulfilling deityManakamana is the name of a Hindu Goddess. It is believed that the Goddess fulfils the wishes of the people. The term ‘mana’ means the ‘heart’ or ‘soul’ and ‘kamana’ means the ‘wish’.

The most popular temple of Manakamana is in Gorkha. The others are in various places like manakamana. It is said that a King of Gorkha was blessed by the goddess to get victory over small kingdoms and make a big Gorkha. Manakamana of gorkha is a popular place for a specific fair called Panchami.

There is cable car service, the only cable car service in Nepal, from Kurintar to Manakamana, It is 10 minutes cable car ride from Kurintar to Manakamana. Kurintar is 95 km, 2 hours drive, from Kathmandu on the way to Pokhara. Kurintar is at an altitude of 258 meter high from sea level. When there was no cable car service people used to walk 3–4 hours all the way to Manakamana. Due to the Cable Car it is now very easy to get to this one of the most famous religious destination.

39

Muktinath – Salvation land

Muktinath is one of the important places of pilgrimages for Hindus. The temple of Muktinath lies in the district of Mustang.

This is one of the 106 sacred Muktichhetra (assured of salvation), where Lord Vishnu got free from the curse of Sati. This is also the largest Shaligram.

There is also Jwaladevi, a divine flame which has been continuously burning since thousands of year. This pagoda –shaped temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is situated at an altitude of 3800 m. Set into the surrounding walls are 108 water spouts from which pour forth holy water.

Some sample itineraries:

3 nights / 4 days

Day 1: Departure to Pokhara by tourist bus via Manakamana.Day 2: Arrive at Jomsom airport and transfer to Muktinath by jeep. Jwalamai Darshan and drive back to Jomsom through same route. Overnight stay at Jomsom Hotel.Day 3: Fly back to Pokhara and half day visit / boat tour.Day 4: Departure transfer to KTM by road. End of tour

40

Tilicho (Bhusunda Tal Ram)At nearly 5000m above sea level, Lake Tilcho, situated high up in the scenic Manang Valley is the collected glacial melt of the entire northern slopes of Annapurna and Throng Peak. In 2001, Bapu recited the seventh chapter of the Ramayan, a holy book of the Hindus. The pilgrims believe that this is the lake that is referred to in the Ramayan where the crow recited the Ramayana to Garuda and where Shiva found solace after the death of his consort Sati. They are convinced it is indeed the Kak Busundi sarovar mentioned in the Ramayan. The Ramayan gives some clues and says the lake is south of the Annapurnas and north of the Nilgiris.

In 2001, Hindu pilgrims from around the world flocked to the lake convinced it is a holy spot mentioned in the Ramayana. They were flown in by helicopter to listen to Bapu recite the seventh chapter of the Ramayan, a holy book of the Hindus. The pilgrims believe that this is the lake that is referred to in the Ramayan where the crow recited the Ramayana to Garuda and where Shiva found solace after the death of his consort Sati.

41

Damodar Kunda (Lake)Damodar Kunda (lake) is situated in the rain shadow area of the Himalayas north of Annapurna range. It lies high in the Himalayas in Upper Mustang area, at an elevation of 4890 meters.

In the ‘Barah Puran’, Lord Krishna mentions that whoever visits Damodar Kunda and takes a dip in the lake will be freed from all sins.

Another story mentions the miraculous healing of the two sons of Kuber, who are advised by Lord Krishna to bathe in the holy waters of Damodar Kunda to release themselves from all sufferings caused by sins committed in their previous birth.

Damodar Kunda is the source of River Kaligandaki. The site is in the region of Shaligram and hence it is also called Shalgrams. Other names of River Gandaki are Kaligandaki, Saptagandaki, and Narayani.

42

Exotic Vacations P. Ltd.Holidays with a difference…..

GPO Box No. 8974, CPC 295,Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal. Tel: +977-1-6214590 Cell: +977-9841088108, 9801198011

CSP Flats, 2nd Floor, East of Kailash, New Delhi. Tel: +91-09853740891, 09853740883, 0965063650

Email: kailas@siteowners.com

Contact us for all your holiday requirements in Nepal, Tibet and India

www.abcsikkim.com, www.hindupilgrimages.com

At Exotic Vacations, we have 20 years experience at helping travelers like you encounter new cultures and beautiful but fragile eco-systems. We excel in this as it is a true labor of love. Being a local based family concern, we understand and share concern for the impact of tourism, culturally and environmentally, for this after all is our "Himalayas".