Mount Kailash – a trip that opens your eyes

We are not even at Mount Kailash Kora yet, and still this has been the highlight of our trip and is likely to be when we are through the 16 months.

Tibet is one of the most beautiful places we have ever been, and I tell you when you catch a glimpse of the towering Himalayas it is a real life changing moment. I felt totally humbled by just the sight of the mountains. I will be honest, Tibet is not the picture postcard all the time, there is some really changing scenery and some is barren and raw. But the moment you see the mountains it is just amazing. There is something very pure about the snow caps and so untouchable about the mountains. Very inspiring.





Once again the people are just as beautiful as the countryside they live in. We have been really overwhelmed by the hospitality of the people and their gentleness. Goodness only knows why China insists on controlling and commanding over them. The thing that really hurts me is that the people of Tibet are not allowed to even hold a passport and therefore are treated as second class citizens within the Chinese ‘empire’. I find this so horrible and when you meet the amazing people here, and in particular the kids, they are just so kind, welcoming, and willing to talk and play with you. I think it is a tragedy, that they are constrained and controlled. They don’t have the opportunity to tell people about their country and spend time sharing the amazing traditions and culture that they have.





The trip we are taking is over 16 days, and takes in the major Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, the highlights of the Tibetan scenery and will conclude with the total highlight of the trip – the Saga Dawa festival and the pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. This is a really highlight on a number of fronts, but we have now really taken the Mount Kailash Kora as a pilgrimage and a spiritual event. Mount Kailash is a holy centre point for the Buddhist, Hindu, Jain and Bon (ancient Tibetan) religions. Tomorrow (7th June 2009) is the most holy date in the Tibetan calendar, and is a special date for people to undertake pilgrimage. For Buddhists, Mt Kailash is one of the holiest places in the world, and therefore to undertake a pilgrimage here at this time is special. For us Jains if you do the ‘Kora’ (circumbulation) of Mt Kailash at this time, it is even more special, and worth 13 normal Kora’s. So it is going to be hellishly difficult (3 days – 54kms, at 5700m altitude) but it is going to be one of the most important religious events we can do.





I would not class myself as very religious, but when you come to Mt Kailash you can’t help but feel the spirituality of the place, and can’t help feeling spiritual in a place like this.

Our tour took us through the towns of Shigatse, Lhatse and to Prayang. From there we continued across country towards Lake Manasarovar. We stayed in small, wonderful guesthouses, where you only get a bed and some food, and no showers. By the time we started the walk we basically had not showered for 5 days!!! Upto the trek we spent our time driving for the 4 days and covered about 2000kms in total.