Mount Kailash

Overview

We thought it would be interesting to share some facts you might not be aware of about the most fascinating mountain range in the entire Himalayas, Mount Kailash, often known as the Stairway to Heaven. Actually, Mount Kailash is located 22,000 feet above the Tibetan Plateau, which is generally thought to be unreachable. For Buddhists and Hindus, Mount Kailash is Mount Meru in physical form. These are ten of the most fascinating, little-known facts about Mount Kailash, one of the most revered and enigmatic Himalayan peaks in the world.

Actually, Mount Kailash is located 22,000 feet above the Tibetan Plateau, which is generally thought to be unreachable. For Buddhists and Hindus, Mount Kailash is Mount Meru in physical form. These are ten of the most fascinating, little-known facts about Mount Kailash, one of the most revered and enigmatic Himalayan peaks in the world.

• In contrast to what many people believe, the pyramid-shaped Mount Meru is the product of some superhuman celestial creatures' technical prowess. Buddhist and Hindu texts state that there are old monasteries and caverns near Mount Meru where the holy sages live their delicate and tangible bodies. Only the really lucky can view these caves.

• Thousands of travellers enter Tibet each year to travel to the revered Mount Kailash. Few people arrive in the area, and even fewer make it all the way around the sacred summit. A few courageous mountaineers have tried to reach the peak, but they haven't been successful.

• Hindus believe that ascending Mount Kailash to its summit is banned due to the possibility of violating the mountain's purity and upsetting the heavenly powers that call it home. According to a Tibetan legend, a monk by the name of Milarepa allegedly made it all the way to the summit of Mount Meru. Upon his return, he urged everyone not to disturb the God who was sleeping high on the top.

At the foot of Mount Kailash are two stunning lakes: Mansarovar and Rakshas Tal. Of the two, Mansarovar—which is located at 14,950 feet—is regarded as the world's highest freshwater body.

• Although Mansarovar holds great spiritual value, Rakshas Tal is the result of the demon King Ravana's extreme penances in an attempt to appease Lord Shiva. Rakshas Tal Lake contains saline water and no aquatic plant or marine life because of its close affiliation with a demonic entity.

• The Axis Mundi, also known as the cosmic axis, global axis, world pillar, centre of the globe, or world tree, is said to be Mount Kailash. It is the location where earth and heaven converge. Google Maps attests to the accuracy of this information.

• Whether it's windy or not, the sacred Lake Mansarovar's water remains serene, as it should. Additionally, Rakshas Tal, the neighbour next door, continues to be somewhat volatile.

• After returning from your journey to Mount Meru, don't be shocked if you discover that your hair or nails have grown a few millimetres. Travellers and pilgrims have found that the air from this historic mountain accelerates ageing!

• There was a time when a party of climbers from Siberia advanced past a particular point and instantly became several decades older. Remarkably, a year later, every trespasser passed away from old age!