Can We Touch Mount Kailash During Parikrama?

We trek not only for adventure and fun; Sometimes, we trek because of our faith, belief, culture, or religion. In that sense, the Mount Kailash parikrama trip also known as Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is one of the holiest pilgrimages. This holiest pilgrimage to Mount Kailash is believed to be the home of Lord Shiva, the God of the Hindu religion. But the question is can we touch Mount Kailash during parikrama?

Worshipers from all over the world come to visit driven by faith and a deep spiritual calling. It’s not only about Mount Kailash, the Lake Manasarovar, is also popular due to its significant meaning among devotees. Being one of the spiritual hearts of Asia, Mount Kailash, and Lake Manasarovar, it has been attracting a lot of attention. Another good part is that even if you don’t have faith and just want to explore a new culture and have an experience, Kailash Parkirama Yatra always welcomes you.

Mount Kailash holds a significant meaning for the people who follow the Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon religions. When you believe in god, every devotee wants to be as close as they can be. Therefore, for those who are planning to go to

Kailash Parikrama, a question must be lingering in many minds: can we touch Mount Kailash during parikrama?

The answer to your question, can we touch Mount Kailash during parikrama, we’ll explore it in this blog. Besides, knowing if we can touch Mount Kailash during Parikrama, we also be talking about Mount Kailash elevation, mt Kailash map, and many more. So, continue reading and book your next trip to Kailash Parikrama or Mt. Kailash and Lake Mansarovar Tour with our experienced Access Nepal team.

Can We Touch Mount Kailash During Parikrama?

No, you cannot physically touch Mount Kailash during the Parikrama Kailash. Mt.Kailash (6,638 m) is considered one of the most sacred mountains in the world. It is especially important for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers. As we already know due to the belief that it is the spiritual home of Lord Shiva, touching or climbing the mountain is strictly forbidden.

The government of China has prohibited climbing or touching Mt.Kailash out of deep respect for its holiness. For many centuries, this rule has been followed to preserve the divine energy of the mountain. Pilgrims can only walk around it, completing the 52-kilometer Parikrama of Mount Kailash.

However, there is a special pilgrimage called “Charan Sparsh” which is a trip and a place in there that gives you the chance to connect with Mount Kailash. This trip starts from the Derapuk monastery via a walk leading to the north face of the mountain.

Even though, it is not allowed to climb or touch the actual slopes of the mountain. Charna Sparsha is just to be believed to bring you to the “feet” of Mount Kailash. Although touching the actual mountain is not allowed, this symbolic act of coming close to its base gives you a deep sense of connection to the god. Don’t worry, all these experiences are enough to feel the sacred power of the mountain. Moreover, many pilgrims consider this moment to be a spiritual highlight of their trip.

What is Charan Sparsha?

“Charan” means “feet,” and “Sparsh” means “to touch.” Together, “Charan Sparsh” means touching the feet, which is a sign of respect and a way to seek blessings. It has been a tradition for a long time to touch the feet of Mount Kailash. That’s why many ask questions like can we touch Mount Kailash during parikrama?

People believe that when they touch the feet of the mountain, they receive positive energy and blessings. Likewise, to get the blessings that bring happiness and success in life they do Charan Sparsha. This act gives people strength, self-confidence, and inner peace.

One of the main reasons for touching the feet of Mount Kailash is because many consider it the home of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Therefore, touching its feet, they receive their blessings. After receiving the blessing, many devotees say they feel like they are fully energized, motivated, and feel strong.

To perform Charan Sparsh, all pilgrims take a walk to the north face of Mount Kailash. This walk is about 7 kilometers (which takes around 4 hours) from Dirapuk. Dirapuk is also the first stop on the Parikrama. Many people choose to do Charan Sparsh before starting the second day of the Parikrama. It is because of their faith in asking for Lord Shiva’s blessings to help them complete the journey.

During Charan Sparsh, they offer prayers and get blessings from Lord Shiva. After touching the base of Mount Kailash, it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to walk back to Dirapuk. For people who believe in Lord Shiva, this is an important part of their trip around Mount Kailash.

Can We Touch and Kailash Mount Height?

Located in Tibet, Mount Kailash has been attracting a lot of attention thanks to its beauty, religious significance, and it’s tall height. It stands at a height of 6,638 meters (21,778 feet). This mountain is not only one of the tallest in the world but also holds a deep meaning to many people. Therefore, the answer to your question can we touch Mount Kailash during parikrama is no.

For Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers, Mount Kailash is considered the home of Lord Shiva. Due to its shape, mythological meaning, religious significance, and beauty, it has been attracting many visitors and pilgrims each year.

Even though it is a high and beautiful mountain, no one is allowed to climb it. People believe that climbing or touching the mountain is disrespectful and would disturb its sacredness. Instead, pilgrims walk around the mountain on a journey called the Kailash Parikrama. Without disturbing Mt.Kailash’s holiness and being respectful, people circle the mountain.

Mt Kailash Map

When travelling it’s important to know the route of the place where you are travelling to enjoy the trip. Therefore, as you travel carefully read the map and find the places you want to visit. This makes the travel schedule run smoothly. Understanding this problem, we have listed down the important places and routes that you can visit with the help of this Mt Kailash map.

1. Kailash Peak: The map highlights Mount Kailash, which is 6,638 meters (21,778 feet) tall. It is the main point of interest.
2. Kailash Parikrama Route: This is the path that pilgrims walk around the mountain. It is 52 kilometers (32 miles) long, starting from a place called Darchen.
3. Key Stops: The map marks important resting points along the route, like Dirapuk, Zhultrapuk, and Dolma La Pass. These are places where pilgrims can rest and perform rituals.
4. Charan Sparsh Route: This is a special path that leads to the base of Mount Kailash, where pilgrims can touch the mountain’s “feet.”
5. Lake Mansarovar: This holy lake is near Mount Kailash and is often shown on the map as an important part of the pilgrimage

Main Activities to do During Kailash Mansarovar Yatra:

Besides knowing can we touch Mount Kailash during parikrama, learn to highlight part of this journey because he key part of traveling is the things you do during the trip. Knowing and planning what to do before going on the trip makes the travel more easy. So, if you are also going for a pilgrimage journey or just traveling to Mount Kailash, then this section is perfect for you. We have prepared some highlights and activities you can do when you reach there to make your travel easy.

The Kailash Parikrama (Kora)

One of the major activities of this sacred yatra is the Kailash Parikrama. In the religious Hindu and Buddhist languages, it is also called Kora. Another main motive for visiting Mount Kailash is also due to the reason of doing Kora parikrama. The devotees and the followers who worship Kailash walk around the base of Mt.Kailash. This while Kailash parikrama covers about 52 kilometers. This journey usually takes 3 to 4 days.

Likewise, when walking on the base of Kailash many people ask, “Can we touch Mount Kailash during Parikrama?” The answer is no. Mount Kailash is a holy place, and touching it is not allowed. Pilgrims respect this by admiring the mountain from a distance and focusing on their spiritual journey.

The Parikrama begins and ends at Darchen. Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims walk in a clockwise direction, while Bon pilgrims go in the opposite direction. During the parikrama, some of the important stops along the way include Dirapuk Monastery, Zuthulphuk Monastery, and the high Dolma La Pass at 5,630 meters.

Moreover, as pilgrims walk, they see different sides of Mount Kailash. Each side or face of Mt.Kailash has its own significant meaning. Along the way, they chant prayers and believe that the Parikrama will purify their soul, free them from past karma, and help them reach enlightenment and moksha.

Sacred Bath in Mansarovar Lake

Another activity to do during the Kailash Parikrama yatra is taking a bath in Mansarovar Lake. It is a sacred freshwater lake near Mount Kailash. Besides being called Mansarovar Lake it is often called the ‘Lake of Consciousness and Enlightenment’ due to its deep spiritual meaning.

The main thing to do in Mansarovar Lake is to take a dip in this holy lake. For pilgrimage, it is an important part of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Pilgrims believe that this dip washes away sins and impurities. They bathe here to bring a spiritual renewal. Another major question is can we touch Mount Kailash during parikrama od Lake Mansarovar? The answer is no.

Many also believe that bathing in Mansarovar Lake blesses them with Lord Brahma’s favor and helps them attain liberation (Moksha). However, direct bathing in the lake is now not allowed due to the cold and dangers. Don’t worry you have other options, pilgrims can still collect water in a bucket to perform this sacred ritual. Besides knowing can we touch Mount Kailash during parikrama or not, it’s important to find places to enjoy too.

Mansarovar Parikrama

Most of the time, people usually visit Mt.Kailash for the Mount Kailash Parikrama. They mostly focus on walking around Mount Kailash and visiting Mansarovar Lake for a holy dip. However, this trip has more than this, you can also choose to walk around the sacred lake itself. Many pilgrims walk around this lake with the belief of relating their sins.

Pilgrims believe that the Kailash Parikrama is only fully complete after circumambulating Lake Mansarovar. Walking around the Mansarovar lake represents purity and receiving divine blessings.

Rituals and Prayers done by Pilgrims

As we already know how significant is the journey to Mount Kailash, we should also know what are things pilgrims do after visiting there. Due to the deep religious importance of faiths, you will witness numerous ritual offerings and prayers at its base done by pilgrims.

The offerings begin at Yama Dwar, where pilgrims pray for a successful Parikrama. These acts of devotion continue throughout the journey, ending with prayers of gratitude at the conclusion of the Kora.

Some of the common offerings during the rituals and prayers include flowers, incense, food, and butter lamps. These offerings symbolize purity and the desire for spiritual enlightenment in this sacred place.

Rakshas Tal

Another popular place you might consider visiting during your trip to Kailash Parikrama Yatra is Rakshas Tal. The visit to Rakshas Tal isn’t part of the official pilgrimage. However, nearly all pilgrims stop by to experience its striking contrast with Mansarovar Lake.

According to Hindu beliefs, this lake is where the demon king Ravana meditated to win the favor of Lord Shiva. This is the reason for earning the name Rakshas Tal, which translates to ‘Demon Lake’ in English.

The Rakshas Tal represents the darker aspects of spirituality. For pilgrims, Rakshas Tal is considered inauspicious. Likewise, pilgrims refrain from taking dips in its waters. When seen alongside Mansarovar Lake, these two bodies of water show the balance of good and evil in one’s spiritual journey.

How Difficult is Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is quite challenging. However, it is also deeply rewarding thanks to its religious significant meaning and beautiful views. The answer to your question, how difficult is Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is, one of the main difficulties is the altitude, as some areas of the trek go above 5,000 meters (16,404 feet). This high elevation can lead to altitude sickness. Therefore, while walking pilgrims need to take time to adjust to the heights.

The terrain can also be tough, with rocky paths and steep climbs. Pilgrims should be prepared for uneven trails, especially during the Kailash Parikrama. Weather conditions can change quickly in this region, with cold temperatures, strong winds, and rain making the journey harder, particularly at higher elevations. Many also ask can we touch Mount Kailash during parikrama? The answer is no.

The Yatra typically lasts around 10 to 14 days, which can be physically demanding. Pilgrims will need to walk several kilometers each day, so having a reasonable level of fitness is helpful. It’s a good idea to exercise and prepare before the trip to make the experience more enjoyable.

In addition to physical challenges, mental strength is important. The spiritual meaning of the journey can inspire pilgrims and help them through tough moments.

If you plan to visit Nepal, you can see all the Nepal Tour packages. Some of the packages are the Everest Base Camp Trek, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, and the Manaslu Circuit Trek.