Facts about Mount Kailash

Located in the remote region of western Tibet, Mount Kailash is one of the most sacred and mysterious mountains in the world. Various interesting facts about Mount Kailash surround the mysterious mountain, attracting many visitors from all around the world. Mount Kailash stands tall at 6,638 meters and is deeply respected in four major religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon.

The followers of these major religions have revered Mount Kailash, each seeing it as the axis of the world and a connection between heaven and earth. While many mountains are known for their adventurous climbs and heights, Mount Kailash is famous for its spiritual significance and various unexplained myths. All of these factors play a significant role in contributing to making Mount Kailash a captivating adventure.

The many fun facts about Mount Kailash go far beyond religious belief and devotion. From being considered the centre of the universe in ancient texts to various reports of strange magnetic energies, Mount Kailash is surrounded by stories that challenge both science and spiritual beliefs.

One of the sacred journeys travelers can take on Mount Kailash is the Mount Kailash Parikrama. Many religious devotees from around the world take on the “Parikrama” or “Kora”, which is a 52-kilometer circumambulation of the mountain. It is believed by pilgrims that completing the “Parikrama” around the mountain cleanses the soul and all past sins. If you’re curious about what makes this mountain so special, these interesting facts about Kailash Parvat will be an eye-opener for many travelers looking to complete this sacred journey.

Whether you’re a pilgrim, a traveler, or simply someone curious about the ancient legend and myths surrounding the mountain, learning the key facts about Mount Kailash will certainly help deepen your appreciation and knowledge regarding this mysterious mountain. In this blog, we’ll be covering all of the most interesting facts about Mount Kailash that make it a source of endless mysteries.

What Are Some Interesting Facts About Mount Kailash?

Many interesting facts about Mount Kailash attract visitors to witness the mountain’s beauty throughout the year. These facts about the Kailash Parvat make it a unique travel destination for Indian Devotees and beyond.

Here are some of the fascinating facts about Mount Kailash that highlight its significance, mysteries, and sciences:

Mount Kailash Has Never Been Climbed

One of the most intriguing facts about Mount Kailash is that it has never been climbed and remains untouched due to the mountain’s sacred nature and significance. Kailash Parvat remains one of the few major mountains in the world that has never been climbed despite its moderate height.

All of the climbing attempts have either been denied by authorities or mysteriously failed. In 2001, the Chinese government officially banned climbing the mountain out of respect for its sacred status. Over the centuries, some of the famous climbers have even turned down the opportunity to climb the mountain out of respect for the sacred status and spiritual importance of keeping the mountain untouched.

Mount Kailash is Sacred in the Four Major Religions

Mount Kailash holds a huge significance among the four major religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon.

For the Hindus, the devotees believe it is the abode of Lord Shiva, where he meditates with his consort Parvati. The mountain represents the ultimate source of power and transformation.

Buddhists view Mount Kailash as Mount Meru, the center of the universe in Buddhist cosmology.

The Jains devotees consider Mount Kailash as the site where their first Tirthankara, Rishabhanatha, attained liberation, making the place an ultimate enlightenment for the Jains.

For the Bon followers, the mountain is a seat of spiritual power and the origin of their religious teachings.

The Mountain is Considered the Axis of the Universe

Mount Kailash is universally regarded as the sole axis of the universe. The mountain is referred to as the axis mundi, or the cosmic axis, which connects the Earth with the heavens.

In many ancient cultures, Mount Kailash is seen as the spiritual center of the universe. The mountain’s unique location and alignment with other sacred sites around the globe, including the North Pole and Stonehenge, have even led some to believe the mountain forms part of a global energy grid.

The mountain represents a symbol of balance and unity and acts as a sacred bridge to a higher spiritual dimension.

Mount Kailash Parikrama or Kora

Instead of climbing Mount Kailash, like any other mountain expedition, devotees perform a sacred “Parikrama” or “Kora”, a 52-kilometer pilgrimage path around the base of the mountain.

According to ancient myths, completing one full circuit around the mountain erases a lifetime of sins, while 108 parikramas are said to lead to spiritual enlightenment or liberation (Moksha). These reasons contribute to people wanting to do the Mount Kailash Parikrama at least once in their lives.

When performing the circumambulation around Mount Kailash, Hindus and Buddhists traditionally walk clockwise as part of their spiritual practices. Whereas Bon followers walk counterclockwise around the mountain.

Lake Mansarovar and Lake Rakshastal

Two significant lakes lie near Mount Kailash, Lake Mansarovar and Lake Rakshastal.

Lake Mansarovar, believed to have been created from the thoughts of the gods, is quite sacred. It is believed that Lake Mansarovar has healing powers and is associated with purity and divinity. One of the major activities pilgrims indulge in during the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is taking a holy dip in Lake Mansarovar. The ritual bath is believed to cleanse a person of all sins and bring spiritual liberation.

Lake Rakshastal is a saltwater lake in Tibet Autonomous Region

In contrast, Rakshastal translates to Lake of Demons and is considered ominous. The lake is often associated with negative energy. That is why the two lakes, sitting side by side, symbolize the eternal balance between light and darkness.

No Permanent Settlements

Although Mount Kailash has its huge religious significance and thousands of pilgrims embark on the Mount Kailash tour each year, there are no permanent settlements near the mountain.

Mount Kailash is located at an altitude of 6,638 meters. The area’s harsh climate and high elevation make it quite difficult for anyone to establish their settlements near the mountain. Due to the geography and harsh environmental conditions, and deep religious significance, there have been no permanent settlements near Mount Kailash.

The Mysterious and Unique Geographical Position of Mount Kailash

One of the crazy facts about Mount Kailash is its unique geology. The mountain stands out because of its distinct, symmetrical shape, often described as a pyramid. This symmetry has sparked many theories throughout the years, from it being a natural energy vortex to speculations about it being an ancient man-made structure.

Furthermore, another interesting find is that the distance from Stonehenge in the UK to Mount Kailash is precisely 6,666 kilometers, which is also the distance to the North Pole. Surprisingly, the distance to the South Pole is 13,332 kilometers, which is exactly twice the distance to Stonehenge or the North Pole.

This perfect geometry and unique location contribute significantly to its reputation as one of the most mysterious places on Earth.

Mount Kailash Time Distortion Phenomena

It has been reported that several travelers and pilgrims have experienced time distortion around Mount Kailash. Some travelers have even claimed to have experienced rapid hair and nail growth after encircling the mountain, suggesting that time flows differently in this region.

Although the claims have not been scientifically confirmed, such fascinating stories contribute to the mountain’s mystical reputation and are some of the most talked-about facts about Mount Kailash.

Home to the Mythical Kingdom of Shambhala

Shambhala is a hidden spiritual kingdom believed to be located somewhere beyond Mount Kailash. Shambhala has been mentioned in many ancient Tibetan and Hindu texts as a land of peace, advanced knowledge, and eternal youth. The kingdom of Shambhala is said to be invisible to those with impure minds.

Some even believe Mount Kailash is the gateway or central axis to the mystical realm of Shambhala, adding another layer of significance to the mountain.

Religious Beliefs about Mount Kailash

Some of the most interesting facts about Mount Kailash are the religious beliefs surrounding the mountain.

Which four Religions consider Mount Kailash sacred?

Here are some of the major religious beliefs about Mount Kailash, drawn from the four major religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon.

Hinduism

In the Hindu religion, Mount Kailash is considered the eternal home of  Lord Shiva. It is believed among people that Lord Shiva resides at the summit with his consort Parvati. Mount Kailash is also viewed as Mount Meru, the center of the universe, according to ancient Hindu cosmology.

According to the Hindu religion, devotees believe, doing the parikrama (circumambulation) around the sacred mountain can cleanse all past sins and bring spiritual liberation (moksha).

Buddhism

Facts about Mount Kailash surround not just one religion but many. In Tibetan Buddhism, Mount Kailash is referred to as Kang Rinpoche (translates to precious jewel of snow). The mountain is believed to be the earthly manifestation of Mount Meru, the center of the universe in Buddhist cosmology.

Buddhists walk the kora (parikrama) around Mount Kailash in a clockwise direction as an act of devotion and spiritual purification. Mount Kailash in Buddhism is seen as a symbol of spiritual enlightenment.

Jainism

The Jains devotees call Mount Kailash “Ashtapada”, where Rishabhadeva, the first Tirthankara, attained moksha (liberation). The mountain is considered one of the most sacred sites in Jainism.

Unlike Hindu or Buddhist practices that involve circumambulation, Jains indulge themselves more emphasis on meditation, reflecting on the liberation of Rishabhadeva.

Bon

In the Bon religion, Mount Kailash is regarded as the center of the spiritual universe. Among the Bon followers, Mount Kailash is believed to be the seat of the Sky Goddess Sipaimen and the spiritual center of the world.

Unlike Hindus and Buddhists (who walk clockwise around the mountain), Bon followers perform the kora counter-clockwise according to their traditions. The kora is believed to cleanse a lifetime of negative karma.

One of the major highlighting facts about Mount Kailash is that, despite all of the religious significance, climbing the mountain is strictly forbidden out of deep respect and appreciation across all religions. Hence, Mount Kailash remains one of the few peaks in the world that has never been climbed before and remains untouched.

In which country is Mount Kailash located?

Many facts about Mount Kailash surround precisely regarding the location of the mountain. Mount Kailash is located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.

The mountain lies in Western Tibet, near the source of four major rivers, the Indus, Sutlej, Brahmaputra, and Karnali. Despite Mount Kailash’s remote location and high elevation, it is a major sacred site among followers of Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon, attracting devotees from all around the world.

What major Rivers originate near Mount Kailash?

Several major rivers of the Asia region originate near Mount Kailash, making the area not only spiritually significant but also geographically important. These major rivers contribute to being one of the many major facts about Mount Kailash and its geographical importance.

The major rivers that originate near Mount Kailash are:

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• Indus River: The river originates near Mount Kailash in the Lake Mansarovar region and flows primarily through India and Pakistan. The Indus River is one of the longest rivers in Asia and is crucial in the Indian subcontinent.

The Indus is a transboundary river of Asia and a trans-Himalayan river of South and Central Asia

• Sutlej River: The Sutlej River originates from Rakshastal Lake, west of Lake Mansarovar, near Mount Kailash. The river flows from India and then into Pakistan, where it merges with the Indus River.
• Brahmaputra River: The Brahmaputra River, also known as Yarlun Tsangpo River in Tibet, is a significant river near Mount Kailash. The river originates from the Angsi Glacier, east of Lake Mansarovar, and flows through Tibet, India, and Bangladesh. The Brahmaputra River is one of the most powerful rivers in South Asia.
• Karnali River: The Karnali River originates near Lake Mansarovar and Mount Kailash and flows South into Nepal, then merges into the Ganges River system in India. The Karnali River is Nepal’s longest river and is crucial for hydropower and irrigation.

What Hindu Deity is believed to reside on Mount Kailash?

In the Hindu religion, it is believed that Lod Shiva resides on Mount Kailash. Mount Kailash is considered the abode of Lord Shiva, one of the principal Hindu deities, and part of the Trimurti (along with Brahma and Vishnu).

It is believed Lord Shiva resides at Mount Kailash with his consort, Goddess Parvati. The mountain is seen as the center of the universe or axis mundi in Hindu cosmology.

Lord Shiva is depicted in deep meditation on the mountain peak, symbolizing spiritual power and inner stillness, and peace.

What is the Buddhist name for the deity associated with Mount Kailash?

In the Buddhist religion, the deity associated with Mount Kailash is Demchok, also referred to as Chakrasamvara in Sanskrit.

Demchok is a tantric meditation deity in Tibetan Buddhism who represents the union of wisdom and compassion. Mount Kailash is regareded as the abode of Demchok in Buddhist religion. The Buddhist devotees believe that circumambulating the mountain brings great spiritual relief and purifies negative karma.

What ancient religion considers Mount Kailash as the seat of its founder Tonpa Shenrab?

The ancient Bon religion considers Mount Kailash as the seat of its founder Tonpa Shenrab.

Tonpa Shenrab Miwoche is the founder and the greatest teacher of Bon religion. Ancient Bon scriptures describe Mount Kailash as the center of the world and the spiritual throne of Tonpa Shenrab.

It is beleived amon Bon followers that Tonpa Shenrab descended from heaven and taught the Nine Ways of Bon from the region around Mount Kailash.

What is the name of the Spiritual Trek around Mount Kailash?

The name of the spiritual trek around Mount Kailash is the Kailash Parikrama or Kora. “Kora” is a Tibetan term meaning circumambulation, similarly “Parikrama” is a Sanskrit/Hindu equivalent used in Hinduism and other Indian traditions.

The Kailash Parikrama is a full circuit journey, approximately 52 kilometers, around the base of the mountain, and is typically completed in 3 days. Completing the circuit is believed to cleanse the soul and all past sins.

How long is the Mount Kailash Kora (circumambulation)?

Performing the Mount Kailash Kora is not an easy task. Devotees from around the world come to perform the sacred circumambulation in the belief that they can get spiritual freedom and cleanse their souls.

The Mount Kailash Kora or Parikrama is a 52-kilometer journey at the base of the mountain and usually takes about 3 days to complete. Some experienced trekkers and string devotees even completed the circumambulation in 1 day.

Why is climbing Mount Kailash forbidden?

Mount Kailash is one of the most sacred and mysterious mountains in the world, and also one of the few mountains that has never been climbed. Climbing Mount Kailash is forbidden mainly because of its huge religious and spiritual significance across multiple religions, and devotees out of respect.

Mount Kailash is not just a geographical feature, but a sacred, living entity for the devotees. The Chinese government officially prohibits climbing the mountain. The ban aligns with local religious beliefs and helps preserve its sacredness.

Even famous climbers have turned down the opportunity to climb this mysterious mountain out of respect for its spiritual significance.

What unique geometric shape is Mount Kailash said to resemble?

The unique and mysterious Mount Kailash is said to resemble a perfect pyramid or a four-sided symmetrical geometric structure, which gives it an almost man-made appearance.

The four-sided structure has four distinct faces that appear to be evenly shaped, rising steeply like the sides of a pyramid.

What is the significance of completing 108 circumambulations around Mount Kailash?

Completing 108 circumambulations around Mount Kailash holds immense spiritual significance across multiple religions.

In Hinduism, the number 108 is sacred and represents universe’s wholeness. Completing 108 parikramas of Mount Kailash is believed to free a person from the cycle of birth and death (also known as moksha) and wash away all the past sins.

Buddhists believe we have 108 defilements or earthly desires and circumambulating Mount Kailash 108 times helps purify all negative karma and leads to spiritual liberation.

In Bon religion, the number 108 reflects cosmic completeness and performing 108 koras around the sacred Mount Kailash signifies ultimate spiritual fulfillment and alignment with Tonpa Shenrab’s teachings.

Completing a total 108 circumamabulance around Mount Kailash is an extraordinary devotion and task often done over the course of many years or even a lifetime. Completeing 108 koras is seen as the ultimate spiritual pilgrimage.

What is the best time of year to visit Mount Kailash?

The best time of year to visit Mount Kailash is during the late spring to early autumn.

During the late spring to early autumn, May to Mid-September to be precise, the weather is more stable. Temperatures are milder and passes are more accessible during this time.

The late spring to early autumn is also the peak pilgrimage season where most of the Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Bon devotees make the journey durng this window. Also, the Saga Dawa festival, a major festival which marks the birth, enligtenment, and death of Buddha is celebrated during this period.

Conclusion

The facts about Mount Kailash reveal more than just the physical features and the geography of this sacred mountain. The area is surrounded deeply rooted inspiritual beliefs, mythology, and spiritual significance. Mount Kailash is not just seen as a mountain, but as a divine presence. The mountain’s untouched summit, ysterious geometry, and unique alignment with ancient cosmology adds to Mount Kailash’s legendary status.

Along with Mount Kailash’s religious significance, the geographical location and facts about Mount Kailash are equally fascinating. The mountain serves as the source of four major rivers. Everything surrounding Mount Kailash from its location to religious beliefs and sacred nature is a mystery that attracts many visitors to witness its beuaty atleast once in their lives.

These facts about Mount Kailash offer a powerful reminder of the world’s sacred landscapes and mysteries that are yet to be scientifically proven. Due to its sacred nature and value among the diffrent religions, Mount Kailash remains untouched and unclimbed even today to preserve its pristine value among the various devotees.

At Access Nepal, we currently have our bookings open for the years 2025 and 2026 for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar Tour, and Mount Kailash Parikrama. So book with Access Nepal family to take on this spiritual trip and make memories that will last over lifetime.