16 Days
Difficult
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for Nepali
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for Nepali pilgrims is a journey of profound spiritual significance. As one of the holiest pilgrimages for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers, this yatra is a deeply revered quest to the sacred Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in Tibet. For Nepali pilgrims, the journey holds a special place in their hearts due to the cultural and religious ties with the Himalayan region. The route via the Kerung border has become the most accessible and favored path for Nepali devotees seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva and the purification of body and soul in the pristine waters of Lake Mansarovar.
This guide aims to provide comprehensive information on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for Nepali pilgrims, focusing on the route via the Kerung border, including practical details, costs, preparations, and spiritual insights.
The Kerung Border Route: The Gateway to Spiritual Fulfillment
For Nepali pilgrims, the Kerung border route is the most convenient and widely used pathway to access the sacred Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. Located in the Rasuwa district of Nepal, the Kerung border (also known as Gyirong) serves as the main entry point into Tibet. This overland route offers a unique blend of scenic beauty, cultural experiences, and spiritual encounters, making it an ideal choice for those undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for Nepali.
1. Starting the Journey: Kathmandu to Kerung
The journey begins in Kathmandu, where pilgrims gather to commence their sacred yatra. The drive from Kathmandu to Kerung takes approximately 6 to 7 hours, passing through the picturesque landscapes of the Langtang National Park. Along the way, pilgrims can enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks and the serene Trishuli River.
- Highlights: The drive offers an opportunity to connect with Nepal’s natural beauty, with stops at significant sites like Dhunche and Syabrubesi.
- Challenges: The road to Kerung can be challenging, especially during the monsoon season, when landslides are common. Pilgrims should be prepared for possible delays and rough terrain.
2. Crossing the Kerung Border: Entry into Tibet
Upon reaching the Kerung border, pilgrims undergo the necessary immigration and customs procedures to enter Tibet. This process typically takes a few hours, after which the journey continues on the Tibetan side.
- Highlights: The crossing into Tibet marks the beginning of the spiritual adventure, with the first glimpses of Tibetan culture and landscapes.
- Challenges: The altitude increases significantly after crossing the border, so it’s essential for pilgrims to start acclimatizing immediately.
3. Kerung to Saga: The Journey Through Tibet
After entering Tibet, the journey from Kerung to Saga spans approximately 6 to 7 hours. The route takes pilgrims through the expansive Tibetan plateau, with its vast plains, towering mountains, and ancient monasteries.
- Highlights: This leg of the journey offers stunning views of the Peku Tso and Yarlung Tsangpo River. Saga serves as an important stopover for acclimatization, allowing pilgrims to adjust to the higher altitudes.
- Challenges: The high altitude and long drives can be physically demanding, so pilgrims should stay hydrated and take it slow to prevent altitude sickness.
4. Saga to Darchen: Approaching the Sacred Mountain
The drive from Saga to Darchen is another long but rewarding journey, taking around 8 to 9 hours. Darchen is the base camp for the Mount Kailash parikrama (circumambulation) and is located at the foot of the sacred mountain.
- Highlights: As pilgrims approach Darchen, the majestic Mount Kailash comes into view, evoking a deep sense of spiritual reverence. The village of Darchen is a bustling hub of activity, with pilgrims from various religious backgrounds preparing for the parikrama.
- Challenges: The altitude at Darchen is over 4,500 meters, so it’s crucial to rest and acclimatize before beginning the parikrama.
The Spiritual Experience: Parikrama of Mount Kailash and Bathing in Lake Mansarovar
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, for Nepali pilgrims, reaches its spiritual peak with the parikrama of Mount Kailash and the ritual bathing in Lake Mansarovar. These two activities form the core of the pilgrimage and offer profound spiritual rewards.
1. Parikrama of Mount Kailash: A Journey Around the Sacred Mountain
The parikrama around Mount Kailash is a 52-kilometer trek that typically takes three days to complete. Pilgrims walk clockwise around the mountain, a ritual believed to erase sins and bring spiritual renewal.
- Day 1: Darchen to Dirapuk: The first day of the parikrama involves a 13-kilometer trek to Dirapuk, a high-altitude camp located at the base of the mountain. The trek offers awe-inspiring views of Mount Kailash’s north face.
- Day 2: Dirapuk to Zuthulpuk via Dolma La Pass: The second day is the most challenging, involving a steep ascent to Dolma La Pass (5,630 meters), the highest point of the trek. After crossing the pass, pilgrims descend to Zuthulpuk, where they spend the night.
- Day 3: Zuthulpuk to Darchen: The final day of the parikrama is a relatively easier trek back to Darchen, where pilgrims complete the circumambulation.
2. Bathing in Lake Mansarovar: Purification of Body and Soul
After completing the parikrama, pilgrims travel to Lake Mansarovar, located about 30 kilometers from Mount Kailash. The lake is considered the holiest of all lakes in Hinduism, and bathing in its waters is believed to purify the body and soul, wash away sins, and bring peace.
- Spiritual Significance: Lake Mansarovar is said to be the source of four great rivers in Asia: the Brahmaputra, the Sutlej, the Indus, and the Karnali. The lake’s crystal-clear waters are believed to reflect the purity and divine energy of Lord Shiva.
- Rituals: Pilgrims often perform rituals, prayers, and offerings on the shores of Lake Mansarovar, seeking blessings and spiritual fulfillment.
Cost of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for Nepali Pilgrims via Kerung
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for Nepali pilgrims via the Kerung border is not only spiritually fulfilling but also relatively economical compared to other routes. The cost for this sacred journey is NPR 160,000 per person. This price includes all the essential services and amenities required for a comfortable and well-organized pilgrimage.
Inclusions in the Package
- Transportation: All ground transportation within Nepal and Tibet, including transfers and overland drives.
- Accommodation: Lodging in hotels, guesthouses, or camps along the route, depending on the package chosen.
- Meals: Full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the yatra, with a focus on vegetarian cuisine.
- Permits and Entry Fees: All necessary permits for travel in Tibet, including the Tibet Travel Permit, Alien Travel Permit, and Mount Kailash Permit.
- Guided Tours: Experienced guides who provide insights into the spiritual and cultural significance of the sites visited.
- Support Staff: Porters, cooks, and additional support staff to assist with logistics and ensure a smooth journey.
Exclusions
- Nepal Visa: Nepali citizens do not need a visa to enter Nepal, but other nationalities must arrange for a visa if traveling through Nepal.
- Tibet Visa: The cost of the Tibet visa is usually included in the package, but some operators may charge an additional fee for visa processing.
- Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended to cover medical emergencies, evacuation, and trip cancellations.
- Personal Expenses: The package does not include souvenirs, snacks, personal gear, or other individual expenses.
- Tips and Gratuities: While not mandatory, it is customary to tip guides, drivers, and support staff as a gesture of appreciation.
Cultural and Religious Etiquette
Respecting local customs and traditions is vital during the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for Nepali pilgrims. Tibet is a region with a rich cultural and religious heritage, and it is important to adhere to local customs. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind:
1. Respect Sacred Sites:
Multiple religions consider Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar sacred. Respect these sites by observing local customs, such as walking clockwise around Mount Kailash and maintaining silence in prayer areas.
2. Dress Modestly:
Wear modest clothing that covers your body, especially when visiting monasteries or participating in rituals. This shows respect for the local culture and religious practices.
3. Follow Local Customs:
Engage with local customs respectfully, such as removing your shoes before entering a monastery and offering prayers quietly. Learning a few basic Tibetan phrases can also go a long way in showing respect and building rapport with locals.
4. Be Mindful of Photography:
While the landscapes are breathtaking, always ask for permission before taking photos of people, religious ceremonies, or inside monasteries. Some areas may prohibit photography altogether.
5. Environmental Responsibility:
Dispose of waste properly throughout your journey to maintain cleanliness. The pristine environment around Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar is sacred and should be preserved for future pilgrims.
Conclusion
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for Nepali pilgrims via the Kerung border is a journey that transcends the physical and touches the spiritual core of those who undertake it. This pilgrimage offers not only the chance to witness the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas and the Tibetan plateau but also an opportunity to connect deeply with the divine presence of Lord Shiva and the sacred waters of Lake Mansarovar.
With proper preparation—both physically and spiritually—Nepali pilgrims can embark on this journey with confidence, knowing that the challenges of high altitude and rugged terrain are well worth the spiritual rewards that await. The cost of NPR 160,000 per person for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for Nepali pilgrims is a small price to pay for an experience that many describe as life-changing.
As you plan your pilgrimage, remember to respect the cultural and religious practices of the regions you will visit, tread lightly on the sacred landscapes, and carry the spiritual essence of this journey with you long after you return home. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is more than just a trek—it is a sacred journey that purifies the soul, renews the spirit, and brings you closer to the divine.
May your journey be blessed with safety, peace, and profound spiritual fulfillment.
