Asian_Geographic_PASSPORT_-_Year_2016_-_2017

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WHEN

The pilgrimage should be taken

between May and October, and you will

need both a Tibet permit and an Alien’s

travel permit to do so. At other times

of the year, Mount Kailash is covered

in heavy snow and ice and makes for

treachorous trekking.

WHERE

Tibet Travel (www.tibettravel.org)

offers several itineraries which include

the pilgrimage, including the 15-day

Mount Kailash and Manasarova tour.

HOW

Fly to Lhasa, then continue over the

Tibetan Plateau by car to reach the

Mount Kailash circuit.

EXPERIENCE

MOUNT KAILASH

Circumambulating the base of the
mountain on foot is said to bring
good fortune. The route is just over 50
kilometres long. You should not venture
up onto the slopes: they are considered
too holy to be tainted by the feet of
man. Hindus and Buddhists make their
pilgrimage in a clockwise direction; Jains
and Bon proceed counterclockwise. The
direction you take will likely be dictated
by the faith of your guide.
The most determined of pilgrims
complete the circuit in a single day, and

if you are fit and walking fast, this is just

about possible. The terrain is uneven,

and if you do not acclimate, the altitude

will take its toll. It’s better to allow

three days or more. Accommodation is

in modest guesthouses and tents.

If you are tired of walking, you can ride a

pony, although your own fatigue might

pale into insignificance when you see

devotees prostrating with every step,

a physically gruelling regimen which

increases the duration of the circuit to

a month.

left Mount Kailash

at first light

above Buddhist

pilgrims praying at

Drolma La pass

MOUNT KAILASH TIBET