MOUNT KAILASH (6638/ 21778 ft.)
Mount Kailash, an admired sanctuary concealed by the grand Himalayas, 
stands tall and is engulfed in strange mysteries. The appealing beauty of this location has drawn the attention of adventurers, spiritual seekers, and curious individuals for centuries.
Mount Kailash, regarded as the centre of the universe and recognized as the dwelling place of Lord Shiva, has emerged as a significant pilgrimage destination for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon practitioners. Individuals with the privilege to experience its grandeur are entranced by its enchanting ambience, dramatic terrains, and pristine lakes.
Hindus who worship Lord Shiva believe that Mount Kailash is the residence of Lord Shiva, who is said to have resided there with his consort Parvati and his two children, Ganesha and Kartikeya. In Hindu mythology, Mount Kailash is also known as "Meru," and it is believed that Lord Shiva sits on top of this mountain in the lotus pose, considered the centre of the universe.
Mount Kailash is associated with Buddha Demchok in Buddhism, representing the pinnacle of bliss. The pilgrimage to Kailash is regarded as a journey toward enlightenment and self-realization. Buddhists assert that circumambulating the mountain may reduce negative karma and bring blessings for the present life and the afterlife. Kailash is an outstanding location for meditation and reflection due to its calm and secluded environment.
Bon is an ancient form of Buddhism in Tibet that predates contemporary Buddhism. Bon Buddhism thrived in the ancient kingdom of Zhang Zhung, which had existed in 500 BCE in Western Tibet. Mount Kailash, a place where Bon religion and culture thrived, served as the center of the Zhang Zhung empire. Furthermore, Bonpos believe that Mount Kailash houses the goddess "Sipaimen" or "Sipe Gyalmo," revered as the Queen of the World. The Bon Buddhist faith regards "Sipe Gyalmo" as both a meditational deity and a guardian deity. Her appearance is fierce, but she is brimming with love. She embodies a deep understanding and kindness. Kailash holds the highest reverence in Bon religion, serving as the ultimate pilgrimage destination.
Mount Kailash holds profound esteem among Jains, who view it as a location of considerable spiritual importance. Kailash is of considerable significance to Jains, as it is associated with Adinath (Rishavdev), the inaugural Tirthankara, who attained nirvana at this site. Pilgrims undertake the pilgrimage to Kailash to honour Adinath and pursue spiritual enlightenment. The diverse religious beliefs associated with Kailash Mansarovar significantly enrich its cultural heritage and spiritual traditions.
LAKE MANASAROVAR
The religious traditions of Buddhism, Jainism, Bon, and Hinduism 
define considerable significance to Lake Manasarovar, situated in the remote area of western Tibet. The lake is located at an elevation of 4600 m. above sea level. It covers an area of 320 square kilometres under the surface, and the overall circumference of the lake is 88 kilometres.
According to Hindu mythology, the lake was created by Baramha, one of the three principal deities in Hinduism, also referred to as the creator of all living beings. The Lake originated from the intellect ("Manasa") of Bramha, indicating that it was an outcome of divine thought. The term "Mansarovar" in Sanskrit is derived from two components: "Manasa," which refers to the mental faculties, and "Sarovar," signifying a lake or a large pond. "manas+sarovar" (Manasarovar) signifies a lake associated with intellect, perception, and conscience. The local Tibetans refer to this lake as MapLakeumtso.
For Hindus, Manasarovar represents the pinnacle of their spiritual journey in this lifetime. The belief is that visiting the area and taking a holy dip in the lake will help purify sins that have accumulated over 100 lifetimes. They also believe that certain enigmatic activities that do not belong to this realm occur here. There is a widespread belief in Hindu mythology that the lake has a Lakeen presence of gods and goddesses.
It is also claimed that Queen Maya Devi, mother of Lord "Shakyamuni Buddha," had visited Lake Manasarovar during her lifetime. During one of Mayadevi's sacred immersions in this lake, the Lord Buddha was conceived within her.
Tibetans know the lake as "Mapam Yum Tso," which translates to invincible or unconquerable lake. As per Buddhist philosophy, the lake has a central location in the cosmos. This lake holds significant sacred value in Tibet, alongside Nam Tso Lake and Yamdruk Tso Lake. Tibetans believe that the lake's water has remarkable curative qualities and can purify the sins accumulated throughout one's life. Buddhist mythology indicates that Shakyamuni Buddha made miraculous visits to Lake Manasarovar several times, where he meditated by the water's edge.
Several monasteries surround the sacred places of Lake Manasarovar. Serlung Monastery is situated in the east. Trugo Monastery is located on the lake's south side; Chiu Monastery is situated on the top of a rocky hill on the west side; and Gosul Monastery is located between Trugo Monastery and Chiu Monastery on the southwest side of Lake Manasarovar.
Another Buddhist mythology refers to Lake Manasarovar as "Anavatapta," a term that conveys the notion of being "heat-free" or "the lake free of fire." The waters of the lake can ease the anxiety associated with the world's difficulties. In this context, fire represents sorrow, greed, hardship, and fear, each of which plays a role in human suffering and cultivates a connection to material things. After immersing oneself in this lake and performing meditation, one can conquer suffering, comparable to being "free of heat.".
In a different facet of Buddhist mythology, "Anavatapta" refers to the name of a dragon king who is believed to reside in Lake Manasarovar. The lake's extraordinary power enabled the dragon king to achieve bodhisattva status, leading to his liberation from suffering and turmoil.
ASTHAPAD MOUNTAIN
Every small mountain or lake near Kailash has fascinating mythical 
stories from Hindu scriptures. Asthapada mountain is situated around 4 km south of Kailash, where "Rishavdeva" (Adinath Bhagawan), the first Tirthankar of the Jain religion, achieved enlightenment. Rishavdeva is recognized as the founder of the Jain religion. Subsequently, King Bharata, the son of Rishavdeva, journeyed to Kailash and constructed 24 stupas at Asthapada.
NANDI HILL
Nandi Parvat is situated directly to the south of Kailash. This is nearly on the verge of being connected to Kailash. The elevation of the mountain reaches approximately 5,900 meters. Nandi serves as the guardian deity of Kailash, the sacred abode of Lord Shiva. In every Shiva temple, one can observe a stone figure of a seated Nandi, typically positioned to face the principal shrine.
In Hinduism, the vehicle of Lord Shiva is known as Nandi, which takes the form of a bull. Another representation of Nandi symbolizes the essence of delight or joy. In the Hindu tradition, Nandi is also called Nandikeshvara or Nandideva. Nandi is likewise considered the vessel through which we navigate our existence.
DERA PHUK OR DRIRA PHUK
Deraphuk Monastery is located in the upper part of the Lha Chu 
valley. This narrow gorge stretches from Serson to the northern face of Mount Kailash. The monastery is located at an elevation of 5080 meters above sea level. The site is located along the circumambulation route of Kailash, approximately 13 kilometers from Tarboche, also known as Yama Dwar by Indians, on its northern side. There are no permanent settlements in this area, only two guesthouses that accommodate pilgrims trekking around Kailash from April to October, along with one monastery building (Deraphuk monastery). Between November and March, individuals vacate the area and return to their residences, resulting in an unoccupied environment. However, monks in monasteries consistently engage in meditation and the practice of Buddhist rituals throughout the year.
Deraphuk Monastery is situated on the right bank of the Lha Chu River, directly opposite the majestic north face of the sacred Kailash. The distance from this monastery to the north face of Kailash is just three kilometers, making it an ideal vantage point for observing Kailash from afar.
The establishment of the Kailash circumbulation route aligns with the inception of the Deraphuk monastery. In the 12th century, there was a prominent monk named Gyalwa Gotsangpa, who was a follower of the Kyagu sect of Buddhism and sought to undertake a complete circumambulation around Kailash, a ritual known as "Kora" among Tibetans. Gyalwa Gotsangpa is widely considered the pioneer of this journey; prior to his undertaking, no one had ventured on the Kailash journeys.
Following his visit to the prostrating point at Lake Manasarovar, Gotsangpa commenced his journey around Mount Kailash. A significant layer of snow covered the entire route, and the monk was unable to find the way forward from the Lha Chu Valley (Serson onward). A female Yak (Drira) then emerged unexpectedly and began to lead the way. Gotsangpa followed the Yak; once they arrived in the upper part of the Lha Chu valley, the female Yak entered a stone cave and disappeared. Gotsangpa then ventured into the cave but was unable to locate Yak inside. Gotsangpa took refuge in the cave and continued to navigate around Kailash via the established route.
After completing the circuit, Gotsangpa came back to the cave and meditated for four consecutive years (1213 to 1217). A monastery was later built on the same location and further expanded several times throughout history. The monastery's name is associated with the fabled Female Yak, who guided Gotsangpa to the cave before disappearing there. In Tibetan, "Drira" denotes the female Yak, while "Phuk" signifies the cave. Consequently, people named the monastery "Driraphuk" or "Deraphuk." The monastic building is where you may find the stone cave. Monks and those seeking enlightenment still use the cave as a place of meditation.
GAURIKUNDA (LAKE)
A little pool is around 6 kilometres north of Kailash, situated at 
5,565.0 m above sea level. A glacier nourishes the little lake known as Gaurikunda. It is said that Goddess Parvati bathes in this lake on auspicious days. Legend has it that Parvati sculpted Lord Ganesh from the ashes of her own body, and this spot is sacred because of that.
- Guge Kingdom Ruins: Located near the town of Zanda, the ruins of the ancient Guge Kingdom provide a glimpse into Tibet's rich history. The kingdom thrived from the 10th to the 17th century and is known for its stunning murals and sculptures. Visitors can explore the remains of this ancient city built into cliffs, offering insight into the region's historical significance.
- Tholing Monastery: Near the Guge Kingdom, Tholing Monastery is the oldest in western Tibet, founded in the 10th century. It served as an important centre for Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery, with its ancient frescoes and unique architecture, offers a serene space for visitors interested in history and spirituality.
- Purang County (Taklakot): This border town near Nepal is a gateway to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. Purang is known for its vibrant markets and is a significant stop for acclimatization before venturing to higher altitudes. It also serves as a base for exploring nearby attractions like the Burang Valley.
These destinations in western Tibet offer a blend of natural beauty, spiritual significance, and historical intrigue, making the region a unique destination for pilgrims and adventurous travellers.