Mount Kailash, located in the southwest of Ngari, Tibet and to the north of Lake Manasarova, is the second highest peak in the massive Gangdise Mountains with an altitude of 6,656 meters (21,837 feet). Shaped like a pyramid with a snow-caped round peak, it’s one of the top ten most beautiful and thrilling mountains in China.
Mount Kailash is considered as the sacred mountain by many religionists. Hindus believe it is the residence of Shiva and the center of the world; Tibetan Buddhists think it represents endless happiness; Jains take it as the place where their ancestor was enlightened; Bons also believe it’s the center of the universe. For centuries, Mount Kailash is the dreamland of pilgrims and adventurers and many of them come to circumambulate the mountain for good luck. However, in history, nobody dares to climb this holy mountain and no religionists allow this.
A Pyramid-like High Mountain
Mount Kailash is in quadrilateral symmetry, like a pyramid. But its top is round and covered by snow all year round. Clouds and mist also gather around the mountain peak frequently, adding mysterious beauty. The mountain cultivates over 250 glaciers, making it origin of many long rivers in China and nearby countries, including Ganges River and Indus in India and Yarlung Zangbo in China.
Why is Mount Kailash Sacred?
Mount Kailash is not the highest peak in the area, but only its top, which is covered by snow all year round, shines mysteriously under the sun. On its southern side, there is the Buddhist symbol Swastika “卐”, which represents the eternal power of Buddha. It was naturally formed by a vertical glacial valley and a horizontal rock formation. Another Mount Kailash mystery is that its sunward side is covered by snow all year round while the side backward the sun is right the opposite. Even if covered by snow, it will recover once the sun shines.