Overview
Mount Kailash, one of the holiest of mountains which has drawn thousands of pilgrims from all over the world, is a sacred place for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bonpas. Located in between the great Himalayas, Mount Kailash is not only a marvel of nature but also a place of immense religious significance. Five of the ancient monasteries of immense religious significance encircle the mountain. Let us embark on a tour of these monasteries which reflect the spiritual wealth of this sacred place. The Kailash Kora can be divided into two categories outer kora and inner kora.
Outer and Inner Kora of Mount Kailash
The Mount Kailash Parikrama is the sacred practice of circumambulating the revered Mount Kailash. The Inner Kora is particularly challenging and demands exceptional physical endurance. This inner parikrama starts and ends at Darchen, passing through significant spiritual sites such as Asthapad, Nandi Parvat, Atmalingam, and the Saptarishi Cave.
The Outer Kora spans approximately 40 km and typically takes around three days to complete. In contrast, the Inner Kora, covering about 18 km + 6 km, is completed in two days. Pilgrims and trekkers can refer to the Kailash Parvat Inner Kora map for a clearer understanding of the route.
Chuku Monastery: Kailash Sacred Relics
Located near the base of Mount Kailash, Chuku Monastery is a sacred Tibetan Buddhist pilgrimage site. Chuku Monastery is celebrated for harboring sacred relics, including the highly revered Conch Shell, which is an emblem of divine sound and purity in Tibetan Buddhism. Chuku Monastery is a serene site of worship and reflection, offering pilgrims a serene atmosphere in which to bond spiritually. The existence of these relics makes it a destination one cannot afford to miss if they want to witness the sanctity of Mount Kailash themselves.
Drirapuk Monastery: A Window to the Majestic Kailash
Located to the north of Mount Kailash, Drirapuk Monastery is renowned for its breathtaking view of the summit. Not only does the monastery offer a view to remember but also contains some of the ancient Buddhist relics that speak about Tibet's rich heritage. Pilgrims making their journey to Drirapuk Monastery are blessed with a chance to relax and soak in their experiences within the majestic beauty of Mount Kailash.
Zutulpuk Monastery: The Sacred Cave of Milarepa
Zutulpuk Monastery is especially significant for pilgrims due to its association with Milarepa, Tibet's most legendary yogi. The monastery houses Milarepa's Cave, where the Tibetan saint sat in meditation and achieved spiritual realization. Inside the cave, one can find Milarepa's handprints on rock, which adds to the holiness of the place. Zutulpuk Monastery is a good position for pilgrims interested in relating to Tibetan religious traditions and the mythic personality of Milarepa intensely.
Selung Monastery: A High-Altitude Meditation Retreat
Selung Monastery is located at an elevation of 5,020 meters and is the ideal spot to meditate and undertake spiritual retreat. On the inner kora route, this monastery is the spot for solitude and contemplation in the peaceful, high-altitude environment. The peaceful environment of Selung Monastery is the ideal spot for anyone who wishes to indulge in a peaceful retreat in the midst of the awe-inspiring Himalayan landscape.
Note:
Currently, the inner kora of Mount Kailash is closed to tourists, so visiting the Selung Monastery is not possible at this time.
Yangzha Monastery: The Ancient Buddhist Heritage
Yangzha Monastery is one of the earliest Buddhist monasteries in western Tibet and therefore an important destination for religious as well as historical research. Through its ancient structure and rich religious heritage, Yangzha Monastery provides insight into the initial development of Tibetan Buddhism. Tourists visiting Yangzha Monastery can sense its rich spiritual atmosphere and experience the early Buddhist traditions of the region.
Conclusion
These five monasteries that surround Mount Kailash are not just religious centers of pilgrimage but also cultural and historic landmarks. Each of these monasteries offers a unique experience for the pilgrims and tourists, whether it is the religious artifacts, the spiritual significance of Milarepa's Cave, or the serene meditation areas. Visits to these monasteries are a chance to become deeply attuned to the spiritual energies of Mount Kailash and the rich heritage of Tibetan Buddhism. For pilgrims making this sacred pilgrimage, the monasteries are an integral part of the pilgrimage itself, feeding the soul and providing a deep sense of peace and reverence.
Plan Your Sacred Journey
If you are undertaking a journey to Mount Kailash, make sure that these five monasteries are included in your trip. Each one of these monasteries has a different experience that will leave you with wonderful memories of your spiritual journey amidst the Himalayas.
