Tibet is a dream destination for many, a sacred land for pilgrimage, and a heavenly place where one can accompany the soul on a journey. Standing prominently among the tourist attractions in Tibet is the renowned sacred mountain, Mount Kailash. Resembling an olive, it soars into the sky, surrounded by mountain ranges resembling the petals of a lotus. With its head held high like a colossal pyramid, covered in glistening white snow, Mount Kailash appears majestic, captivating the hearts and minds of those who have long yearned to embark on a journey to Ali in Tibet.
The surrounding area of Mount Kailash boasts numerous attractions, especially after the release of the eponymous movie, drawing countless visitors who hope to witness the mysterious “King of Sacred Mountains” with their own eyes. As the second-highest peak in the Gangdise Mountains, it serves as a focal point for pilgrimage in Tibetan Buddhism and Hinduism. The weather in this region undergoes complex and unpredictable changes throughout the day.
Below the southern fault lies the basin of Lake Rakshastal and the valley of the Sutlej River. Elevations above 6,000 meters are consistently covered with thick layers of snow and ice, hosting over twenty modern glaciers, predominantly characterized by ice bowls and hanging glaciers. The glacier landscapes on the southern slope are much more extensive than those on the northern slope. Stretching across the borders of China, India, and Nepal, the sacred mountain is referred to as the “Peak of Ali.”
The sacred mountain, Mount Kailash, and the Virgin Mountain, known locally as “Shennü Feng,” which gazes at Mount Kailash from the west of the Himalayan western segment, form another renowned attraction—Lake Manasarovar, also referred to as “Mapham Yumtso” by locals. The eastern ridge of the mountain has eroded over the years, creating a razor-sharp ridge that is steep and awe-inspiring, with a natural elevation difference of two thousand meters. On the western slope, the gradient is gentler, and five glaciers cascade down the valleys. This area is home to the largest glacier group in the Himalayas, with glaciers surrounding the peak sparkling like palaces from a fairy tale.
The magnificence of Mount Kailash can only be truly appreciated by being present, and the profound sense of sacredness when touching nature firsthand is awe-inspiring. Traveling to Tibet is not just a physical and mental journey; it is also a baptism and purification of the heart and soul. It is an acceptance of the call of the divine, an opportunity to enjoy the scenery along the way, and a chance to experience the power of faith.