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It was an incredible experience filled with divinity and emotions. Honestly, I do not know how I completed this Mt. Kailash pilgrimage trek at this age of 67. I am really indebted to Tibet Vista, especially the people who were directly or indirectly responsible for making this happen.
I booked the 16-day Mt. Kailash and Manasarovar small group tour with Emma (a travel consultant) a year ago, and she did play a major role in adding to my confidence to progress with advanced booking and advising me on everything that I asked from time to time. Without her support, I would not have dared to step into this lifetime experience.
The second in the list was our tour guide, Lhakdon, who showed the true leadership skills for a group of 11 and guided us to complete the Mount Kailash and Manasarovar tour covering 16 days without any hassle. The young lady, trainee Guide Tashi, was no less supportive throughout the tour. The driver took care of us well through safe driving, a distance of over 3000km.
The hotels that were selected for spending the nights at Lhasa, Shigatse, Saga, Darchen for the onward journey, and Saga, Gyirong, Tingri on the return journey were of high standards with quality services.
Took photos with the holy Lake Manasarovar after completing the Mt. Kailash kora.
Board the Sky Train from Beijing to Lhasa
The journey started in Beijing, where I opted to reach Lhasa by the Beijing to Lhasa Train. It was an experience of a lifetime with amazing views of the snow-covered mountains, huge alpine lakes, and overall an amazing Tibetan landscape. As the train was approaching 5000m plus high elevation, I was getting nervous about breathing and oxygen level.
However, I can say that I was lucky as I did not have any problems in terms of feeling uneasy, headache, or any kind of discomfort. 3 nights at Lhasa helped me to acclimatise to the elevation, and I was slowly getting the required confidence for the upcoming challenges.
Enjoy the tasty food at the dining car on the Beijing to Lhasa train.
Reach the Foot of the Holy Mt. Kailash After Visiting Tibet EBC
As the days progressed towards Tarchen (Foothill of Mount Kailash) following the incredible Tibet Everest Base Camp visit, more and more exciting feelings were gripping in.
The journey following the EBC was perhaps the most beautiful part of the whole trip, as the dream of visiting Manosarovar and Mount Kailash was going to become a reality. The glimpses of Mount Kailash were visible from a distance of 80 km to Tarchen, while we stopped over on the banks of Lake Manasarovar, and a sense of fulfilment of this journey was felt within.
Kailash Kora (pilgrimage trek) commenced on day 8 of the trip from Tarchen to Driapuk for approximately 13 km. Saga Dawa festival at Tarchen added colour to this incredible journey as it brought in the festive atmosphere and a larger crowd. The thin air was making the body tired, but the soul was intact.
For the first time in my life, perhaps I had the feelings of a distinct body and soul, as the soul was pulling the exhausted physical body to move on and on to complete the divine trip.
Day 2 of the Kora was the hardest part as we had to climb the Domla Pass at a height of 5630m.
A small Tibetan town close to the holy Mt. Kailash in western Tibet.
Admire sacred Lake Manasarovar at the nearby monastery.
The following were my feelings following the completion of the Kora, which I shared with my teammates:
Kailash Kora: Where Earth Meets the Eternal
I walked the path where silence flows,
where time dissolves in ice and snow.
Mount Kailash rose, in still command,
a sacred dome where Gods may stand.
Around its base, the pilgrims tread,
with chants upon their lips, once said.
But in each footstep, something stirred,
not just my breath, but the soul I heard.
Day One of the Kora: Tears of Devotion
The sacred trail began,
Under the gaze of morning sun.
As I stood before that holy face,
So near, so close to Lord Shiva's grace.
I bowed, I cried, I fell, I prayed.
Prostrated there, my heart displayed.
Tears streamed down, not out of pain,
But joy that washed me like the rain.
It felt as though Lord Shiva's hand
Had lifted me to Heaven's land.
That cry, so deep, became my light,
and filled my being with divine might.
Day Two of the Kora: The Hardest Ascent at Drolma La Pass
The journey turned to test,
The air grew thin, the path oppressed.
Drolma La, fierce, so high, so bare,
each step a battle, breath a prayer.
My body trembled, numb and cold,
My chest collapsed in pressure's hold.
Yet in the agony I found
A deeper strength, so pure, profound.
With every tear of deep devotion,
Rose waves of quiet, sacred motion.
Not I, but Grace had pulled me through
The One unseen, yet always true.
It's there I saw what few can find,
The soul apart from flesh and mind.
The body failed, but soul stood bright,
Alive in stillness, made of light.
Day Three of the Kora: A Soul Transformed
And strangely I awoke,
Refreshed, renewed, though barely spoke.
The pain was gone, replaced by peace,
The walk ahead a soul's release.
Along the river's gentle course,
The hills in silence stood in force.
I walked where waters laughed and ran,
Where sky met earth in God's own plan.
Manasarovar, gleaming far,
Like liquid light from some old star,
Reflected all I'd felt inside,
The truth, the grace, the humbled pride.
Towards Tarchen, the circle closed,
But something deep in me now glowed.
For I was not the one who came,
I left transformed, yet still the same.
Mount Kailash, still, beyond all time,
You gave me more than words can rhyme.
Where Heaven bows to Earth in peace,
You gave my restless soul release.
The sacred Mt. Kailash looms ahead on the Gangdise Range.
Embark on the challenging Mt. Kailash trek from Darchen.
Pause to rest and drink water to stay hydrated during the Mt. Kailash trek.
My Deep Gratitude and Heartfelt Thanks to Tibet Vista
Overall, I had an excellent experience of true divinity, and an urge is persistently hunting me to visit Mount Kailash and Manasarovar again. The services provided by Tibet Vista exceeded expectations, except for the accommodations at EBC and the guest house at Driapuk, given the remoteness of the region.
The Itinerary Tibet Vista allocated for the trip was satisfying. The selection of people in the Tibet group tour seemingly was done under careful thought, as it consisted of a mixture of people from different countries. Found that Tibet is an excellent spot for touring, and so are the people, very friendly and honest.
Thank you again, Tibet Vista.
Visited the forested Gyirong Valley before heading back to Lhasa.
Took photos with the Gandise Range where holy Mt. Kailash lies.
The sacred summit of Mount Kailash.
"My Soul-transforming Mt. Kailash kora at the Age of 67"