Kailash

Mount Kailash, also Kailāśa, is a prominent peak in the Kailash Range of the Transhimalaya in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. The mountain rises to about 6,638 meters (21,778 feet) above sea level and is located near Lake Manasarovar in southern Tibet. It forms a dominant geographic landmark in the region and is surrounded by a remote, high-altitude landscape.

The mountain is revered as sacred in multiple religious traditions. In Hinduism, Kailash is regarded as the abode of the god Shiva and his consort Parvati. In Buddhism, it is considered a place of spiritual power and pilgrimage, and it holds significance in other traditions such as Jainism and the Bon religion. The precise beliefs vary among traditions, but Kailash is consistently treated as a site of profound reverence and pilgrimage.

Pilgrimage around Kailash is a major religious practice. The circumambulation, or kora, traverses roughly 52 kilometers and is undertaken on foot, sometimes with prostrations or ritual support. Pilgrims typically complete the circuit over several days, starting from nearby locales such as Darchen. The nearby sacred Lake Manasarovar is often visited in conjunction with the Kailash pilgrimage.

Geographically, Kailash is part of the Kailash Range along the southern edge of the Tibetan Plateau. Because of its sacred status, climbing Mount Kailash is prohibited by the authorities of the People's Republic of China, and no official ascent has been recorded. The site remains a focal point of religious devotion, cultural heritage, and spiritual tourism in the region.