Sacred mountain · Tibet Autonomous Region (China)
Mount Kailash
कैलाश
Significance
Considered the eternal seat of Lord Shiva and Parvati per Shiva Purana and Skanda Purana. Also sacred to Buddhists (as Mount Meru), Jains (Ashtapada — site of Rishabhadeva's liberation), and Bon practitioners.
Pilgrim route
Kailash Mansarovar Parikrama — 52 km outer kora over 3 days, starting at Darchen, crossing Dolma La pass at 5,650 m. No one climbs the peak.
Best season: May–September (Indian govt yatra batches via Lipulekh + Nathu La)
Legend
Per Shiva Purana, Kailash is the cosmic axis where Shiva sits in eternal samadhi with Parvati. Ravana once attempted to lift the mountain — Shiva pressed it down with his toe, pinning him until he chanted the Shiva Tandava Stotram.
Modern access
Trek required (foot pilgrimage)
Nearby tirthas
- mansarovar
- rakshastal
- gauri-kund-kailash
See deep guides at /tirth.