5 Spiritual Kailash Yatra for Moksha

Significant to a plethora of religions and beliefs and home to one of the holiest pilgrimage destinations in the world, Kailash Mountain is one of the most highly revered mountains peaks in the world. Did you know that this peak, which is also popularly known as the residence of Lord Shiva, has never been scaled by anyone? This has managed to keep the sanctity and spirituality of the place alive and has now been deemed as one of the most difficult pilgrimage journeys in the world. Apart from the one popular pilgrimage this place also hosts a range of pilgrimages where the pilgrims from not only in the north but also from south like Bangalore, Chennai, Kerala and others, take part in it. Walk the path of the gods and goddesses and attain your own salvation.

Here are a few top spiritual Kailas Yatras for when you feel the calling of the lord:

1. Adi Kailash

The peak of Adi Kailash is situated within the Indian territory of the district of Pithoragarh in close proximity to the border of India and Tibet and is popularly referred to as ‘Chota Kailash’ since it kind of looks like the real Mount Kailash which is situated in Tibet. The most fascinating experience while trekking your way to Adi Kailash you will be able to get some magnificent glimpses of the valley below along with the incredibly spiritually awakening sight of Om Parvat. June is considered to be the best and the most appropriate time to go on trekking to Adi Kailash. There are numerous mythological accounts pertaining to the spirituality of this peak one of them being that this was the most ancient and the earliest residence of Lord Shiva.

Brief Route Map:

Delhi – Kathgodam – Almora – Kausani – Bageshwar – Dharchula – Pangu – Sirkha – Galgad – Malpa – Budhi – Navidang – Gunji – Kutti – Jollingkong – Adi Kailash

2. Kinner Kailash

Going on this holy journey remember that ‘the more difficult the route, the more beautiful the destination is’. Located in the Kinnaur district of the magnificent state of Himachal Pradesh the final destination on this holy pilgrimage journey will make you come in contact with a massive 80-metre tall vertical rock structure which is worshipped in the form of shiv ling by devout Hindus. Every winter lord Shiva is said to hold a meeting of gods and goddesses at its peak. The months of May and June are the best time to make a journey to this stunningly spiritual destination on the hills and experience devotion like never before.

Brief Route Map:

Delhi – Shimla – Kalpa – Lambar – Shurting – Charang – Lalanti – Chitkul – Shimla

3. Shrikhand Mahadev

Home to a massive 75 feet Shivling which is perched naturally on top of the mountain, this peak rises to a whipping elevation of 5,227 metres above sea level. Each year a very small window of the whole year is carved out for the opening of the trekking route to this holy destination. The place holds incredible mythological significance about how lord Shiva was pleased with the intense penance which was performed by the demon called Bhasmasur and he rewarded him with a kangan which would turn any living being to ashes with just one touch. Bhasmasur then wanted to turn Lord Shiva into ashes and then with the help of Lord Vishnu Shiva escaped into a cave which is now known as Shrikhand Mahadev and later on Vishnu took the form of an enchantress called Mohini and tricked the demon to turn himself into ashes by touching his own head. Located in the district of Kullu the trekking journey primarily stays open for just 15 to 20 days during the month of July when the weather conditions are favorable for just a selective number of days.

Brief Route Map:

Shimla – Jaon village – Brahti naala – Thachru – Kali Ghati – Bhim Talai – Parvati Bag – Nain Sarovar – Bhim Bahi – Shrikhand Mahadev

4. Manimahesh Kailash

Also popularly named as Chamba Kailash, Manimahesh stands tall overlooking the high altitude lake of Manimahesh which is situated in extremely close proximity to the peak within the district of Chamba in Himachal Pradesh. The place is believed to be blessed by goddess Kali and is said to be protected by Lord Shiva. Pilgrims generally make it a point to take a dip in the holy water of Manimahesh Lake which adorns the base of the peak on the 15^th day after the holy eve of Janmashtami. The most appropriate time to visit this holy destination is considered to be during the months of August or September. Nobody has made the full ascent to Manimahesh mountain peak and it is believed to hold an incredible amount of mythological and spiritual significance. The place is also believed to have been created by Lord Shiva after he had tied a knot with goddess Parvati who is also worshipped in the form of Mata Girja here.

Brief Route Map:

Delhi – Dharamshala – Dancho – Manimahesh lake – Dancho

5. Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

Considered to be one of the toughest trekking journeys in India this Yatra requires the pilgrims to cover a trekking journey of minimum 10 to 11 days where you will be tested to the core of your endurance and strength. However, even if the journey is extremely difficult and not suitable for kids below the age of 18 the resulting views and spirituality is nothing short of perfect. The Kailash Parvati stands tall overlooking the Mansarovar lake where people from different beliefs and races take a holy dip and offer their salutations to the lord by taking a Parikrama around the snow-clad home of Lord Shiva. The best time to make this journey would be during the summer months of May and early July. You will be surprised with the pilgrim turnout since people from different religious beliefs like Bons and Buddhists and even Jains make it a point to visit this holy destination and this helps in keeping up with the incredible amount of spirituality that can be felt here.

Brief Route Map:

Kathmandu – Syabrubeshi – Kerung – Saga – Dongba – Mansarovar – Darchen – Diraphuk – Zuthulphuk