The Kailash Parikrama, also known as the circumambulation of Mount Kailash, is one of the most sacred and challenging pilgrimages in the world.
Revered by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and followers of the Bon religion, this journey around the mighty Mount Kailash is considered a path to spiritual enlightenment and liberation.
The Parikrama, which spans approximately 52 kilometers, takes devotees through stunning landscapes, sacred sites, and spiritually significant stops that are believed to purify the soul and grant blessings.
If you’re planning your own Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, understanding the key stops along the Parikrama route can help you appreciate the deep spiritual and physical challenges this sacred trek offers. Let’s explore some of the must-visit stops along the Kailash Parikrama.
- Darchen – The Gateway to Kailash Parikrama
The journey to the Kailash Parikrama begins in Darchen, a small village located at the base of Mount Kailash. This town is the starting point for pilgrims embarking on the Parikrama and serves as a vital resting place before the physically demanding trek begins. Darchen is also the place where pilgrims prepare mentally and physically for the challenging journey ahead.
Darchen is considered a sacred spot in itself. It’s believed to be blessed by Lord Shiva and is often seen as the place where the soul begins its transformation on the spiritual journey.
The village is surrounded by stunning views of the Himalayas, and it’s a place where pilgrims can connect with fellow travelers, engage in prayer, and get ready for the journey.
The journey around Mount Kailash officially begins from Darchen, and it is here that many devotees offer their first prayers to Lord Shiva before they commence the Parikrama.
- Yam Dwar (Yama Dwar) – The Gateway to Death
As pilgrims set out on the Kailash Parikrama, the first major stop is Yam Dwar, which translates to the “Gateway of Yama,” the Hindu god of death. Located around 5 kilometers from Darchen, this site holds profound spiritual significance.
Yam Dwar marks the point where pilgrims believe that they leave behind the material world and enter a sacred realm, where the soul undergoes a transformation.
Legend has it that this is the place where the god of death, Yama, is said to have blocked the path of the sun, hence the name “Yam Dwar.” Pilgrims offer prayers at this point, asking for protection during the journey and seeking blessings for the soul’s purification. The unique spiritual atmosphere of Yam Dwar makes it a significant stop on the Parikrama route.
- Dirapuk Monastery – The First Night’s Halt
After passing through Yam Dwar, pilgrims head towards Dirapuk Monastery, located at an altitude of 5,100 meters (16,732 feet), which serves as the first major halt for the Kailash Parikrama trek.
Dirapuk is situated near the northern face of Mount Kailash and offers stunning views of the mountain, making it a popular stop for trekkers to rest and acclimatize before continuing the journey.
The monastery itself is a peaceful and sacred spot, where pilgrims stop to meditate, offer prayers, and reflect on their spiritual journey. The sight of Mount Kailash from Dirapuk is awe-inspiring and often leaves visitors with a sense of deep reverence and connection to the divine. It’s an ideal place for a brief rest before tackling the more strenuous part of the Parikrama.
- Zuthulphuk – The Sacred Cave of Miracles
After Dirapuk, the trek continues to Zuthulphuk, which is considered the most spiritually significant stop on the Kailash Parikrama route. Zuthulphuk is home to the famous Zuthulphuk Cave, where it is believed that many ancient sages and saints meditated, including Lord Milarepa, a revered Tibetan Buddhist figure. This cave is said to hold great spiritual energy and is often considered a place of miracles.
Zuthulphuk is also where pilgrims find the most difficult part of the Parikrama—the ascent of Dolma La Pass. This high-altitude pass, at 5,630 meters (18,471 feet), is known for its extreme conditions, and crossing it is often regarded as a personal spiritual challenge.
The trek to Zuthulphuk is both physically demanding and spiritually rewarding, with views of stunning landscapes and the distant presence of Mount Kailash.
- Dolma La Pass – The Highest Point of the Parikrama
One of the most challenging and spiritually significant sections of the Kailash Parikrama is the climb to Dolma La Pass, which sits at a staggering height of 5,630 meters (18,471 feet). This high-altitude pass marks the highest point of the entire Parikrama and is considered a major spiritual milestone on the pilgrimage.
At Dolma La Pass, pilgrims often experience intense physical challenges, as the air is thin and the weather conditions can be unpredictable.
Many believe that crossing Dolma La Pass is symbolic of overcoming life’s hardships and attaining spiritual enlightenment. Some pilgrims even leave small offerings, like prayer flags or stones, at the pass to honor the gods and seek blessings for the completion of their journey.
- The Lake of Miracles – The Holy Lake at Dolma La Pass
At Dolma La Pass, just before reaching the summit, there is a small, high-altitude lake known as the Lake of Miracles or Gauri Kund. According to Hindu mythology, Gauri Kund is associated with the goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. It is believed that Parvati used to bathe in this lake, and that the lake has miraculous powers.
Pilgrims often stop here to offer prayers and seek divine blessings. The sight of the serene blue waters of Gauri Kund, framed by the harsh yet beautiful landscape, creates an otherworldly atmosphere.
The lake’s location at such a high altitude, surrounded by peaks and valleys, enhances its spiritual significance as a place of reflection and purification.
- Return to Darchen – The End of the Kailash Parikrama
After passing through Zuthulphuk and Dolma La Pass, pilgrims make their way back towards Darchen, completing the circular trek around Mount Kailash.
The return journey is often a time of reflection, as devotees recall the challenges and spiritual experiences they encountered along the way. The completion of the Parikrama is considered a great spiritual achievement, and many pilgrims choose to return to Darchen for a final prayer and rest.
The sense of fulfillment and purification felt at the end of the Kailash Parikrama is profound, as devotees believe that they have completed a spiritual journey that will bring them closer to divine enlightenment.
Conclusion
The Kailash Parikrama is not just a physical journey; it is a deeply spiritual pilgrimage that takes devotees through some of the most sacred sites on Earth. From Yam Dwar to Zuthulphuk and the Dolma La Pass, each stop along the way has its own unique spiritual significance, offering pilgrims the opportunity to reflect, purify, and connect with the divine.
Whether you are seeking blessings, spiritual renewal, or a deeper connection with the sacred Mount Kailash, these must-visit stops along the Kailash Parikrama provide both physical challenges and spiritual rewards.
As you plan your Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, make sure to honor the significance of each sacred stop on the route, as these milestones will not only enhance your spiritual experience but also leave you with memories that last a lifetime.
