The gate and beyond it: The soul-stirring Kailash Mansarovar

Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims attempting to journey through the Nathu La mountain pass were denied permission to proceed by China

By Madhu Kapparath
Jul 04, 2017, 11:06 IST1 min
China closed the gates on Kailash pilgrims at Nathu La accusing Indian troops of violating the border in Sikkim
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China closed the gates on Kailash pilgrims at Nathu La accusing Indian troops of violating the border in Sikkim
Image by Rupak De Chowdhuri / Reuters
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The Kailash Mansarovar yatra is an arduous high altitude trek through a surreal terrain
Image by Aleksey Dovgan / Reuters
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At 5,600 metres, the weather around Dolma La Pass is unpredictable, making it the toughest pass to cross in the pilgrimage
Image by Alexander Verevkin / Shutterstock.com
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For those who cannot trek on foot, there is the option of hiring sturdy, dependable yaks called Nor (meaning wealth) in the local language
Image by Shutterstock.com
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Ritual structures hint at the esoteric practices of the monks at Gyantak monastery
Image by Alexander Verevkin / Shutterstock.com
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Cloud and light slithers and shift-shapes mountains along the pilgrims’ path
Image by Belozorova Elena / Shutterstock.com
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The iridescent blue Mansarovar or ‘Lake of the Mind’ is said to have been born in the mind of the Creator before its manifestation here on earth
Image by Lihana / Shutterstock.com
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Tibetan buddhists circumambulate Mount Kailash performing full body prostrations along the way. It takes about four weeks
Image by Yongyut Kumsri / Shutterstock.com
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An eagle soars from a craggy outcrop called the Axe of Karma, an emblem of the King of Death
Image by Belozorova Elena / Shutterstock.com

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