Why You Cannot Climb Mount Kailash? | Lord Shiva
Mount Kailash remains unclimbed due to its spiritual significance, but Indians may soon be allowed to visit.
Mount Kailash, located in Tibet, is one of the most mysterious and sacred mountains in the world. Standing at 6,638 meters, it's not as tall as Mount Everest (8,849 meters), but it remains unclimbed. While Everest has seen over 7,000 climbers, Mount Kailash remains untouched. Why? Let's explore.
Spiritual Significance and Beliefs
Mount Kailash holds great religious importance in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon. According to Hindu beliefs, it is the abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. People believe that no one can climb it because it is the home of Lord Shiva. There is also a belief that anyone attempting to climb the peak will face bad luck, with stories of rapidly aging climbers and others dying soon after.
Historical Attempts to Climb
Over the years, there have been several attempts to climb Mount Kailash. In 1933, British climbers Hugh Ruttledge and RC Wilson failed due to extreme weather conditions. In 1980, famous mountaineer Reinhold Messner was invited by the Chinese government but changed his mind at the last moment. Additionally, stories like that of four scientists who died within two years after trying to climb the mountain add to the mystery.
Geographical Challenges
Aside from spiritual beliefs, Mount Kailash's steep terrain and difficult weather conditions make it a tough mountain to climb. Unlike Everest, which has established climbing routes, Kailash has no clear path to the summit, and the harsh weather makes it impossible for climbers to reach the top.
The Sacred Lakes
Mount Kailash is surrounded by two lakes—Mansarovar and Rakshas Tal. Mansarovar, considered the highest freshwater lake in the world, symbolizes positivity. In contrast, Rakshas Tal is salty and lifeless, linked to the demon King Ravana in Hindu mythology.
Access to Mount Kailash
While people from other countries are allowed to visit Kailash and touch the mountain, Indians have been restricted due to political tensions with China. However, this is about to change. Recently, reports suggest that India and China are working on improving their relations, and India may soon be allowed to visit Mount Kailash once again. The Parikrama, a sacred circumambulation of the mountain, will be allowed for Indian citizens, and direct flights between the two countries will be resumed.
Mount Kailash remains an untouched mystery due to its religious significance and challenging geography. While climbing it is still out of reach, the new developments bring hope for Indian devotees to experience the sacred site once more. Will you plan a visit to Mount Kailash someday? Let us know in the comments!
