Kailash Yatra with Kailai Bala 2007, 2009, 2010,2011

Kailash Yatra 2012 with Kailai Bala

2012-01-31T22:35:00.000-08:00

Kailash Yatra 2012

Join me

for an exciting and spiritually uplifting once in a lifetime yatra which

includes outer parikrama, North Face Charan Sparsh ( touching of the North face),

Nandhi parikrama including the Saptharishi Cave darshan and darshan of Mount Kailash as Siva Linga (special darshan).

Om Namasivaya

2012

KAILASH MANASAROVAR YATRA

Kailash Yatra with Kailai Bala

SPECIAL KAILASH YATRA FOR 2012

26^th June 2012 to 12^th July 2012

E-mail: kailaibala@gmail.com

http://www.kailaibala.blogspot.com

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Mobile : 016 9140990


DAY 01 26 JUNE 2012	Arrival at Kathmandu International Airport and transfer to hotel. Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu. Briefing session in the evening
DAY 02 27 JUNE 2012	IN KATHMANDU - After breakfast, proceed for a half day sightseeing tour of Pashupatinath Temple and Budhaneelkantha. Enjoy the evening at leisure in Kathmandu. While the Chinese VISA will be obtain in Kathmandu on this day, the travel permit for Tibet would be applied for well in advance by us. Stay overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.
DAY 03 28 JUNE 2012	KATHMANDU TO NYALAM (3750m) – After breakfast, drive to the frontier town of Nepal at Kodari, enjoying a scenic drive through Dhulikhel. From here, a short walk to the friendship bridge for the drive to Zhangmu, which is the main entrance for Tibet, China at the height of 2,300 m. It is about 145 km from Kathmandu. In Zhangmu, receive assistance from our Tibetan counterpart. After completing the immigration formalities at the check post, continue the journey for another 35 km which could take almost 1 hours through the winding roads to Nyalam. After the scenic drive, enjoy overnight stay at Nyalam (3,750 m). The lodge and guest house here are very simple and basic. Expect the unexpected as tourism in Tibet is slowly picking up since last 10 years. Overnight stay at Hotel Nyalam or similar
DAY 04 29 JUNE 2012	IN NYALAM FOR ACCLIMATIZATION – The day is dedicated for acclimatization at Nyalam. Go for a short trek of about three hours in Nyalam itself. Overnight stay at Hotel Nyalam or similar.
DAY 05 30 JUNE 2012	TO SAGA (4600 m) 240 km - After breakfast, drive through the windswept territory passing many villages and camps of Yak herders with a distant view of snow capped mountains. Go through the first high pass, Lalung La Pass (5000 m) where a superb view of the Himalayas can be enjoyed from Gaurishanker, Shishapangma to Langtang Himal. Drive past Khunmen Tso, Sinling, Karru Ongchen and Peigutso Lake (4400m). Continue the drive, crossing the river ?Yarling Tsangpo? known as Bhramaputra, to reach Saga (4600 m; 240 km / 6 -7 hours drive). Overnight stay at local guest house.
DAY 06 1 JULY 2012	SAGA TO PRAYANG (4750m) 255 km - After breakfast, drive to Paryang (4750 m) 255 km / 4 hrs drive through windswept territory, passing many villages and camps of Yak herders with distant view of snow capped mountains. PRAYANG TO MANASAROVAR (4560 m) 223 km 4 hrs - lifetime, as you will have the first sight (darshan) of the holy Mt. Kailash and the holy Mansarovar Lake. Camp on the bank of the Lake. Overnight stay at local guest house. PRADOSHAM
DAY 07 2 JULY 2012	MANSAROVAR PARIKRAMA (4520 m) Homa Puja and rest at Manasarovar or at Darche
DAY 08 3 JULY 2012	DRIVE TO TARBOCHE (13 km) and TREK TO DIRAPUK (4860 m) 7 km - After breakfast, drive about 13 km to Tarboche, the starting point of the Kailash Parikrama. The first day of the Kora is a gradual walk with multitudes of other local pilgrims chanting and praying. The trail will lead you to a few ups and downs till you reach our camp/guest house at Dirapuk (4860 m) 7 km / 4 to 5 hours trek. Overnight stay at local guest house. - FULLMOON
DAY 9 4 JULY 2012	North Face Charan Sparsh. Overnight stay at local guest house.
DAY 10 5 JULY 2012	TREK TO ZUTULPUK (4760 m) 18 km - Today the circumbulation (Kora) will lead to a much higher elevation of the holy path, just beneath Mt. Kailash. The walk will bring us to one of the highest point at Drolma La, (5,200 m) before gradually descending to the field towards Zuthulphuk for an overnight stay, after 5 - 6 hours of a walk. Zuthulphuk (4760 m) 18 km / 9 - 10 hrs.
DAY 11 6 JULY 2012	ZUTULPUK TO DARCHEN TREK 10 km and DRIVE TO MANASAROVAR - The morning can be spent exploring the caves and visiting the temples and the shrine that have been built around Milarepa's cave. The winding gradual tracks finally ends our holy pilgrimage walk 10 km / 3 to 4 hrs. Once you reach the end point near Darchen, land cruisers will be waiting to take the group back to Darchen.
DAY 12 7 JULY 2012	DARCHEN TO ASTAPATH, SAPTHARISHI CAVES AND NANDHI PARIKRAMA - After breakfast, proceed to Serrlung Monastery and to Nandi Parvat, which offers an excellent view of Mt. Kailash. Overnight stay in Darchen,
DAY 13 8 JULY 2012	Special day trip to Yandra Gompa then climp a mountain to view Mt Kailash in the shape of Siva Linga. Overnight at Guest House in Darchen OR Lake Manasarovar.
DAY 14 9 JULY 2012	DRIVE FROM MANASAROVAR TO NYALAM (4600m) 500 km - After breakfast, drive to NYALAM. Overnight at the local guest house.
DAY 15 10 JULY 2012	NYALAM (3750m) TO BORDER - DRIVE TO KATHMANDU (1350m) – Drive downhill to Zhangmu and the Friendship Bridge where transportation awaits for the final leg of the journey to Kathmandu (150 km) / 8 - 9 hr. After reaching the Friendship Bridge, you will be leaving the Tibet vehicles on the other side of the border and will walk for about 15 minutes towards the Nepal Immigration Post where the coach for Nepal would be waiting for you. The border guide will assist you to shift your belongings towards the Nepal side of the bridge. Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.
DAY 16 11 JULY 2012	Free day in Kathmandu, Check out of the hotel, farewell Lunch by Host, depart to airport
DAY 17 12JULY 2012	Early morning flight and HOME SWEET HOME
	Outer and inner parikrama route Map

Kailai Bala's Kailash Yatra 2011 - 12 - Mt Kailash Inner Parikrama

2012-01-01T05:38:00.000-08:00

Mt Kailash Inner Parikrama

Photologue

Google map oulining the Mt Kailash parikrama route and its elevation.

------------- Mt Kailash inner parikrama route. Route shown is from Diraphuk to Darchen

------------- Normal outer Parikrama route. Route shown is from Shivsthal to the eastern base of Mt Kailash

Darchen - 16573 feet - 0 miles - 0kms

Glacier - 18536 feet - 3.24 miles - 5.2 kms

Outer Base - 16730 feet - 5.43 miles - 8.7 kms

Zhutulpuk - 15714 feet - 10 miles - 16.1 kms

Background photo was taken from Shivsthal during outer parikrama and the photo insert were taken during our Mt Kailash inner parikrama.

Crossing over to the Khandro Sanglam La Pass.

Khandro Sanglam La the Secret Path of the Dakini Khandroma Is An Alternative Route Around Mount Kailash. Passing through the pass one will come to the Kuber valley and the view of Kuber Kund become visible.

This is the Khandro Sanglam La Pass and the whole area is tied with prayer flag. It was snowing very heavily and I was unable to take many photos.

Khandro Sanglam La Pass

Numerous rock cairns left by pilgrim who had crossed on the Khandro Sanglam La trail of the Mt Kailash inner parikrama.

This is Kuber kund a beautiful lake that one will encounter during the Mt Kailash inner parikrama. Located at most scenic spot amount the giant mountains. This beauty need to seen then told. It will melt the heart of anyone who sees this. I was blessed to be at this Holy lake and take the theertham for my co yatris during my 2009 and 2010 Kailash yatra. This year due to heavy snow the visibility was bad thus unable to see.

Reaching the Eastern Valley On Mount Kailash Outer Kora.

Inner parikrama Team

Kailai Bala's Kailash Yatra 2011 - 11 North face Charan Sparsh.

2011-12-07T00:25:00.000-08:00

Day 15 Thursday 8th August 2011

PHOTOLOGUE
Derapuk To CharanSparsh - Touching of the North Face

Our North Face Charan Sparsh parikrama started with the blessing of Sadguru Jaggi Vasudev.

What do you think will happen in the future

Within two days of our parikrama we had 3 darshan of Satguru Jaggi on different occasions. I had read about Satguru, I had seen his talks on you tubes and most of all I had seen his video clips on his yatra to Mount Kailash. Within me I had a wish that I must have at a darshan of him. Yes my first darshan of Satguru was near Yamadwar standing mystically on a raised rock and no one was around him. The second time was next day early morning before our North face Charan Sparsh. We had his blessing. The photo above was taken at that time. Our third darshan was on our return from Charan Sparsh. We paid our respect and thank him for the blessing

About Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev

Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev is a world-renowned mystic and yogi of Indian origin. The founder of Isha Yoga as well as of Isha Foundation, he is also a very famous poet. His aim in life is to help people in manifesting their own spirituality. Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev has several yoga centers, set up in the various cities of India as well as the United States.

Dirapuk elevation - 16596 feet

Charan Sparsh - >18000 ffeet

Distance one way - 2.45 Miles or 4 Kms

Time taken to do Charan Sparsh - Both way 8 Hours

Crossing the river which originates from Mt Kailash - North Face

Flag pole on the way to Charan Sparsh

Mystical images of North face

Heavy snow started to fall as we continue our journey to the Lords feet.

Over the moraines

Snow, snow and more snow everywhere

Almost there.............

First touch of North Face - Charan Sparsh

First Blessing of North Face

First Kiss to North Face

First Group photo at North face

Siva Kumar and Subra at Charan Sparsh

Kailai Ravi at North Face

Under the watchful eye of Kailasanatha.
The two Sherpas who also submit to the North face.

Thanking the Lord for the Blessing and the darshan

Snow ball hitting at us during our return from Charan Sparsh.

About 3 feet of thick snow

Mesmerizing scenery

Can you see what I see?

Most of the Yatris reach up to here and this what most call as Charan Spash.
Its another 3 to 4 hour walk to touch the North Face.

Little cleaning up - Chariya

Kailai Rajan, myself and Siva Kumar.

Following photos are images that appeared on the face of Mount Kailash as we were walking toward it.
OM NAMASIVAYA

? Ganesha

Mystical facial images on the surface of Northern Kailash appeared as we approched it.

Another mystical facial images on the surface of Northern Kailash appeared as we approched it.

Yet another mystical facial images on the surface of Northern Kailash appeared as we approched it.

Continuously one after the other, images like this was opening as approched it.

My co yatris Kailaimani Rajan who was performing his third Kailash had the darshan of Sakti. To him Amma appeared sitting in the Simmasana and blessing us from the top. At that moment Rajan faces was glowing and happiness within himself was very apparent.

End of Charan Sparsh

OM NAMASIVAYA

Kailai Bala's Kailash Yatra 2011 - 10 Nandhi Parikrama

2011-12-01T03:01:00.000-08:00

Day 12 - 14th August 2011

Darchen to Astapad, Atma Linga,

Saptarishi Cave and Nandhi Darshan

A rough guide to show the various places during the

Nandhi inner parikrama and it also shows the distance taken.

Today is the 12th day of ourKailash Manasarovar Yatra. To date, every step was in accordance and everyaspect of the yatra was executed as planned. After the Holy dip in theManasarovar, the 1008 Akanda Mrintyunjaya Homa Puja, the utmost success inperforming the outer Parikrama, we are at peace. But these alone will not doany justice if the Nandhi inner Parikrama is not performed especially for thosewho already had been to this magnetic, vibrant place. Last year Premmy, Rajan andmyself were here and this will be my third Nandhi Saptharishi inner parikrama. Today, we are destined for it and indeed, weare all set to do it.

On the eve of this Nandhi innerparikrama, all the necessary arrangements were made. We sorted out the numberof yatris who wanted to do the full parikrama, those who wanted to do it tillAtma Linga and those who chose Astapad. Almost all wanted do to it until AtmaLinga and half desired the full Nandhi inner parikrama. The guides and porterswere arranged and a final briefing was given to everyone. Excitement lingeredand felt to the core of our hearts as all were set to do this special andunique yatra yet agin, a yatra worth a lifetime. It is said that Kailash yatrais not any ordinary yatra. It is a yatra where I trust only HE decides on whichof HIS devotees are eligible to perform this distinctive, most intricate dutyof a lowly believer. And to us; we are the chosen ones it’s a once in a lifetime yatra.

Few my co yatris and myself were blessed to perform this for secondand third time.

This inner pilgrimagetraditionally was only done by the devoted Hindus and Buddhist who havecompleted 13 normal koras or those who have done the kora during the year ofhorse. Non Hindus and non Buddhist who under taken mount Kailash as anadventure tour should note that this is walk or trek is for the seasonedmountaineers only and it involves dangerously steep sections with constantstone falls from the mountain. As for my group members, the preparation forthis Parikrama took more than 4 months. Not only training was concerned, theyatris were also briefed very clearly on the risk involved, thus it isimportant that one has full mental and physical fitness to perform thisParikrama.

From Darchen to Silung Gompa wemade use of the land cruiser service and it took us roughly 45 minutes to reachour starting point at Silung Gompa. What can I say; the journey from Darchen tothis Silung Gomba itself was an adventurous one. We enjoyed the beautifulsceneries all round, as this helped us to be calm and emotionally prepareourselves, appreciating GOD’s magnificent creation of Mother Nature, reflectingon how small and ordinary we are. I felt blessed to be here, on this Holy questof humbleness in the name of GOD almighty.

About 20 yatris opted to perform the Nandhi inner Parikrama.

At about 9 am we reached SilungGompa. It is a ritual that we pray to lord Ganesh and other inner world Devas,seeking for safe and blessed journey, free from all the obstacles that mightcome on across our way. It is also very important to equip one-self with thenecessary gears. Our guide handed each of us with a helmet to wear. With onlyone goal set in our mind; to successfully perform this inner Parikrama, westarted our walk. It is indeed important to walk according to your own pace asthis is a challenging task where strength, perseverance and self-control areneeded.

What started as group, walking together like a herd soon became a lineof people walking along the same path and later the distance between one yatrito another became farther and farther.

What started as group, walking together like a herd soon became a lineof people walking along the same path and later the distance between one yatrito another became farther and farther. Even then, the spirit within us gave usstrength to just walk ahead, not thinking about if we could ever accomplishthis task. It did not matter who was in front, who was behind and who wasbeside us, all that mattered was to perform this Parikrama successfully.

The aura of this place was verystrong, the flow of spiritual energy and the cosmic vibration held us in awe ofthe majestic Kailash. As we had been training very hard for this part of theyatra the walk through boulders strewn track with crossings of occasionalchortens and flagpole was only made difficult because of the very thin air andconstant uphill walk all the way.

Along withour group of 20 there were about 5 to 6 expert Sherpa guides along with aboutten porters. Notable among the Sherpas was Sherpa Nima, Sherpa Pemba, SherpaPasang who has been working for his travel agency for many year. They wereleading us all the way helping assisting as and when needed. Mental andemotion power alone is not the case of a successful Parikrama, a well definednavigation and a good navigator adds to the fulfillment of this journey. Ourutmost gratitude to our Sherpas and porters for the untiring help to make surewe hold our energy throughout this Parikrama.

Moving toward Nandhi and nearing the confluence of two rivers which runs either site of Nandhi.

The whole place was so serene andthe vibration was very strong and the sceneries all around us were unimaginablyamazing. At a distance behind us we saw the awesome barkha plain with the twolakes and I knew there was no turning back only full charge ahead. My walk fromSilung Gompa to Astapad took about 45 minutes covering a distance of 2kilometers. This Astapad Mountain is said to havemany caves on the horizontal strata of conglomerate. From Astapad to theconfluence of the two rivers, the Silung and the Kailash Ganga Rivers took almost 30minutes covering a distance of 1.2 kilometers and it was an uphill walk all theway. At this point, some of the yatris who were trailing behind have decided tostop and up to this point, I have walked about 3.2 kilometers from Silung Gompait had taken about 2 hours 45 minutes.

1.6 kmdescent brought us to this point where the horse foot print was located. Thisplace is a very auspicious place for the Tibetan and each Tibetan who passesthis place made homage to the foot print and this foot is called as Ling-Singjen. This horse foot print which was impressed onto a smooth rack wasplaced on an enclosed place surrounded by prayer flags. I was among the many topay my respect at this foot print and continued my down ward walk to the stonybed of Mount Kailash. At this point only 11 of 20yatris who started the journey were able to reach up. The rest must havediscontinued with the journey and returned back to our base camp at Darchen.


As we near the base of Southern Kailash it started to snow heavily.

Slightlyover 1km walk through a very stony path brought us to the bed of the SerdungShuk chum. Here I noticed many cairns were erected by the passing Tibetans.This downhill walk brought us to a valley, on one side was the Nandhi hill andthe other side was the Ravana Linga mountain. Right in front of us was mount Kailashwith its majestic look. I glanced at my watch and it showed 3.00pm. We walkedand trekked for about 6 hours. The weather was cold and it was still snowing. Mount Kailashwas mostly hidden behind these clouds and visibility was low. We could onlypeek at just a certain areas of the mountain due to the cloudy situation.

We spent some time here toregroup and also waited for the cloud to disappear but in vein. We waited for abit but the clouds seemed more determined than us. Without much luck wecontinued our walk towards the periphery of the mountain passing through hugemoulds of moraines fully covered with snow and finally came to the stony bed ofthe lower base of ice lodged down from the top of mount Kailash. It is this iceformation and protrusion of rock that has created a Syambu Linga and this iswhat yatris have been referring to as the Atmalinga.

Bimal, Kasi, myself and Siva near Atma Linga

Ravana Linga at back - This photo was taken after about 5 to 6 hour treking towards Saptharishi Cave.

Close up of Ravana Linga
One get this darshan of Ravana Linga during the Nandhi inner Parikrama

Finallyafter a tiring journey we reached the last stretch and the most difficult climbof this parikrama. Seeing the almost vertical wall of this holy mountain manyyatris panicked but with their strong mental power they continued theirtrekking slowly and steadily. Our finalclimb to the Saptarishi cave was about 0.4km upward climb through a very steepascent into the belt of the Kailash peak The Sherpas lay down the rope and oneby one, we climbed very slowly yet surely. what seemed to be an almostvertical wall with much difficulty. Many times we ran out of breath and theSherpa guides almost like had no mercy on us and our condition. They did notgive us time for us to a breath; they feared that there might be stone falls whichcould be fatal. Our breathing became very fast and we started panting veryheavily and the murmur created by this deep and heavy breathing was really veryload. As we moved upward there was water dripping from the mountain and ourSherpa’s worry that the stones may fall rest assured us that there was no roomfor any quick rest or stop. In fact, our Sherpas dragged us until we reachedthe cave, the save heaven and without a doubt it was heaven.

Siva Kumar at the base of Mt Kailash

Our final climb to the Saptarishi cave was about0.4km upward climb through a very steep ascent intothe belt of the Kailash peak.

As said earlier, without the help and assistance we could have made this far - Thank you Sherpas.

Our Sherpas helping Sejal of Hong Kong to Saptharishi Cave

Memorable moments - Kasinathan at Saptharishi Cave

Bala Murugan first time Kailashi has been blessed to perform this special Nandhi Parikrama.

A picture is worth a thousand words - Om Namasivaya

Finally! Wewere at the foot of the Lord, without realizing, we hold, we hugged even kissedthe rock which we saw as a representation of the almighty. It was really ablissful and emotional moment for all of us. Tears started rolling and all ofus felt the uncontainable happiness within us. As a senseof gratitude, we sat and sang some devotional songs. Tears rolled, voicechocked, we were emotionally delighted, we shed the tear of joy, celebrated theattainment of this Parikrama. The full version of Sivapuranam was sung and wecouldn’t stop the profusely rolling tears from our eyes as much as we could notstop the intense happiness in our hearts.

Holy Paduka/Tiruvadi at Saptharishi Cave

During my 2010 yatra to hill temple of Tamilnadu I bought this Tiruvadi/Paduka ( 2 sets) with the intention of taking it along for my 2010 Kailash yatra. During the Parikrama my co yatri Kailai Karu who was performing his 3rd yatra was gifted to carry the Paduka for three days. I carried the other set of Paduka. We did prayer, imsersed it in Holy Manasarovar, soaked it in Gauri Kund and finally carried this set to the Saptharishi cave. We did prayer and left in the cave for other yatis to offer their prayer.

For my 2011 yatra again I included Nandhi inner Parikrama in my itinerary. After successully completing the outer parikrama, I went for the Nandhi parikrama and throughout the journey my mind was on this Paduka which we lefta year ago. Many thoughts run in my mind I was thinking.................

if the Paduka was still there?
If it is still there, what would be its condition?
or has anyone taken it as prashad?

The moment I reached the entrance of the cave, I run in and looking for it. Yes it was still there, it was there as we I left it there. Uncontrollable emotion overtook me and tears roll down profusely. The Joy and happiness I had was undescribable . As it has been blessed under the holy feet of the Lord I decided to take back with me this time. The Paduka is in my alter now and every morning during my prayer it bring back my memory of the wonderful moment I spend there - Om Namasivaya.

We spend about two wonderful, precious and memorable hours atthe holy feet of the Lord, nonetheless it was time for all of us to continue their journeyto Nandhi and onward back to base camp at Darchen. All were every hesitant tomove and as it was already 6.00pm I requested everyone to continue their journey. Aseveryone was about to leave this magnetic place I made an announcement and that my co yatri Rajan who had to this cave last year and myself are staying back tospend a night at Saptharishi Cave. Everyone were verysurprised, they continued their yatra and we spend the night at the HOLY FEET of the LORD - OM NAMASIVAYA

Yatris are seen continuing their journey toward Nandhi and
we prepared our night stay at this Holy Home of Lord Siva

For all my yatris the following onward journey was aboutchallenge and endurance as the path along this journey defined it pretty well.We had to walk through narrow paths where few of the places offered us pathless than a feet wide with steep slopes below us. To test our endurancefurther, we had to climb a steep ascent for about half a kilometer before theycould reach the spot which is in the middle of Kailash and Nandhi and theydisappered from our sight.

View of Nandhi from my camp in Saptharishi Cave.

The above poster is the summary of the Nandhi innerparikrama. It show the different location and also the time taken to reachthere. Apart from the mental and physical fitness one needs lots of grace fromthe all might SIVA to successfully complete this difficult inner parikrama.

Saptarishi Cave/ Serdung Chuk Sum

Right under the colossal southface of Kailash stood this Saptarishi cave which is also known as Serdung ChukSum. Ser means gold or yellow, dung means chorten or stupa and Chuk Sum meansthirteen. Perhaps there must have been thirteen chortens during those days whenthey named this place. Currently there are more than thirteen chortens and Idid not count the exact number of chortens as we were too submerged in HISpresence. However, these chortens are well kept and cared by Gengta Monasterywhich is located within the inner Parikrama region.

At Saptharishi Cave

Next day morning we prayed to the lord for the gift of our life time.................
OM NAMASIVAYA.

With this I end my Nandhi inner Parikrama.

To be continued............................................

Next
North Face Charan Sparsh

Kailai Bala's Kailash Yatra 2011- 9 - 3rd day parikrama continue....

2011-11-30T00:03:00.000-08:00

Day 11 - 13th August 2011 Zhutul Phuk to Darchen

Celebration

Yatris celebrating their success with prayers and thanks giving.

You can visualize the Ecstasy on the face of these yatris on having the darshan of the Lord. It is simply indescribable, you need to experience it to understand the same. Every yatri undertake this arduous journey just for this Holy darshan. The darshan that will never leave you, even if you wanted it.

Kamalanathan came with wife Asotha and both did parikrama with out problem. He told since return to back to Malaysia many positive changes had taken place in his life - Om Namasivaya

well, this is yogi wife of Premji ( one of the director of our yatra organizer - trusted our group and send her along with us. She became an asset and look after the whole group wonderfully.
Thank you Yogi

Subra and Siva at end of 3 day parikrama


His dream of performing this ultimate yatra was realized after more then 20 year. Did the whole yatra on foot.

Naga in black sweater was able to perform this yatra despite of his heavy business schedule.
If you want you can.

Kailai Ravi is performing Kailash yatra for the 2nd time.
Perform tha Nandhi and Charan Sparsh successfully.
Well done Ravi.

Kailai Premmy to the left, is a season Kailash yatri. This is forth yatra, in 2010 she performed the Mt Kailash inner Parikrama and Nandhi parikrama successfully.
Congratulation Premmy.

Muthu Veeran our senior most yatri. Thanking Kailai Rajan for his help and assistance during the yatra


Rajamah travels 100s of kms to join us for the weekend training in Kuala Lumpur. She too did whole parikrama on foot. Indent to do the Kailash yatra for another two time in future. May the Lord of the Mountain fill her wishes.

Husband wife team, Pury and Dama completed the outer parikrama without much problem.

Another husband wife team, Seeni and Vejaya completed the outer parikrama without much problem too.

Offering our prayer to Kailasanatha for a very successful yatra.

Kailai Piyush from Singapore is performing the Kailash Yatra for the second time.
Lord of the Mountain grand Kailai Piyush two outer parikrama blessing this year.
You mush be special soul.
Congrats Bro

Our 2011 Kailash yatra team
Thanking each and every for making this yatra a successful and memorable one - SYABAS

Success of yatra depends on many factor, the helpers, porter, horseman, tour coordinator and other but the most important element for successful yatra are the Sherpa guides and the cooks, without their help the yatra could have been a success. From bottom of my heart I thank all these wonderful souls for making our yatra a success.

To be continued...........................

Next posting on Nandhi inner parikrama.....................

Kailai Bala's Kailash Yatra 2011- 9 - 3rd day parikrama

2011-09-29T19:39:00.000-07:00

Day 11 - 13th August 2011 Zhutul Phuk to Darchen

Zhutul phuk Gompa
4th Prostrationpoint
Trungto-ending pointof parikrama
Darchen

Today is the last day of the parikrama, we quickly finishedour breakfast, packed up and moved on. I was very happy that some of my coyatris opted to visit the Milarepa's Cave at Zhutul Puk monastery, which waslocated at a walking distance from our guesthouse. The Kailash parikrama trailwas said to have been discovered by the this noted Buddhist Monk Milarepa andthe monastery had the cave where he had meditated. Mentally I offered my prayerand thanked all the spiritual inner beings for guiding us through thisdifficult yatra.

Finalday parikrama

The weatherwas sunny and warm ideal condition for trekking. Today’s route was mainlythrough meadows dotted with streams. It was relatively easier but for ouralready worn out legs, the route and the distance still posed a stiff challenge.Know that today is the final day of outer parikram most of the yatris foundsome extra energy and started trekking the final phases of the yatra with areasonably fast speed. As there was not much pressure today everyone enjoyedand admired the beauty of the route, the mountains and the plains, the caves inthe rocks, the water falls emerging from the rock openings and the streamsflowing parallel to our trek route. Though the route was relatively easier thedistance was challenging. The route passed through a valley with mountains onboth sides. A large stream flowed alongside. On the way we saw many uniquesights.

At last wereached a point from where the Sherpa pointed at the hill ahead of us and toldus that it was the last hurdle to be crossed. We were elated. We had to walkthrough a narrow ledge with a steep drop on one side and the slope on theother. As we crossed the mountain we witnessed the most joyous sight ever, thesight of our jeeps waiting at a distance to take us back to Manasarovar. One byone, all our 38 yatris had successfully completed the Parikrama. At thefinishing point of the yatra I saw the magical moment in each and every one.Some started hugging each other and the blissful tears were rolling profusely.The immense joy, the Satchidananda that felt by us could only be experienced,mere word or explanation cannot compare it.

To most performing 3 day parikrama is herculean tusk and big achievement bur some Tibetans do the 53 kmcircumambulation in a single day, where else other Tibetans will take two tothree weeks for the kora by making full body prostrations along the entire way(about 25 000 prostrations). It is believed that a pilgrim who completes 108koras around the mountain will gain enlightenment at the time of death.

Despite knowing the difficultiesinvolve these yatris undertook this yatra to get the grace of the allmighty Shiva Sakti. At the end of the yatra through the grace of the Lordalmost everybody complete the yatra successfully. Only absolute faith is neededin Shiva Sakthi and the rest is taken care.

All thesemagical moments were recorded in my camera for me to recollect and remember inthe future. After spending some time feeling the joy we continue our yatra andfinished it back in Darchen.

You canvisualize the Ecstasy on the face of these yatris on having the darshan of theLord. It is simply indescribable, you need to experience it to understand thesame. Every yatri undertake this arduous journey just for this Holy darshan.The darshan that will never leave you, even if you wanted it.

Today is the final day of theholy Kailash Manasarovar outer parikrama. Standing before our group members Iprayed and thanked the lord for bringing all of us safely to the end of the outerparikrama.

Knowing that today is the last day of the outer parikrama, our young yatri Bala Murugan enjoys himself my dancing, singing and celebrating - Om Namasivaya.

Kaniga Kumari one of last yatri to be included for the yatra
completing the three days parikrama with success.

Both Iya Bala Krishnan and Iya Paramsothy of Australia completed their three day parikrama on foot - 4 to 5 month physical and mental training surely had helped to achieve this goal.

Our amazing, dynamic and helpful Amma Valli completing the whole parikrama on foot.

What a scenic view!!!!!!!!

Kailai Premmy performing a puja for Shridi Baba - She had a vision of Baba two years ago and ever since she makes a point to perform puja at this scared spot .

Very scenic and easy trail from Zutulpuk Gompa down Eastern valley on Mount Kailash Outer Kora.

As we crossed the mountain we witnessed the most joyous sight ever, thesight of our jeeps waiting at a distance to take us back to Darchen.

No words needed to explains these wonderful blissfulmoments

Ever helpful Sherpa Pasang - He had submitted Everest twice.

To ourSherpas, you are like our teachers, guiding and taking us to the unknown.

Thanking all ofyou from our heart. Without you we could not have made it.

As usual I prayed and thanked the lord for the wonderfuljourney

for the wonderful dip in the holywater,

for making me perform the Homapuja by Lake Manasarovar,

for fulfilling my vow of takingall yatris through this three days outerparikrama.

for the blessing and allowing us touch close theNorthern face,

for revealing the Nandhi at theNorthern face,

for showing me the Karma testingstone and mothers navel,

for taking us safely to thehighest point at Dolma La pass,

for showing the magnificent viewof Gawri kund,

for the parikrama and for havinga clear darshan of all the four faces,

for being able to survive allodds, heavy hailstone rain, the scorching heat during the day time and numbingcold at night.,

for slowly and steadily bringingthe 40 of us to became one in thought and action
All these made our yatra a total success in completing the pilgrimage.

Om Namasivaya

To be continued.....................................

Kailai Bala's Kailash Yatra 2011- 8 - 2nd Day of Parikrama

2011-09-25T23:25:00.000-07:00

Day 10 - 13th August 2011 Dirapuk to Zhutul Phuk

NORTH FACE DARSHAN

Can you see the hidden and mystical image on the Mountain.

This photo was taken early in morning just before we stated our 2nd day parikrama and it was still cloudy and misty

2nd day parikrama and the parikrama route.

Most of the yatris from India use the pony to carry them.

2nd day parikrama, the toughest but most rewarding.

Kailai Nagarajan on the right is performing his 3rd Kailash yatra. Iya Balakrishan and Amma Valli, first times and they in their mid 60s perform the outer on foot. SYABAS TO THEM.

( Photo taken at Siwasthal )

Siwasthal

Just around 2 hours walk from Deraphuk Gomba situated on the way to Dolma – La is Siwastal. Many pilgrims visit this place as it is known a duplication of the magical funeral ground at Bodh Gaya. Pilgrims here experience ritual death and enter into the dreadful presence of Yama, before being reborn on top of the Drolma La. One can easily notice the ground which is laid out with unbelievable collection of clothing, shoes, and bags along with terrible things like bones, hair and even blood. These things are mainly the offerings which are made by the people who pass from here

Parikrama route near Shivasthal

Nima our super Sherpa

Rajan and Bala Murugan testing their luck at Mother's Navel.

At Karma testing stone.

Offering prayer at Dolmala Pass where Parvathi resides.

Tying prayer flags at Dolmala Pass.

Traditionally, prayer flags are used to promote peace, compassion, strength, and wisdom. The flags do not carry prayers to gods, a common misconception; rather, the Tibetans believe the prayers and mantras will be blown by the wind to spread the good will and compassion into all pervading space. Therefore, prayer flags are thought to bring benefit to all. By hanging flags in high places the Lung ta (powerful or strong horse) will carry the blessings depicted on the flags to all beings. As wind passes over the surface of the flags which are sensitive to the slightest movement of the wind, the air is purified and sanctified by the Mantras.

Kailai Rajan went all the in and touch the Dilmala Rock with is associated with Tara Devi for the Tibetan and Parvathy for Hindus.

Our group members at Dolmala Pass.

Dolma La

Kailai Paransothy from Australia and he is one of our senior most yatri. At the age of 71 he did the whole parikrama on foot. Syabas Param Iya.

Tibetan yatri performing her Kailash kora counter clockwise

Trekking down to Gauri Kund.

Iya Paramsothy from Australia and Iya Balakrishnan of Malaysia.

For the 2nd consecutive year, Kailai Rajan and myself descended the steep hill to have a closer darshan of Gauri kund. Dipped our prayer items and drank the sweet holy water as prasad.

Route and elevation map of Gauri Kund

Gauri Kund

Gauri Kund, a water body that is also known as the Lake of Compassion, lies on the way while going on downwards from Dolma - La (Dolma Pass). This steep descent from Dolma Pass is a wonderful lake which is at an altitude of 5608m. As per Hindu mythology, there is a fascinating tale about Gauri Kund and has been described in legend “Shiva Purana”. The lake is also famous as “Parvati Sarovar” as this was the place where goddess Parvati had acquired her son Ganesha (Elephant headed God). Goddess Parvati had formed an image of Ganesh from the soap lather on her body and breathed life into it. She placed Ganesha at the entrance of her home as her janitor to prevent anyone from entering while she was bathing. Now Lord Shiva happened to return at this point of time and was stopped by Ganesha. Offended by this disrespectful act from Ganesha, Lord Shiva cut off the boy's head. Pravati was grief-stricken by seeing it and insisted that the boy needs to be brought back to life. Lord Shiva took the head of a wandering elephant and placed it on the body and life was restored and Parvati had her son back.

Glacier formation along our parikrama route and the peaks above Lham Chu Eastern Valley On descent from Dolma La on Mount Kailash Outer Kora.

Axe Of Karma Rock Formation OnDescent From Dolma La On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

As a last remembrance of past trials he sees a strangeupright rock, in the shape of an axe, on his way down to the valley. It is theemblem of the King of Death, and it is called the axe of Karma. To the piouspilgrim it has lost its power through the mercy of Tara, the Saviouress,because mercy is stronger than Karma; it washes away our past deeds in thetears of compassion for all suffering beings. Sharing the suffering of allleaves no place for one's own suffering, and finally results in one's growingbeyond one's own little ego.

The Way of the WhiteClouds by Lama Anagarika Govinda.

Thick Glacier during the descent from Dolma la to the Base

Dolma La - 18484 feet
Gauri Kund - 18400 feet
Base of the Mt - 17153 feet
Distance from Dolma La to base - 1.67 miles or 2.7 Kms

Mount Kailash East face darshan seen from the eaatern valley on Mount Kailash outer parikrama on the 2nd day

2nd day parikrama route Eastern Valley On Mount Kailash Outer Kora

End of 2nd day parikrama
Viji, Pury, Dama and Rajan with two Sherpas.

Zhutulpuk mud/guest house.

End of 2nd day parikrama.

to be continued..............................

Kailai Bala's Kailash Yatra 2011- 7- 1st Day of parikrama

2011-09-24T05:25:00.001-07:00

MOUNT KAILASH PARIKRAMA ROUTE AND ITS ELEVATION

Parikrama Day 1: Darchen to Derapuk 20kms
The first 8 kms of the parikrama is done by jeeps. The jeep will drop you at Tarboche and from there you trek the rest 12 kms to Derapuk Gompa. The route is a gradual ascend with some ups and down along the Lham Chu River. It takes approximately 4-5 hrs to do this journey.

If for some reason, anyone not interested in doing the Kailash parikrama can do the parikrama around Yam Dwaar at Tarboche and then return back to Darchen and wait for the rest of the group to return.

Parikrama Day 2: Derapuk To Zutupuk, 18kms
This is the most arduous of the days as this involves crossing The Dolma La at 5621mtrs. Even if you have done a pony the steep ascend of about 4kms before the Dolma la and the steep descend after, will have to be done on foot. It gets a bit tricky doing this on loose stones and boulders, but here the poters are of a great help

Also just after Dolma la you cross the highest fresh water lake, Gauri Kund 5608mtrs. Gauri Kund or The Emerald lake or The Lake of Compassion is believed to be the place where Ganesha acquired his elephant head.

Completing this treacherous trek of 18 kms take 10-12 hrs and by evening you reach ZutulPuk camp

Parikrama Day3: ZutulPuk to Darchen 14kms
This is the simplest of the 3 days as is mostly done on plain lands. The total trek on foot or pony is of 10 kms and at the end there are the jeeps waiting for you and you cover the last of the 4 kms by road. This takes around 3-4 hrs

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Day 9 - 12th August 2011 Darchen to Dirapuk

At Darchen one can have darshan of the Southern face. Onlythe top portion is visible and the bottom part is covered by the guardianmountains around it.

Akora face - South face

According to mythology this Akora face is facing south on the right shoulder of the Lord it is bearded with protruded teeth like that of an old man which produces fear and is black. This face symbolizes Agni ( fire) in the five elements and stands for destruction ( destroyer and stands for annihilation ) and so is considered as Rudra. According to mythology at the end of the final great deluge Pralayam all the jivatmas rest at the feet of the Lord and only Shiva and Parvati remain. Out of infinite compassion Mother Parvati prays to Lord to start the creation again and so creation again starts. Of the five syllables this face symbolizes the first syllable ‘Si”. This face is also called Dakshinamurthy. Lord Shiva as the dancing Lord of Nataraja also faces south. The face looks like that the Lord is sitting upon 1008 petalled golden lotus in perpetual meditation. According to Tibetan mythology this face shines like sapphire akin to that of ocean. Gajasamharar, Virabadrar, Dakshinamoorthy, Kirathamurthy, Vishapakaranar are the aspects of this Ahor face.

1st Prostration Point

While some proceed to Flag pole and then to Yama dwar, many choose to trek up a steep hill to reach the 1st prostration point. It took about 30 minutes to reach the peak and the view around this place was amazing, 360 degrees all postcard views. From here, Mount Kailash gave a unique look hiding behind mount Astapad. Mount Astapad is seen in front of Mount Kailash and it appeared like the Palipeedam in the temple. After offering our prayers and prostration and spending about 15 minutes we trek down, got into our four wheels and moved on to join our main group at Yama dwar.

We walk through Yama Dwar to leave behind the fear of death

Yam Dwar
Yam Dwar is situated in Tarboche which is approximately 30 minutes drive from Darchen. The exact meaning of the Yam Dwar in Hindi lingo is “the gateway of the God of Death”. It is the initial point of circumambulation of Mount Kailash. Known as Chorten Kang Ngyi which means two legged Stupa in Tibet.

3rd time Kailash yatris Kailai Maheswary performing her Yama Dwar ritual.

This small archway called Yama dwar (Yama’s doorway) at the base of Kailash is considered to be the domain of Yama, Hindu God controlling Death. Further having sinned, we were not worthy of performing the parikrama. According to tradition, by passing through Yama’s doorway, we go through death and are reborn: pure of body and ready to perform the parikrama. This was a very emotional moment for everyone! All of us walk through this leaving our old self and reborn as new beings.

All the yatris getting ready, mentally, physically and emotionally before Parikrama.

As usual, we started our parikrama with anamaskar to Lord Shiva, Ganesha and Guru. We started our walk as group andslowly it started to split to a calling distance of each other and within anhour some had gone beyond and some had started to lag far behind.

INVOCATION PRAYERS

May we worship Ganapati, the Protector of Noble People
The best Poet, the Most Honourable,
The Greatest Ruler and the treasure of all knowledge
O Ganapati, please listen to us and take your seat in our heart.
May we worship Goddess of all learning and
bestower of all knowledge to Her we prostrate.
We bow to lord Ganesha, Devi Sarasvati and
our divine Guru who removes darkness and ignorance.

1st day walk is technically not at all difficult, gaining altitude very gradually. the holy mountain is not always visible during the parikrama, the view being blocked by other rocky mountains in between also known as guardians of Kailash. At a moderate pace we should reach our camping place just below Diraphuk gompa in about 5 to 6 hours.Overnight in guesthouse / Camp.

The river Lha Chu flows nearby and we go alongits banks, in the valley between two close mountain ranges. Wonderful scenes.Sublime and spiritual.

To Chukku Gompa

We started our walk with as a group slowly but very surely. I was awed again and yet again with the amid views and ritualistic sites along the way. Six of broke from main group and and visited the Chukku Gompa monastry. This is the Chukku-Gompa in the Valley of Gods on the circuit around Mt.Kailas. This Gompa is the first monastery on the route of the circumambulation. The pilgrims donate butter to the monks and receive the blessing of the sacred objects wich are kept at the Gompa.

Highlight of our visit this monastery was the sacredconch. We spend some time inside of thetemple, offering butter lamp to the deities in the sanctum and round around thedeities. We observe few Tibetan yatris came offered their prayer followed byanother sacred ritual of blowing the conch into the ears of this devotees. Wealso requested the monks there to do the same for us.

The monk in-charge of this ritual chanted some mantra andconsecutively blow the conch almost to the our ears. I do not know how and whatothers felt but for me my whole body wasvibrating with very nice feeling and sensation. All six of took turn inperforming this scared ritual and for my future yatra I hope and pray thealmight will grand this opportunity again and again.

Later I found out that this conch shell inlaid with silvercalled Chodung Thongwa Kundrol accordingto legend it magically flew from Bodh Gaya, India toChukku, and is said to have the power to remove bad karma in the penitentpilgrim. There is also a large, copper vessel there that was brought from Indiaby Tilopa. The vessel and the conch and the Chuku Rinpoche statue, are said torepresent the body, speech, and mind of the Buddha.

Trekking route from Yamadwar to Chukku Gompa.

View of mt Kailash from Chukku Gompa - observe the snow capped cone like Mountain, it is associated with Lord Ganesha.

Chukku Gompa the first of three Gompas around Mount Kailash

View of Barkha plain from Chukku Monastry.

Murugan

Afterour prayer at Chukku Gompa we started our parikrama walk to Diraphuk, within a fewminutes it became dark and hailstorm started and it was pelting down on all ofus. We were unable hide anywhere. There was no wind, thunder or lightning.There was just the sound of hailstones crashing on the hill slopes. They brokeupon hitting the low wall around the stupa and the rocks around and broke into pieces. The rain coat and robe were their onlyprotection we had. After a while, thewhole region became whitish filled with marble of white hailstones. Asthe hailstone was not stopping we decided to continue our walk toward Diraphuk.Slowly the weather improved and we continued our journey.

Unique Rock formation thru out the yatra route

Yet another unique Rock formation along the 1st day parikrama route.

Huge Mani stone near Diraphuk Gompa

Tibetan people build these unique works of art to show their piety to their deities and the Buddha's teachings. Upon encountering a mani stone mound, Tibetan people circumambulate it clockwise as a prayer offering for health, peace, and protection.

Mid way through the first day parikrama one will be blessed to have this Satyojat darshan.

Satyojata face - Western face

According to mythology this face is called as Satyojat which is facing west and is white in color . Of the five elements this face represents earth. This face stands for creation, Of the five syllables this face stands for ‘Na’ . According to Tibetians this face shines like Ruby. All the other faces of Kailash are convex but this west face is concave.Lingothpavar,Umamahesar, Harihara, Ardhanari are aspects of this face.

Unique rock formation all around this region. This formation is often called as the WING.

Numerous waterfalls runs down from Mt Kailash.

It is said that there are about four Nandhis around Mt Kailash. One for each face of the Lord. 3 of the Nandhis are are visible to the yatris and this Nandhis is facing the Southern face of the Lord.

Numerous Chotens in front of Diraphuk Gompa.

STUPAS ARE IMPORTANT BECAUSE:

To inspire people to seek a peaceful and spiritual path.
To help explain Buddhism to anyone interested.
To be a pilgrimage place for Buddhists from around the world.
To provide a refuge of peace and serenity for all and especially those in need.
To be of service to as many beings as possible

Chortens in front of Northen Kailash

To be continued.....................................

Kailai Bala's Kailash Yatra 2011- 6-Puja at Manasarovar

2011-09-24T01:41:00.001-07:00

Day 8 - 11th August 2011 Manasarovar

Manasarovar Lake, a beauty on its own. Mesmerizing every pair of eyes, I could see how everyone was blown away by the mysticism and wonder of the surrounding.

Rain.... drops of rain clustered our mind not knowing if it would stop or if it would pour heavily. A simple prayer was offered for the rain to stop so that we could carry on with our pooja as planned. we were moved at how the rain stopped as soon as the prayers took place. It was very clear that we were blessed.. truly blessed to be there.

An appropriate place was chosen for the pooja and all the yatris participated humbly in the pooja.

Yatris were given a chance to perform the final offering to Lord Shiva.

Prasadam was given to everyone after the pooja.

Manasrovar water overflowing and merging with our alter at the end of our homa pooja, a true sense of blessing.

Happy yatris signifies successful pooja. Contented, blessed and pleased.

To be Continued.....................................

Kailai Bala's Kailash Yatra 2011- 5- Saga to Manas

2011-09-21T06:11:00.001-07:00

Day 7 - 10th August 2011 Saga to Manasarovar

As usual, after breakfast with the group, we continued our journey, this time to Manasarovar. It took nothing less than 7 to 8 hours to reach and for the first time since 2007 the road appeared fully completed and new. My previous trip it took two days to reach Lake Manasarovar from Saga. Most of the traveler now bypass the dirty town Paryang.

The normal routine, exercising, praying for physical and mental steadiness before starting the journey. 

This is a prayer flag post on the shores of Holy Manasarovar. Tibetans tie these flags as a mark of thanks giving to their God on the fulfillment of their prayers.

After an exhausting 7-hour journey and covering more than 500 kilometers, we reached the prayer place that marks the first sightings of the Holy Lake and the Holy Mountain on the route. The tall prayer flagstaff along with the prayer flags add to the holy ambiance. All our vehicles circle it three times and later the Tibetan drivers did a full prostration on the ground. It was a Beautiful place and a wonderful sight. As the jeep, pulls to a stop we see Lake Manasarovar clearly for the first time, but the clouds appeared and blocked the whole Mt Kailash view .

Mesmerized by the holiness of the Lake and Mountain, we sat praying to ourselves at the 1st sighting of the Holy Lake. A couple of years ago this place was purely a place for yatris. Today, we could see progressing development to my opinion has altered the sacredness of the Holy lake being a spot of great moral or spiritual significance to a plain tourist attraction.


*This was my fourth time to this Holy Lake and never before had I performed a proper prayer for this lake.* This huge lake with the mirror like image of snow capped mountains in its crystal clear waters is just fabulous. The lake is located at the southern foot of Mount Kailash, stretching up to 55miles (88kms) in perimeter it goes 330 feet deep and about 120 sq mi of total area. Lake Mansarovar has exceptional beauty that varies from crystal clear blue water near the shores and a deep emerald green colour at the center. There are a few monasteries on the shore of the lake and most striking of all is the ancient Chiu Gompa Monastery, which has been built right onto a steep hill.

By bathing and drinking this water og Manasarovar one becomes fortunate and clears all his sins.
Thus many travel agencies have annual pilgrimage group tours to this place and are often known as
“Mansarovar Yatra”.

Intense concentration -Kamalanathan and butter Lamp

The Seralung (Hailstone Valley) monastery was rebuilt in 1984 by the Drigung Kagyu monastery. It is located on the right side of a small valley near a spring. The original monastery, further up the valley to the east, was home to close to one hundred monks before it was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution. The main images of the Seralung monastery are Guru Rinpoche and Sakyamuni. Seralung, along with the Selung and Gyandruk monasteries near Mt. Kailash, is a branch of the Drigungtil Monastery east of Lhasa. Visiting these Monastires is regular feature with our group.

Viji and Reiki Master Subra at Seralung Gompa offering their prayers butter lamp.

Seralung Gompa, another monastery that was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution and rebuilt since. This one was rebuilt in the 1980s, but it looks older than that. Offering butter lamps is the most powerful offering because their light symbolizes wisdom. Just as a lamp dispels darkness, offering light from a butter lamp represents removing the darkness of ignorance in order to attain luminous clear wisdom.

Many of yatris braved the icy cold water to take 1st Holy Manasoravar.

According to Hindu tradition, Manasarovar was created by Brahma, god of creation, to provide an appropriate place for religious rituals. It is said that he had 12 sons, who were holy men and performed rituals and austerities on the dry land at the site. To give them a more suitable place to earn merit, Brahma created the beautiful Lake Mansarovar.

Lake Manas is also one of the tha Shakti peeth. This is place where Devi's right hand or palm fell and Sakti is represented as Dakhchayani (Durga) and Shiva as Amar (Immortal).

When the earth of Manasarovar touches anyone’s body, or when anyone bathes in this lake, he shall go to the paradise of Brahma, and he who drinks its waters shall go to the heaven of Shiva and shall be released from the sins of a hundred births. Even the beast that bears the name of Manasarovar shall go to the paradise of Brahma, its water are like pearls.

- The Ramayana -

Mystical sighting at the presence of the Lake.

To be continued...................................

Kailai Bala's Kailash Yatra 2011- 4 - Nyalam to Saga

2011-09-21T04:05:00.003-07:00

Day 6 - 9th August 2011 Nyalam to Saga

Milarepa's cave

Photo from Milarepa's cave, which overlooks the entrance to the hidden valley of Lapchi Gang, is entered from the gompa's vestibule. Pilgrim's offerings of decorated stones along the path and sweet-smelling herbs and wild flowers growing all around make this a place of great peace and beauty.

Offer my prayer at Milarepa's cave.

The cave itself is kept as a shrine by two monks, guarding a statue of Milarepa enclosed in a glass case. In the cave is an impression in the rock attributed to Milarepa's sitting meditation posture and a hand print said to have been created when Milarepa helped Rechungpa (1083/4-1161 CE), his student, use a boulder to prop up the ceiling. There are images of Milarepa, Tsongkhap, and Shridev , a protectress whose mule is said to have left a footprint in the stone when she visited Milarepa in a vision.

After the extra day in Nyalam (3,750 m; 12,303 ft) for acclimatization and a short hike, we packed and left for the settlement of Saga. Nyalam to Saga which covers a distance of about 240kms, not like my 2007, 2009 or 2010 yatra the journey starts with newly build Tar road, smooth and pleasant. As the plateau is ringed by the Himalayan Mountains, we had hoped to drive by some spectacular scenery along the way. However, it was a gloomy day with cold drizzly rain and the cloud was thick at the higher elevations. The high point at La Lung La Pass (15,900 ft) was also unimpressive. It was festooned with prayer flags and prayer wheels. However, it was bitterly cold and windy to be outside the Land Cruiser and the valley and the mountains were smothered in dense fog.

The China-Nepal Highway (also known as the Friendship Highway) is a scenic route on the Tibetan Plateau. One branch continues west and upriver as China National Highway 219, finally crossing the Brahmaputra/Indus divide near sacred Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, then on to Ali in Gar County. Scenery along the highway features important cultural monuments, the upper valley of the Yarlung Zangbo (Brahmaputra) River, vast grasslands and meadows on the plateau, and mountain vistas including five of the world's highest peaks: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu and Shishapangma as well as largely unexplored and unclimbed peaks east and west of Lakpa-La reaching 7,367 meters at Labuche Kang. Friendship Highway is also important to pilgrims making their way from all corners of Tibet to the spiritual center in Lhasa and to the sacred circuits of Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar.

Newly built Friendship Highway

We reached Saga late evening and it was raining continuously. Did some last minute shopping for essential and eagerly waited for next morning to arrive. The day most yatris will have the first darshan of Lake Manasarovar and Mt Kailash.

to be continued.....................................

Kailai Bala's Kailash Yatra 2011-3-Nyalam

2011-09-20T19:26:00.000-07:00

Day 03,4 and 5 - 6th,7th and 8th August 2011
Kathmandu to Nyalam

Day 3 - Drive from Kathmanduto Kodari - Zhangmu Border and continue onto Nyalam. (3700m) 175Km andtakes about 9 hours. We left our hotelearly in the morning and drive through gorgeous Nepalese countryside for nearly175 km. 39 Malaysian along with six Nepali guides and catering crew started the journey using a 2 X 24 seater buses while some others crew members hadalready gone ahead in a supply truck. Our Bus and trucks had to negotiatewaterfalls and falling streams off the mountainside on to the roads. The drivewas stunning with outstanding views of the Nepalese countryside.

Land slide which is a regular happening during the journey.

we had to pass through the border in Kodari. It was rather a bumpy ride as the road condition was a challange with bad roads and land slides. Despite the condition, our focus in fulfilling this yatra exceeded all condition that seemed challenging. Unlike our previous trip were we very lucky to have avoided the landslides which are regular events hereduring the monsoon season. This time the lady luck was not on our side and wewere caught in a massive slide and it took about 3 to 4 hours before theyclear the road. Upon reaching Kodari the group completed visa proceduresand border formalities with the help of our guides. Due to the delay we werenot allow to cross the border and we had to spend the night in Kodari .

Numerous such water can be seen during the journey from the Nepal border at Kodari to Nyalam

Photo taken just before Nyalam town.
The Bhote Kosi river at the back is a trans-boundary river and is part of the Kosi or Sapta Kosi river system in Nepal. It originates in Tibetan Autonomous Region of China.

On our left is Sejal from Hong Kong and on the right is Jairam from UK,

both are Indian national who had permit and visa problem.

Upon reaching Nyalam, at the final check point we encountered a slight or rather an unexpected fiasco. Two of our yatris from India faced a permit problem where their details were not registered in the Chinese Government System as tourists for this yatra. We tried hard to compel and convince but our effort was fruitless. Our infliction did not work and the affected yatris were asked to return to where they started but with GOD's grace, they joined us later after 5 days of struggle to get their permits done by one of our tour operators in Kathmandu. As for the rest of us, we got the green light and we continued till we reached our pitstop at one of the guest houses in Nyalam. we checked in, took rest and went out for final shopping. It was all good.

Day 4 - 1/2 kilometers from Nyalam town is this atmospheric countryside spot near the Bothe Kosi river. A place to cleanse your heart and mind, this is my fourth time to this peaceful place. Every-time I came, I spent sometime allowing myself for a quiet meditation and this time was no exception. My group of yatris did not lose this opportunity as well. Ear pleasing melody of the river, eye pleasing scenic view and heart and mind pleasing meditation prepared us for the journey that we awaited since it was planned for long ago. A pure cleanser.

Memory lane

Hiking at this steepness was rather a challenge. All the training, the strength of mind and will were put into action and it definitely paid off. Perseverance is the key to all conquest.

Beautiful view of the blue sky, chilly wind and clean air were surrounding us at this point. It almost felt like we were welcomed. Good feeling clutched giving this journey a deeper meaning and better realisation. May the purest of purity prevails.

to be continued.......................

Kailai Bala's Kailash Yatra 2011-2-Pashipathinath temple

2011-09-19T08:47:00.001-07:00

Day 02 Friday - 5th August 2011

Visit to Pashipathinath temple
Homa Puja at Pashupathinath temple
visit to Briddhashram
Bagmati river aarathi

Statues of Lord Ganesha, Siva and Muruga at the entrance of Pashupathinath temple


Yatris in front of Pashupathinath temple At the entrance of Pashupathinath Temple Pashupathinath is one of the most sacred temple of Lord Shiva which house the 4 to 5 feet tall black in colour Chaturmukhlinga (Linga with four faces). It is located by the Bhagmati river on the eastern part of Kathmandu. Only the Hindus are allowed to enter the temple whereas the non-Hindus are only allowed to have a look from the other bank of the Bagmati river. Pashupati Temple Pashupati Temple stands in the center of the town of Deopatan, in the middle of an open courtyard. It is a square, two-tiered pagoda temple built on a single-tier plinth, and it stands 23.6 meters above the ground. Richly ornamented gilt and silver-plated doors are on all sides. On both sides of each door are niches of various sizes containing gold-painted images of guardian deities. Inside the temple itself is a narrow ambulatory around the sanctum. The sanctum contains a one-meter high linga with four faces (chaturmukha) representing Pashupati, as well as images of Vishnu, Surya, Devi and Ganesh. The priests of Pashaputinath are called Bhattas and the chief priest is called Mool Bhatt or Raval. The chief priest is answerable only to the King of Nepal and reports to him on temple matters on a periodic basis. The struts under the roofs, dating from the late 17th century, are decorated with wood carvings of members of Shiva's family such as Parvati, Ganesh, Kumar or the Yoginis, as well as Hanuman, Rama, Sita, Lakshman and other gods and goddesses from the Ramayana. Pashaputi Temple's extensive grounds include many other old and important temples, shrines and statues. South of the temple, for instance, is Chadeshvar, an inscribed Licchavi linga from the 7th century, and north of the temple is a 9th-century temple of Brahma. On the south side of Pashupati temple is the Dharmashila, a stone where sacred oaths are taken, and pillars with statues of various Shah kings. In the northeast corner of the temple courtyard is the small pagoda temple of Vasuki, the King of the Nagas. Vasuki has the form of a Naga (mythical snake) from the waist upwards, while the lower parts are an intricate tangle of snakes' bodies. According to local belief, Vasuki took up residence here in order to protect Pashupati. One can often see devotees circumambulating and worshipping Vasuki before entering the main sanctum. Bagmati Arti Kathmandu, Nepal Arti is done at the bank of Bagmati river on the east of Pashupatinathtemple. Bagmati arathi take place every day And on the other side of the river, the worshippers, the dancers, the priests continue their revelry of worship. Grieving and celebration face to face. Both viewing the other. Within 50 footsteps of each other. Cremation at Bagmati River The importance of Bagmati also lies in the fact that Hindusare cremated on the banks of this holy river, According to the Nepalese Hindutradition, the dead body must be dipped three times into the Bagmati riverbefore cremation. The chief mourner (usually the first son) who lights thefuneral pyre must take a holy river-water bath immediately after cremation.Many relatives who join the funeral procession also take a bath in the Bagmati River or sprinkle the holy water ontheir bodies at the end of cremation. The Bagmati Riveris considered to purify the people spiritually. Arya Ghat, dating from the early 1900s, is of special importance because it is the only place where lustral water for Pashupatinath Temple can be obtained and it is where members of the royal family are cremated. The main cremation site is Bhasmeshvar Ghat, which is the most-used cremation site in the Kathmandu Valley. The preferred bathing spot for women is the Gauri Ghat, to the north. Across the Bagmati River are 15 votive shrines, the Pandra Shivalaya, which were built to enshrine lingas in memory of deceased persons between 1859 and 1869. Distributing blessed rudraksha mala to elderly s To make our yatra more spiritual and meaningful we included a visit to the Briddhashram elderly home at Kathmandu, Nepal. we distributed about 170 saree for ladies, Nepal head gear for gents, 230 sweater, feed all with a good meal and most of all we gave some some quality time and in return the whole trip became a very memorable day for all of us. Briddhashram residents consider themselves some of the mostfortunate elders in all of Nepal.The center is currently managed by The Woman, Children and Social WelfareMinistry and sustained mostly by donations. In truth, they are fortunate.Persons admitted here receive good food and shelter, and are given clothingtwice annually. This home for the elderly fills one with hope. What gives hopeis that although they have lost families and possessions, the residents stillcare, they care for each other and they retain a deep sense of humanity. Service to Mankind Is Service to God மக்கள் சேவை மகேசன் சேவை Man is born with a heart of compassion which reacts in accordance to the feelings of fellow humans. Compassion, love, affection, and care are the innate qualities which make a human. These qualities define man. The development or suppression of these qualities entirely depends on man himself. From time to time, philosophers and religious scholars have tried to encourage people to increase these innate qualities in themselves. Humanity is one such aspect which has been stressed upon in all parts of the world. "Service to Mankind is service to God" is the proverb highly prevalent all over the world. Humanitarianism is considered as service to human beings. The very term human denotes a charitable person. Loving and serving humans is considered of the utmost importance. Uplifting the poor by providing basic necessities like food, clothing and shelter is the only rule that finds its place in the agenda of serving people. One example to inculcate the ability to serve mankind in humans is about the "Good Samaritan" who has helped a sick man and did not even care to reveal his identity to the people. There are various social service organizations in every part of the world which help the orphans, women, children and the elderly. They are served by providing material provisions like food, shelter, clothing, medical help and education. - Extracted from internet - - A small group of our yatris with some of the elderly s of Briddhashram to be continued................................

Kailai Bala's Kailash Yatra 2011 - 1 - Pre Kailash yatra

2011-09-19T03:35:00.001-07:00

My Journey into the Land of Gods

Pre Kailash Yatra Puja July 2011

Pre departure Kailash Yatra puja

After months of physical and mental fitness training it was time for seeking blessing from the inner world beings. Special Homa puja, 108 Sangabhishegam and Kumbha puja was perform seeking protection from Lord Ganesh, Lord Muruga and Lord Siva for all the 39 Kailash Yatris. About 250 devotee, friends, family member and relatives took part in this special puja. Annathanam was served to all those present there. Photos of my previous Mount Kailash and Manasarovar yatra was displayed bring some awareness and to propagate this yatra to others. Special talk on Mount Kailash and Manasarovar yatra was give by Shri Subramania Gurukkal.

News paper cutting of the event which was published in Tamil daily.

Pre Kailash yatra puja July 2011

After Maheswara puja, annathanam was served to the devotees present.

Kailash Yatris - 2011

19 female and 20 male yatris - age ranging from 26 to 72

Day 01 Thursday 4th August 2011

KLIA to Kathmandu

After months of preparation for this Kailash yatra, the day we had waited finally came on the 4^th August 2011. With God's grace and blessing all the yatris were at the airport on time and many came with their family members to send them off for this very important yatra of their life time.

Yatris in yellow T Shirts with Family members at KLIA international airport.

For a yatra to be successful, there is a need for cooperation, coordination, understanding, give and take policy among the group members. We are proud to say that as usual there were lot of understanding among our group members. Three to four months of training period, not only brought physical and mental strength but it also created lot of understanding among our group member. - SYABAS TO ALL OF YOU.

KLIA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Finally after about 4 hours flight time we reach Nepal's only international Airport at Kathmandu the Tribhuvan Airport. At entrance we were met by Mr Premji one of the director of Eco trek Nepal tour agency to welcome us with rudraksha mala. We were then taken to our Hotel ( Hotel Shangri La ) around noon. After room arrangement we had a nice buffet vegetarian lunch and in the evening Mr Bimalji briefed us about basic guidelines on how to survive at high altitude, what type accommodation and food we would get in Tibet, the must take list of items, question session between the yatris the organizer etc.


Briefing by Bimalji - Shangrila Hotel After the briefing we were given the following items as complimentary for the yatra:- 1. Duffle bag 2. Small Shoulder Bag (ruck sack) 3. Cap 4. Down jacket


*Introducing our yatis to the group. This is Murugan our youngest yatris age 26*

This is Iya Muthu Veeran and our oldest yatri at 72

to be continued ..........

Kailash Yatra with Kailai Bala - 2010

2011-01-06T17:23:00.000-08:00

Kailash Yatra with Kailai Bala - 2010

OM NAMAH SHIVA

Testimonials by Kailai Piyush Ghelani

Kailai Piyush performing Abishekam with Kailash Holy water to about 270

Rudraksha mala which will be taken back and given to the inmates at Old Folks Home at Kathmandu.

It was totally unforgettable experience of a life time.....................

Yatra compeleted before it started.

On the day we reached Mansarovar, at early morning between 4.45 to 5 am the sky was full with stars, then I had a look towards Mt. Kailash, lord Shiva blessed me with full view of south face and all clear celestial steps without snow for about 10 minutes.

Before full view of south face I was blessed with the lights coming out from the top of Mt. Kailash, as if the whole sky is lighted up.

After that the stars entering into the Mt. Kailash one by one I saw 5 different stars, (not shooting stars) as this stars where this in horizon for quite some time then started to enter Mt Kailash.

After showing all this I was lost for words for few hours, next day morning I told to Jitesh, Girsh, Kirit, Bala.

Why was I selected by all mighty, I am looking for an answer.

Yagna.
Yagna at Mansarovar for 7 hours and chanting almost 2000 times Maha Mritunjaya mantra was totally unbelievable, and thinkable, we were blessed when was getting it hot clouds gave us cover, and slow wind blow to cool the temperature until the yagna completed, then we were blessed with slight drizzle for a while, the whole atmosphere was just unbelievable.

Divine help.

I was suffering from heavy headache near Dolma pass, and I was slow going up, at almost 5400mt I saw a boy about 8-9 years coming down towards me and he gives me small leaves to smell and informs me once I smell I will be OK, after smelling for out 3-4 times I was so fit that porters where left behind of about 15 minutes.

The boy was wearing only shirt and pants and he was gone in less than half minute.

Why was I selected again by all mighty, I am looking for an answer.

Blessings.
Before going for Nandi Kora, about 3 days ago I had told Jitesh my yatra is completed no matter what happens.

We had to come back from south face about 1 hour from Nandi, as we came across some trouble, I thanked lord Shiva at south face and asked for protection for my friends, in about 2 minutes or less my stick got broken from down, this were the sign of ending of yatra at this time.

Next visit.

I will be more than happy to do again Kailash Kora's hopefully I can do it next year with Bala again, as I had told Bala while bringing me to Kailash either he is clearing his past dues from which ever birth or getting credits which I will be paying in either this life or other.

The reason I did not bring out this experience during yatra as not may of my 1st time coming friends were not able to do darshan of south face and if i had mentioned this incident then i might have had knowingly or unknowingly heart their feelings, sorry guys I did not talk to all of you about by experience during our journey.

lastly if by any chance during entire our trip knowingly or unknowingly i have heart anybody feelings then I am really sorry from bottom of my heart .........................................................

Kailai Piyush Ghelani
August 2010

Why was I selected again by all mighty, I am looking for an answer - Kailai Piyush

********************************************************************************

OM NAMAH SHIVA

Testimonials by Kailai Jayamoni Patmanathan

Photo taken during our visit to Briddhashram, a welfare home for the elderly in Kathmandu

Its a lovely blog. The whole trip to Kailash 2010 was a real experience,even from the time of conception for me.

I am yet to know of an organizer in Malaysia who trains the group prior to the trip and then prepares the troop mentally and physically for the trip. Somehow a network of love and affection is built within the group which is hard to break. I wonder how the trip would have been without the training you organized. Preparing itself is a great task and then comes the execution. It reminds me of my university exam preparation, where it is our task to prepare and writing the exams are not often as we think we can do.

I made this trip for some reason , to fulfill some one's desire and I couldn't have done it , if not for my Guru's blessings and the divine souls like you and the group.

The trip was very well organized, it was full of fun and laughter and yet deep in our soul we long for the Divine who has made it happen. Even today I re-live the Kailash days by going thru your album.

Thanks Bala , I always say God can never come in the form 4 hands and a crown and a mace and conch , he only comes in the form of human to help us and I see the Divine in your soul who fulfilled my longing for Kailash.

Kailai Jaya
7th January 2011

Kailash yatra 2010

2011-01-06T05:26:00.000-08:00

My Kailash Yatra 2010

Om Nama Sivaya

Mahā Mṛtyuñjaya Mantra

Om Tryambakam yajāmahe sugandhim puṣṭi-vardhanam

Urvārukamiva bandhanān mṛtyormukṣīya mā mṛtāt

PREFACE

The pilgrimage to this Holy Land had a profound effect on my life as it has done with the hundreds of Yatris who have traveled over the years. My first Yathra was on the 20^th july 2007 to 05 August 2007, my second one was on July 2009 to August 2009 and my latest was the 3^rd Kailash Yatra 15th July 2010 to 10^th 2010. Like every year, my newest edition of the yathra was a fulfilling one with

loads of new experience and excitements that I would love to share with all my loyal and new blog readers.

Blogging of this holy adventure started in November where I have included my travelogue of the wonderful escapade, personal experiences and guide to those interested in this intention. To experience its spiritual energy you must go there but with the right intention in mind. This is a pilgrimage and the intent should be to visit it for spiritual development, peace, both within each person and then the world. One should leave their ego, anxiety and meanness here. Not everyone is blessed to experience this wonderful journey. Therefore, I would like to bring you along in this amazing tour through my blog. May your souls be touched and mind be at peace and leave all ego, anxiety and meanness aside and feel what I have felt during my travel.

After two times of stepping foot on this Holy Land, my soul was in dire need to reunite with The

Mother of all "Tirtha Sthalam".

Why is my mind and soul so attracted to this place?

Why the immense feeling of returning to this scared domain?

I must say, ever since the 1^st yatra and the 2^nd yathra; the body, mind and soul have been in constant thought of this place.

Why is my soul disturbed; (in a good way of course) to be persistently thinking and feeling for this holy land?

I asked… and always ask myself….
Does Gods live there?
Is it because of the mystical experience I had during my 1^st and 2^nd yathra?
Or, is it because of the difficulties of the yatra that makes one to appreciate this?
Is it because of the greatness told and narrated in books?
Is it because of the vibration, peacefulness, serenity, quietness or the remoteness that one is attracted to this place?
Is it because of the request by other yatris who had already been there and wanted more?
Is it because of the new awareness that had been created through the publicity known?
Or is it because of the enrolments of new yatris?
Could it be because of the Kailash yatra blog which attracted many readers that attracted me to do so?
Is it because of the immense success of the first 2 yatras?
Or I am obsessed with the fact that the experience I came across boosts me and my inner self that when it loses it supremacy, I just need to go for a another yatra?

Whatever said and done and for whatever the reasons are, I was committed to organize the 2010 yatra for the 3^rd time which included the following Parikramas:-

3 days outer mount Kailash Parikrama.
2 days Astapad and Nandhi inner Parikrama
Which includes the darshan of the Saptharishi caves
Darshan of Atma Linga
3 days Mount Kailash inner parikrama through Valley of death and Kuber valley
1 day Charan sparsh to Northern face
4 days Manasarovar parikrama on foot.

What is true is that once a soul has experienced these places, it will get passionate and very much attracted as it will long and yearn to be there again and again.

Preparation

Like the previous yathras, I prepared myself an Itinerary and it all started as early as in December 2009. This time, I created 3 different itineraries. I offered;

Ø 17 days normal outer parikrama Kailash yatra.

Ø 23 days outer parikrama, Nandi inner parikrama and Mt Kailash inner parikrama and,

Ø A special 27 days parikrama which included Manasarovar parikrama to the 23 days yatra.

Of all three, not many were interested in the 17 days normal outer yathra, so I concentrated on the 23 days yathra as many wanted it. At the same time, I also reserved the 27 days yathra for selected yathris who were interested and persistent in this Manas parikrama. To force a person do perform what he can’t is not my way. By giving options and suggestions, yathris were able to choose which suited the best as my main intention was to bring everyone to witness and feel the power of Kailash at their own will and want. The yathra was scheduled in such a way that I would be a full moon over there and we expected a good weather.

Kailash Yatris who had been to Kailash on more than one occasion

This time, it was rather special for me. About 12 yathris from previous group joined and 9 International yathris from countries like Canada, Bahrain, Australia and Singapore bunked in with us. On top these people, 6 Guarantees were included for the very first time. What was interesting to me is that, the international yathris came to know about my yathra through this very blog and so many enquiries and interest in joining our journey made me decide to include them as well. Not only that, I personally insisted Kailai Karu to join us for many reasons which include the devotion he has to Kailash as much as he can be a good yathra partner. He is also an awesome Bajan singer and a great asset to the whole group. At the end, we had about 39 of us with 16 females, a strong group to venture my favorite Holy Land of GOD.

Yatris from Canada, Bahrain, Australia and Singapore.

Training

It is a known fact that physical and mental fitness are undoubtedly the two main factors that keeps one going. I am very much aware of that and I made sure my yathris were physically and mentally fit to endure this tough pilgrimage. For this, I started my training as early as in February 2010. I gathered my members for physical training not only to prepare them physically, also to ensure bonding, togetherness and to create positive vibration among each other as I believe we need each other to bring success and fulfillment of the yathra. A group, in particular this very group; my group has to have the feel of a family so that endurance could be shared and felt together. The trip would be more meaningful…. I am SURE.

Consistent training was ensured. My favorite spot would be FRIM, Kepong which is a reserved forest with tracking and jogging facilities. We made sure we had regular 3.5 hours hill climbing training session. This place is a good place for training as it prepared the yahtris for the trip. For those who are planning to perform this pilgrimage, please be very sure to have complete physical training for it can be a tough call for some of us to undergo the hardiness of the yathra, but at the same time, remember to not over strain one self, overdoing may cause injuries and what is left? A cancellation of the trip and that would be the last thing we want to happen. Hence, please be cautious about the training session.

2010 Kailash group

My first entry in my Blog.
http://kailaibala.blogspot.com/2009/11/journey-to-holy-wonderland-2007.html

Mount Kailash - North Face 2010.

2010-10-16T09:51:00.000-07:00

Mt Kailash inner parikrama Part 3

2010-10-16T05:26:00.001-07:00

Mt Kailash inner parikrama Part 1

2010-10-15T21:27:00.000-07:00

Kailash yatra with Kailai Bala

Video clip of my 2010 kailash yatra.

Taken while performing the Mt Kailash Inner Parikrama

kailaibala@gmail.com

Nandhi inner parikrama part 4

2010-02-21T19:21:00.000-08:00

கண்டேனவர் திருப்பாதம் கண்டறியாதன கண்டேன்

My 2007 Atma Linga Darshan

Face to face

Nandhi and Kailash

Soul and God

Jivatma and Paramatma

*******************************************************

Darchen to Atma Linga - My previous experiences

Here I am reproducing what I wrote in my 2007 blog, regarding 4 of my mystical experiences here.

1) Atma Linga Darshan

2) Real Face Darshan

3) Mystical Rishis Face on the Southern Wall

4) The monkey cap and red Bull soft drink incident.

Incident No 1

“…Upon reaching the peak, our Sherpa guide pointed to a huge pillar in the shape of Linga and said that it was the Atma Linga. We were puzzled and were unsure of the findings but he assured us that the Atma Linga that he said was the one shown to many yatris. At that very moment, an abrupt urge within me was asking me go further. I suggested this to Karu my co yatri but he refused to move an inch, I requested my friend Rajen to follow me, to which he gladly agreed…”

Our Sherpa guide pointed to this huge pillar in the shape
of Linga and said that this is the the Atma Linga.

We had wonderul darshan of this Atma Linga after about
20 minutes walking, it was most wonderful and breathtaking

“…After about 20 minutes walking, we had the most wonderful and breathtaking view of the Atma Linga that we have been looking for. Awe stricken, mesmerized, amazed and astonished, I set down with my rudraksha mala and started to roll it. As I was sitting directly in front of Atma Linga at the base of Southern Kailash I felt the tears roll profusely down my face, I looked around and realized that my friend Rajen was crying in sheer bliss. How many birth we must taken for us to have this chance to stand, head bowed in veneration, before the 22,028 feet high Mount Kailash, abode of Lord Shiva and the 'Navel of the Earth'. Every tear that had rolled down our cheeks meant something. The intense feeling could not be uttered nor be phrased in words. One has to experience and feel what I felt on that very moment. A sense of achievement, a feeling of how minute I am in front of the holy mountain made me realize how lucky I was to be there… ”

Incident No 2

Rajan, Karu, mysely and sherpa guide leading in front,
while Nada, Aru, Vijay and Anba are in foregroun
and the photographer is Shankar

Two facial images are very clearly seen in his photo

“…Surprises after surprises awaited me along the way. While trekking towards mount Kailash amazing things happened. As we were leading the group my friend, Shaker who was trailing behind started taking pictures of the southern face and some of the shots he took was very impressive. Later when I was going through the images, I was shocked to see two facial images, one to the left and the other to my right. The image to my right had the hand gesture of inviting us to the mountain. The instant feeling of being welcomed stirred my excitement since I was the one who discovered the images. It was almost telling me that I was long awaited to be here in this holy land and I told very softly to myself, ‘yes, I have arrived…”

Real face darshan

The image to my right had the hand gesture of inviting
us to the mountain.

Real face darshan

This is a very unique photo of the face of the Lord at his
three eyes. You can clearly see the eyes, nose and mouth
formed out of snow. My group members were very
fortunate enough and blessed to get this
wonderful darshan.

Incident No 3

“…Yet another surprise waited me and this time was at the base of the southern face. I saw two facial images where one was of an old man’s face resembling a Rishi. Within me I was thinking why to me all these darshan, eight us trekked the mountain and took many photo images but all these revelation was given to me. Why? Was there a reason? What should I do with the findings? Am I supposed to reveal to everyone? Should I keep to myself? Was that a sign for something to happen? I was left puzzled with a million questions and all the questions were left unanswered because I was enclosed with mesmerizing occurrences that I could not think of the possible answers just yet. For all I know, I was blessed to have encountered miraculous yet magnificent findings throughout the journey…”

In this picture you get the face formed on the rock face
unlike the earlier ones which was formed out of snow.

Incident No 4

“…What can I say, one after another, I was in a total disbelief when another magical yet significant occurrence took place, which till today puzzles me. It all happened while I was walking towards the Atma Linga. I found a fine-looking monkey cap placed on top of a rock, thinking that someone might have forgotten to take. I took the cap along with me hoping to return it to the owner. I approached my sherpa and told him about it. He told me that some yatris might have left the cap as an offering to Lord of the mountain. One’s offering to the Lord should not be taken so I left the cap on another rock. While doing that, I thought to myself on what I had to offer to the lord, and my thought turned to a can of soft drink which was secured in my pouch bag.

Eventually, I gave up the thought as in my opinion it was only a can of soft drink. When I was having the Atma Linga darshan I saw the can of drink still secured in pouch bag, nevertheless soon after I started my return journey, I just had to take a sip of the canned drink which was in my pouch bag and it was missing. The very can which I thought of offering to the Lord of Mountain went missing. How can I explain this phenomenon? I want to believe that it must have been the game of the almighty. My mere thought must have been translated as an offering. I felt his power at that moment. How mere thought becomes true? That is how holy and amazing this place was and I was truly blessed…”

“…After about 30 minutes, we were forced to retreat as our friends were waiting for us. It stared to snow, blessing from the sky. I couldn’t wait to return to guesthouse as I was eager to tell them the whole episode of my journey. I told my fellow yatris about my amazing encounters…”

Kailash - land of mystery and ancient traditions where time is

measured in terms of eternity, where existence is filled by spirituality.

With this I conclude my Kailash yatra to Nandhi inner parikrama and I hope my detail writing with photos, charts and poster might have given some useful information to those yatris who are complemplating this yatra to into the home of SIVASAKTI.

ANBE SIVAMAYAM SATYAME PARASIVAM

Nandhi inner parikrama part 3

2010-02-07T06:08:00.000-08:00

“You have to dream before your dreams can come true.”

Abdul Kalam quotes

(President of India, born 1931)

This image show Mount Kailash and Nandhi. From no1 back
to no1 again it takes about 10 to 11 hours. This Nandhi
parikrama should only taken by those yatris who
are really very fit physically and mentally.

We had a splendid 1 ½ hours of our precious time being at the feet of the Lord and it was a memorable one too. Nonetheless, we were not there to stay, the journey was still far and he had to move on. Nandhi was waiting for us on the other end of the journey and we needed to be there. With must hesitance, we moved on. After a rather simple lunch, we continued our journey of the Nandhi Parikrama. This whole journey was about challenge and endurance as the path along this journey defined it pretty well. We had to walk through narrow paths where few of the places offered us path less than a feet wide with steep slopes below us. To test our endurance further, we had to climb a steep ascent for about half a kilometer before we could reach the spot which is in the middle of Kailash and Nandhi.

We had to climb another half a kms of steep ascent before
we reach at to the spot in the middle of
Mount Kailash and Nandhi.

Breathtaking sceneries were just everywhere in this part of the world. We were just awed by the beauty of this place as we spent some time admiring the beauty and we were immersed in that strong vibration of the sacred spot. The very spot where unseen Devas and Mahadevas have made this place as their home. The very spot where the ancient saints and sages must have spent their valuable time in deep meditation and contemplation and the very spot we were at. We were utmost content.

We noticed and it was clearly visible that the whole area in between the Kailash and Nandhi were full of broken rocks, I believe it must have been accumulated from the constant and continuous stone falls from the peaks. As we were walking we were able to hear loads and terrifying sounds coming from the rock falls from Kailash. We were blessed to be protected throughout our journey and we were very thankful to Kailasanatha for the love and concern shown on us.

Highest point at about 20,000 feet, in between
Nandhi and Mount Kailash

After the ascent, we arrived to the steep descent which was about 1 to 2 km that finally took us to the valley on the other side of Kailash. Kailash gave us a very unique manifestation and a very rare few were gifted to be at this place. The South East face of Kailash was seen with very thick Glaciers and we were told that this part of the Mount never had melt completely. My jaws just dropped looking at how pure it was from the very spot I was standing. Another event was during our descent we were also taken to the foot of Nandhi to collect Nandhi teertham.

A Further walk down brought us to the river bed and here we saw some unique herbal plants that I presume have medicinal values. It was a fair river bed but this Nandhi inner parikrama was to suppose to have included the two lakes, Tso Kapala and Tso Kavala but the thought about this never came across in any of our minds. It must have been HIS indent to conceal it for the time being.

Rare few get the blessing of the lord for hem to be here

SOUTH EASTERN KAILASH

Finally we came back to the confluence of the river at the base of Nandhi, took some photos and celebrated the success of our completion of the Nandhi inner Parikrama. With a contented feeling, we continued our walk and reached Silung Gompa at about 7.30pm where our four wheel was waiting for us patiently. We reached Darchen at about 8.00pm and wasted no time talking about some very exciting moments with other Kailash yatris in relation to our most wonderful memories. Though we were dreadfully tired but it never stopped us from sharing our fond memories. However, he had to call it a night eventually and we went to bed with much satisfaction.

Stunning scenery as we reach a higher ground.

Every step is an effort......

.........and every effort is a blessing.

Ganas come in form of sherpa Angsering, Gumbu,
Krishna and Bimal

The pass in between Nandhi and Kailash

Rocks every where, must have been accumulated from
the constant and continuous stone falls from their peak.

Kailashi Ananda from Chennai, he was very helpful
throughout our inner parikrama

I have been longing to see photo images from these spots
and finally we were gifted to be there our self through
the kind grace of the Lord.

Very steep descent for about 1 to 2 km which finally took
us to the valley on the other side of Kailash.

South Eastern Kailash - A beauty on its own.

This is on the Southern side of the mountain were
you see vertical clefts called the "celestial steps",
and this is supposedly going to the celestial
throne of Lord Siva.

Thick glacier formation which is present throughout the year.

Inner wall of Saptarishi Caves

Upper wall of Mount Kailash - solid rock formation

Group photo at the end of Nandhi Parikrama

***********************************************************************************

SAPTA RISHIS

Photo of Sapta Rishis taken by Kailai Nadarajah during

his recent yatra for the Khumba Mela at Haridwar

Since the word "Saptarishi" is being mention in many places in my blog, I thought it is proper that I including some information about this. I extracted these facts from Wikipedia for readers information. What attracted me most in this explanation are:

Saptha Rishis are the Hierarchy working under the guidance of the Highest Creative Intelligence, God.

Some of these rishis were recognized as the 'mind born sons' (Sanskrit: manasa putra) of the creator god
That, their work is to help every soul to go back to its Source, God.
They live in the highest plane, Satya Loka.
They have their representative Rishi in the Himalayas who is assisted by 1,440,000 Rishis (Light Workers) living in different parts of the earth.
They monitor and guide the processes that help people to transit to the Light Age (Satya Yuga).
They bring down to the earth the required Knowledge and Energies to strengthen the processes of Transition (Pralaya).
They are naturally the most evolved Light Beings in the Creation and the guardians of the Divine Laws.

Source : Wikipedia

The Saptharishi (meaning "seven sages") are the seven rishis who are extolled at many places in the Vedas and Hindu literature. The Vedic Samhitas never actually enumerate these rishis by name, though later Vedic texts such as the Brahmanas and Upanishads do so. They are regarded in the Vedas as the patriarchs of the Vedic religion. The Big Dipper asterism is also called Saptharshi.

The earliest list of the Seven Rishis is given by Jaiminiya Brahmana 2.218-221: Vasisṭha, Bharadvāja, Jamadagni, Gautama, Atri, Viśvāmitra, and Agastya, followed by Brihadaranyaka Upanisad 2.2.6 with a slightly different list: Gautama and Bharadvāja, Viśvāmitra and Jamadagni, Vasiṣṭha and Kaśyapa, and Atri. The late Gopatha Brāhmana 1.2.8 has Vasisṭha, Viśvāmitra, Jamadagni, Gautama, Bharadvāja, Gungu, Agastya, and Kaśyapa.

In post-Vedic texts, different lists appear; some of these rishis were recognized as the 'mind born sons' (Sanskrit: manasa putra) of Brahma, the representation of the Supreme Being as Creator. Other representations are Mahesha or Shiva as the Destroyer and Vishnu as the Preserver. Since these seven rishis were also among the primary eight rishis, who were considered to be the ancestors of the Gotras of Brahmins, the birth of these rishis was mythologized.

Sapta Rishis given in major Hindu texts

*********************************************************

Nandhi inner parikrama part 2

2010-02-03T06:58:00.000-08:00

Day 12 - Darchen to Astapad, Atma Linga,

Saptarishi Cave and Nandhi Darshan - Part 2

The above diagram show the important places along the Nandhi parikrama route. Individual distance from one place to another and also the accumulated distance is illustrated for yatris information. Photo images also indicate the same.

Finally to the Saptarishi Cave

Saptarishi cave in view

Kailai Karu, Myself and Kailai Rajan at the
base of Southern Kailash.

Sherpa Gumbu was leading the way and made all
the preparation by creating a walkablepath for us.
Also seen is Kalai Anandhan from Chennai
and Angsering, another experience Sherpa from Kathmandu.

One after one, we climbed very slowly yet surely what seemed to be an almost vertical wall with much difficulty. Many times we ran out of breath and the Sherpa guides almost like had no mercy on us and our condition. They did not give us time for us to a breath; they feared that there might be stone falls which could be fatal. Our breathing became very fast and we started panting very heavily and the murmur created by this deep and heavy breathing was really very load. As we moved upward there was water dripping from the mountain and our Sherpa’s worry that the stones may fall rest assured us that there was no room for any quick rest or stop. In fact, our Sherpas dragged us until we reached the cave, the save heaven and without a doubt it was heaven.

It's our turn to climb the very steep Kailash mountain.
Sherpa Gumbu and Angsering assisting

Nagarajan with his climb to the caves.

Our breathing became very fast, erratic and we
started panting very heavily. None of us had ever gone
through such an experience before in our life.

Almost vertical wall of Southern Kailash

This image shows the vertical wall of Southern Kailash.
Photo extracted from internet

Blessing from the heaven

It took us a while before we came to our normal self, breathing calmly and very excitedly. As I was the second person to reach the peak, this gave an opportunity to witness the others climb. They were in real pathetic condition and I saw the struggle. Above all, I saw their eagerness to reach the foot of the Lord. Even at that height where I was standing, I could hear their heavy breathing. But it did not matter, because, we managed. With God’s grace all five of us managed to reach safely.

The yatri in grey overcoat is Kailashi Anantha from Chennai
He is a regular to mount Kailash and has been to the base
ofSouthern Kailash on more than 20 occasions.
But this is his first successful attempt to do
full Nandhi Parikrama.

We are very thankful to him for the many help
he rendered to us.

Anantha giving a helping hand to Kailai Chandra after gruesome climb. It took almost 3 to 4 minutes before we could get back our our normal breathing.

Kailashi Bimal - Our tour coordinator

I whispered to myself

“WHAT HAD WE DONE IN OUR PREVIOUS

BIRTH TO DESERVE THIS ULTIMATE HOLY DARSHAN?”

As a sense of gratitude, we sat and sang some devotional songs. Tears rolled, voice chocked, we were emotionally delighted, we shed the tear of joy, celebrated the attainment of this Parikrama. The full version of Sivapuranam was sung and we couldn’t stop the profusely rolling tears from our eyes as much as we could not stop the intense happiness in our hearts.

As a sense of gratitude, we sat and sang some Sivapuranam
in full and other devotional songs. Tears rolled,
voice chocked, we were emotionally delighted

On the contrary, there were about 6 more of our friends lacking behind us. We were told that they were almost 2 hours behind time. In fact we saw them from a far distance, a distance which might cause us time and deep inside I was worried. I worried about what may bound to happen.

Yes, what I feared would happen was what our group coordinator suggested. He said that the yatris should discontinue their walk and forget the idea of climbing citing the following reasons:-

• Time – they were lacking about 1 1/2 to 2 hours, even if they were to reach here safely, the return journey will post problem for us.

• The danger of climbing the vertical wall

• Fear of stone falls

• Lack of proper climbing equipment.

Kailai Nada, Meganathan, Kailai Vira, Kailai Karul, Devan and Tamila were not gifted to have the holy despite being so near to HIM

It was a tough decision to make. They were just one step away from us. They have made it this far but left puzzled not knowing if they should continue or otherwise. I would definitely want them to complete this Parikrama but situation is not at our side. Confused on what to do, I left the decision to be made by my coordinator and the yatris below. After much consideration, negotiation and deep thoughts, everyone unanimously agreed that the yatris below should not proceed with their climbing. With heavy hearts our affected yatris agreed to the decision. Instead of immediately returning back, they stayed around and intensively prayed for our save journey ahead.

Kailai Nada who has been instrumental for bring many yatris
to Kailash pondering the reason for this happening.
Lord Siva alone decides the yatris fate.

It was a sad moment for me to see my fellow yatris being stranded not being able to climb the mountain. We made this far and for them not knowing the fantabulous feeling of achievement is somewhat painful. More painful for me personally since my good friend who is also my childhood friend who’s the initiator of this Kailash Yatra; Kailai Nada was among those who could not make it. I was severely disturbed by this as I had faith in us to do this together. For me this was the saddest moment of the yatra. I was very much troubled from this point onwards. Constantly thinking about what happened caused me mood swing and I became very restrained as I continued the journey quietly.

Serdung Chuk Sum - 13 Golden Chortens

Saptarishi Cave/ Serdung Chuk Sum

Right under the colossal south face of Kailash stood this Saptarishi cave which is also known as Serdung Chuk Sum. Ser means gold or yellow, dung means chorten or stupa and Chuk Sum means thirteen. Perhaps there must have been thirteen chortens during those days when they named this place. Currently there are more than thirteen chortens and I did not count the exact number of chortens as we were too submerged in HIS presence. However, these chortens are well kept and cared by Gengta Monastery which is located within the inner Parikrama region.

These chortens are protected to a certain extend by the
long horizontal crack which prevents the rock fall
and snow from damaging it.

These chortens are protected to a certain extend by the long horizontal crack which prevents the rock fall and snow from damaging it. The walls at the back are periodically painted with red which has a traditional touch of the Tibetans. Other than that, within the cave I found numerous Tsa - tsa arranged neatly and with these tsas, there were few religious books also Bhagavat Gita placed amongst them. There were also which I believe the work of some devote Hindus where they have placed a thick note book full of Likita Japa mantra and a statue perhaps that of Milarepa. I was no exception, where I placed two items at the surface of the cave; one invitation of a friend’s son’s wedding and also a memorial devotional book of my parents.

We spent about 1 to 1½ hour here. My heart, at that very moment felt at peace. The view from this cave was most wonderful and mesmerizing. The parkha plain, Raksha Tsal and the numerous mountain peaks extending up to the Indian borders displaying a unique scene and it was an extremely superb sight which no one should miss.

Group photo for the Album
Kailashis Chandra, Bala, Rajan, Karu, Nagarajan, Bimal, Krishna, Basu and porters are seen in this photo.
( Sherpa Angsering and Kailai Anantha not seen )

Breath taking scenes from the Nandhi inner Parikrama

Nandhi Bhagawan in full Viswaroopam

The above photo of Nandhi Bhagavan in viswaroopa is
unique and a very rare seen anywhere.
The usual view is the one taken from Astapad.
This photo was taken from the Saptarishi Caves.

( E-mail which I receive this morning from kailai CSKrishnamoorthy Tamilnadu)

Dear kailai Bala

Superb photos and presentation. In spite of me having gone close to the place Saptharishi Cave, I could not see Nandhi Bhagawan in this Viswaroopam. In fact, I was longing for his darshan in my mind for long time. When I opened the mail early in the morning around 5 am, I had the great gift of seeing your mail, photos and the write up.Many of my friends were in tears of JOY. (Kailashi CSKrishnamurthi has been to kailash manasorovar during 2003,2006 and 2007).

Thank you very much. May God Shiva bless you with many more trips, even closer to HIM.
(May your prayers and blessing from Lord Sicva grand me many more darshan and bring me closer to HIM).

Regards
Wing.Commander(Retd).C.S.Krshnamurthi
6th February 2010

.......... stay tune for the 3rd part of this Nandhi parikrama experiences

Nandhi inner parikrama part 1

2010-02-02T08:03:00.000-08:00

Day 12 - Darchen to Astapad, Atma Linga,

Saptarishi Cave and Nandhi Darshan

A rough guide to show the various places during the
Nandhi inner parikrama and it also shows the distance taken

Today is the 12th day of our Kailash Manasarovar Yatra. To date, every step is in accordance like how we have planned. After the Holy dip in the Manasarovar, the 1008 Akanda Mrintyunjaya Homa Puja, the utmost success in performing the outer Parikrama, we are at peace. But these alone will not do any justice if the Nandhi inner Parikrama is not performed. Today, we are destined for it and indeed, we are all set to do it.

On the eve of this Nandhi inner parikrama, all the necessary arrangements were made. We sorted out the number of yatris who wanted to do the full parikrama, those who wanted to do it till Atma Linga and those who chose Astapad. Almost all wanted do to it until Atma Linga and half desired the full Nandhi inner parikrama. The guides and porters were arranged and a final briefing was given to everyone. Excitement lingered and felt to the core of our hearts as all were set to do this special and unique yatra, a yatra worth a lifetime. It is said that Kailash yatra is not any ordinary yatra. It is a yatra where I trust only HE decides on which of HIS devotees are eligible to perform this distinctive, most intricate duty of a lowly believer. And to us; we are the chosen ones it’s a once in a life time yatra.

The Inner Parikrama which is also known as Nandhi Parikrama by the Hindus used to take 2 to 3 days to complete but with proper planning, it can be done within 2 days. This inner pilgrimage traditionally was only done by the devote Hindus and Buddhist who have completed 13 normal koras or those who have done the kora during the year of horse. Non Hindus and non Buddhist who under taken mount Kailash as an adventure tour should note that this is walk or trek for the seasoned mountaineers only and it involves dangerously steep sections with constant stone falls from the mountain. As for my group members, the preparation for this Parikrama took more than 4 months. Not only training was concerned, the yatris were also briefed very clearly on the risk involved, thus it is important that one has full mental and physical fitness to perform this Parikrama.

This morning, before starting our Parikrama trail one yatri who had fully paid for the porter service opted to withdraw from performing this inner parikrama. He said he was immensely satisfied with the successful outer parikrama and that he felt no reason to do the inner. We valued his decision and started our journey. From Darchen to Silung Gompa we made use of the land cruiser service and it took us roughly 45 minutes to reach our starting point at Silung Gompa. What can I say; the journey from Darchen to this Silung Gomba itself was an adventurous one. We enjoyed the beautiful sceneries all round, as this helped us to be calm and emotionally prepare ourselves, appreciating GOD’s magnificent creation of Mother Nature, reflecting on how small and ordinary we are. I felt blessed to be here, on this Holy quest of humbleness in the name of GOD almighty.

The above poster is the summary of the Nandhi inner parikrama. It show the different location and also the time
taken to reach there. Apart from the mental and physical fitness
one needs lots of grace from the all might SIVA to successfully
complete this difficult inner parikrama.

At about 7.45 am we reached Silung Gompa. It is a ritual that we pray to lord Ganesh and other inner world Devas, seeking for safe and blessed journey, free from all the obstacles that might come on across our way. It is also very important to equip one-self with the necessary gears. Our guide handed each of us with a helmet to wear. With only one goal set in our mind; to successfully perform this inner Parikrama, we started our walk. It is indeed important to walk according to your own pace as this is a challenging task where strength, perseverance and self-control are needed. What started as group, walking together like a herd soon became a line of people walking along the same path and later the distance between one yatri to another became farther and farther. Even then, the spirit within us gave us strength to just walk ahead, not thinking about if we could ever accomplish this task. It did not matter who was in front, who was behind and who was beside us, all that mattered was to perform this Parikrama successfully.

At the beginning of the Inner Nandhi parikrama.

The aura of this place was very strong, the flow of spiritual energy and the cosmic vibration held us in awe of the majestic Kailash. As we had been training very hard for this part of the yatra the walk through boulders strewn track with crossings of occasional chortens and flagpole was only made difficult because of the very thin air and constant uphill walk all the way.

Along with our group of 20 there were about 5 to 6 expert Sherpa guides along with about ten porters. Notable among the Sherpas was Sherpa Gumbu, who has been working for his travel agency for more than 5 year. He was leading us all the way. Mental and emotion power alone is not the case of a successful Parikrama, a well defined navigation and a good navigator adds to the fulfillment of this journey. Our utmost gratitude to our Sherpas and porters for the untiring help to make sure we hold our energy throughout this Parikrama.

This is Sherpa Gumbu, a very experience trekker who has
done more than 30 Kailash Manasarovar pilgrimage.
we were very lucky to have him as our chief guide
for the second time.
A keen musician and will mesmerize anyone with his flute.

Beauty of the this place is overwhelming and simply breathtaking.

As we were approaching Mount Kailash we saw the mountain evolved from a small hill-like mountain to being so admirably bigger every time and that kept us on. The whole place was so serene and the vibration was very strong and the sceneries all around us were unimaginably amazing. At a distance behind us we saw the awesome barkha plain with the two lakes and I knew there was no turning back only full charge ahead. My walk from Silung Gompa to Astapad took about 45 minutes covering a distance of 2 kilometers. This Astapad Mountain is said to have many caves on the horizontal strata of conglomerate. From Astapad to the confluence of the two rivers, the Silung and the Kailash Ganga Rivers took almost 30 minutes covering a distance of 1.2 kilometers and it was an uphill walk all the way. At this point, some of the yatris who were trailing behind have decided to stop. We agreed and it was a short halt. There were no regrets as we were overwhelmed with the beauty of this place. Every angle you turn to was simply breathtaking and the short break as well as the beautiful landscape somewhat charged my energy to continue. Up to this point, I have walked about 3.2 kilometers from Silung Gompa it had taken about 2 hours 45 minutes.

Some of the yatris choose to end their yatra at this point,
no regrets but thankful to Lord Siva for bringing
them almost to feet of the lord.

Here I am again, at the very same spot with the same co yatris and the same Sherpa guide, the only difference was, during my last visit I was ignorant about the place and my whereabouts but now I know exactly how to go and where go. As how it was suppose to be, we paid our homage to the Lord for bringing us to the same place yet again. I did not lose the chance to snap photos to record our journey; my journey in particular as every shot has its own story to be revealed. A little after that, we proceeded with our onward and unexplored path which lied ahead of us.

Two year ago Rajan my co yatri and myself were gifted to
have the darshan of Atma Linga at this point.
It was very emotional moment for me as
we are here again at the same spot with the
co yatri and Sherpa.
Photo taken to remember our past.

1.6 km descent brought us to this point where the horse foot print was located. This place is a very auspicious place for the Tibetan and each Tibetan who passes this place made homage to the foot print and this foot is called as Ling- Singjen. This horse foot print which was impressed onto a smooth rack was placed on an enclosed place surrounded by prayer flags. I was among the many to pay my respect at this foot print and continued my down ward walk to the stony bed of Mount Kailash. At this point only 11 of 20 yatris who started the journey were able to reach up. The rest must have discontinued with the journey and returned back to our base camp at Darchen.

This is a very interesting photo, where one will have the
darshan of Mt. Kailash, Nandhi, horse foot print
(foreground), and the holy river that starts from mount Kailash.
Although mount Kailash look so near it actually took us 3 1/2 hour to reach the cave.

Slightly over 1km walk through a very stony path brought us to the bed of the Serdung Shuk chum. Here I noticed many cairns were erected by the passing Tibetans. This downhill walk brought us to a valley, on one side was the Nandhi hill and the other side was the Ravana Linga mountain. Right in front of us was mount Kailash with its majestic look. I glanced at my watch and it showed 11.30am. We walked and trekked for about 3 ½ hours. The weather was cold and it was still cloudy and the grand Mount Kailash was mostly hidden behind these clouds. We could only peek at just a certain areas of the mountain due to the cloudy situation.

Throughout the Kailash yatra route one will find numerous

stone cairns erected by passing Tibetan.

We found a suitable place and paid our reverence by singing some devotional songs, praising and thanking the Lord Siva Sakthi for all the opportunity given. We spent some time here to regroup and also waited for the cloud to disappear. We waited for a bit but the clouds seemed more determined than us. Without much luck we continued our walk towards the periphery of the mountain passing through huge moulds of moraines and finally came to the stony bed of the lower base of ice lodged down from the top of mount Kailash. It is this ice formation and protrusion of rock that has created a Syambu Linga and this is what yatris have been referring to as the Atmalinga. At this very point, only 6 yatris were seen, the rest lacked behind.

Atma Lingam

Finally after a tiring journey we reached the last stretch and the most difficult climb of this parikrama. Seeing the almost vertical wall of this holy mountain one yatri chose to discontinue his yatra and turned back, with this we were left only with 5 yatris to continue with the Nandhi parikrama. Our final climb to the Saptarishi cave was about 0.4km upward climb through a very steep ascent into the belt of the Kailash peak. We did not have any rope to hold on or any special equipment to assist us in climbing the mountain. The only hope and assistant we had were the experienced Sherpa guides. We put our faith and fate on them and to the God Almighty to assist us in this steep climb.

Moulds and moraines near the base of Southern Kailash

Our final climb to the Saptarishi cave was about 0.4km
upward climb through a very steep ascent into the
belt of the Kailash peak.

.......... stay tune for the 2nd part of this Nandhi parikrama experiences

Kailash Manasarovar Yatra Day 11 Parikrama Day 3

2010-01-18T17:33:00.000-08:00

From Zhutul Puk to Darchen

1) Zhutul phuk Gompa

2) 4th Prostration point

3) Trungto-ending point of parikrama

4) Darchen

Today is the last day of the parikrama, we quickly finished our breakfast, packed up and moved on. I was very happy that I was able to visit the Milarepa's Cave at Zhutul Puk monastery, which was located at a walking distance from our guesthouse. The Kailash parikrama trail was said to have been discovered by the this noted Buddhist Monk Milarepa and the monastery had the cave where he had meditated. I offered my prayer by offering the butter lamp and thanked all the spiritual inner beings for guiding us through this difficult yatra.

Zhutul Phuk Gompa Alter

Final day parikrama

The weather was sunny and warm Ideal condition for trekking. Today’s route was mainly through meadows dotted with streams. It was relatively easier but for our already worn out legs, the route and the distance still posed a stiff challenge. With my new found energy I started trekking the final phases of the yatra with a reasonably fast speed while other group members lagged behind. As there was not much pressure today I admired the beauty of the route, the mountains and the plains, the caves in the rocks, the water falls emerging from the rock openings and the streams flowing parallel to our trek route. Though the route was relatively easier the distance was challenging. The route passed through a valley with mountains on both sides. A large stream flowed alongside. On the way we saw many unique sights.

Last portion of the yatra

Beautiful and postcard scenery any where you turn.

Making full body prostrations along the entire way.

Some Tibetans do the 53 km circumambulation in a single day, where as other Tibetans will take two to three weeks for the kora by making full body prostrations along the entire way (about 25 000 prostrations). It is believed that a pilgrim who completes 108 koras around the mountain will gain enlightenment at the time of death.

At last we reached a point from where the Sherpa pointed at the hill ahead of us and told us that it was the last hurdle to be crossed. We were elated. We had to walk through a narrow ledge with a steep drop on one side and the slope on the other. As we crossed the mountain we witnessed the most joyous sight ever, the sight of our jeeps waiting at a distance to take us back to Manasarovar. One by one, all our 21 yatris had successfully completed the Parikrama. At the finishing point of the yatra I saw the magical moment in each and every one. Some started hugging each other and the blissful tears were rolling profusely. The immense joy, the Satchidananda that felt by us could only be experienced, mere word or explanation cannot compare it.

No words needed to explains these wonderful blissful moments

Ever helpful Pasang - At the end of Parikrama

To our Sherpas,you are like our teachers, guiding and taking us to the unknown.

Thank you all from our heart. Without you we could not have made it.

Despite knowing the difficulties involve these yatris undertook this yatra to get the grace of the all mighty Shiva Sakti. At the end of the yatra through the grace of the Lord almost everybody complete the yatra successfully. Only absolute faith is needed in Shiva Sakthi and the rest is taken care.

All these magical moments were recorded in my camera for me to recollect and remember in the future. After spending some time feeling the joy we continue our yatra and finished it back in Darchen.

Today is the final day of the holy Kailash Manasarovar outer parikrama. Standing before our group members I prayed and thanked the lord for bringing all 21 of us safely to the end of the outer parikrama.

I prayed and thanked the lord for the wonderful journey

for fulfilling my vow of taking all 20 other yatris through this three days outer parikrama.

for the wonderful dip in the holy water,

for making me perform the Homa puja by Lake Manasarovar,

for the close up darshan at the Northern face,

for revealing the Nandhi at the Northern face,

for showing me the Karma testing stone and mothers navel,

for taking us safely to the highest point at Dolma La pass,

for showing the magnificent view of Gawri kund,

for the parikrama and for having a clear darshan of all the four faces,

for being able to survive all odds, the scorching heat during the day time and numbing cold at night.,

for slowly and steadily bringing the 21 of us to became one in thought and action
All these made our yatra a total success in completing the pilgrimage.

Tibetan guide and Nepal guides who make our yatra a great success

All five female yatris completed the yatra with Lord Kailasanatha's Grace. Syabas to all of you.

I thank you my Lord for all these and more.

With this I conclude our outer parikrama.
Stay tune for the

Nandhi inner parikrama

Mt Kailash inner parikrama

Charan sparsh of the Northern Kailash