Mt. Kailash

Mt. Kailash is called Gangs Rinpoche in Tibetan language meaning "precious jewel of snows". The name originates from the year-round snow on its peak and its historical religious connections.

Mt. Kailash is the highest peak in the massive Gangdise Mountain Range with an altitude over 6,600m (21,654 ft). The peak is very pointed and looks like a pyramid piercing the sky. Seen from the south the vertical ice trough and horizontal rock formation combine as the Buddhist symbol Swastika ' 卐 ', which represents the eternal power of Buddha. More often that not, clouds will gather above the peak, so clear days are thought to be a blessing because local residents can get an unimpeded view.

Every year, thousands make a pilgrimage to Mt. Kailash, following a tradition going back thousands of years. Pilgrims of several religions believe that circumambulating Mt. Kailash on foot is a holy ritual that will bring good fortune. The path around Mt. Kailash is 52 km long. Some pilgrims believe that the entire walk around Mt. Kailash should be made in a single day. This is not easy. A person in good shape walking fast would take perhaps 15 hours to complete the 52 km trek. Some of the devout do accomplish this feat, little daunted by the uneven terrain, altitude sickness and harsh conditions faced in the process.