Why Is Mount Kailash Unclimbable?

Mount Kailash Facts

Mount Kailash is a mysterious peak located at 6,638m in Tibet, China. Mount Kailash is a holy mountain considered a holy site by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and the Bon religion, and it is known as Kailāsa in Sanskrit and Gang Rinpoche in Tibetan. 

Hindus believe that the mountain is the abode of Lord Shiva, one of the primary gods in the Hindu pantheon. They believe that circumambulating around the mountain, known as Kailash Parikrama, will grant them liberation or moksha from the cycle of birth and death. 
Jains believe the mountain is where their first prophet, Rishabhdev, attained liberation or moksha. They also believe the mountain is where their 23rd Tirthankar, Parshvanath, attained enlightenment. 

Buddhists consider Kailash a sacred place as well. For them, the mountain is the abode of Chakrasamvara or Demchok, a wrathful deity who embodies the union of wisdom and compassion. There is a belief that Tonpa Shenrab, the founder of the Bon religion, visited Kailash and left many spiritual marks on the mountain.

Overall, Mount Kailash represents a convergence point of diverse religious beliefs and practices, and its significance in these religions is evidence of its enduring spiritual power. Many people believe that it is the axis Mundi, the center of the world, and possesses a great power that can transform one's life. 

Myths and legends surround the mountain, and it is believed that only those pure of heart and soul can access its summit. The mountain region consists of late Cretaceous to mid-Cenozoic sedimentary rocks. 

Why Is Mount Kailash Unclimbable?

Mount Kailash remains unclimbable despite many attempts from experienced mountaineers. The mountain, believed to be the spiritual center of the world, is smaller than Mount Everest but has not been conquered by anyone. This mystery remains unsolved; some believe the mountain's peak is not natural but a pyramid covered with snow.

Despite being a popular destination for tourists, the mystery of why no one has been able to climb it still needs to be solved. Scientifically, it is still being determined why Mount Kailash is unclimbable. Climbers have experienced sudden poor weather conditions, complicated track changes, and even died while attempting to climb. It is believed no one has been able to climb it except for a Buddhist monk known as Milarepa from the 11th century C.E. 

Climbing the mountain is forbidden mainly due to three reasons. They are:-

I. The Spiritual Significance Of Mount Kailash

Climbing Mount Kailash is not allowed for religious reasons and is considered to invade and disturb the divine energies that reside there. Mount Kailash is spiritual and cultural significance of the mountain. Four religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon, consider Mount Kailash one of the most sacred places in the world. 

For many people, climbing the mountain is seen as disrespectful or irreverent, and there are efforts to preserve the spiritual and cultural significance of the mountain by limiting access. Overall, Mount Kailash is a sacred site that holds great spiritual significance for people of many different faiths. It continues to be a place of pilgrimage and spiritual practice for many.

II. The Political Obstacles To Climbing Mount Kailash

One major obstacle is the political situation in Tibet. Tibet is an autonomous region of China, and the Chinese government strictly controls access to the region. Visitors to Tibet must obtain a special travel permit, and foreign travelers are often subject to tight restrictions on where they can go and what they can do.

In addition to the restrictions on travel to Tibet, the Chinese government also controls access to Mount Kailash. The mountain is located in a remote and inhospitable region, and visitors must travel through checkpoints and obtain special permits to access the mountain. The Chinese government has also been known to restrict access to the mountain during politically sensitive times, such as during unrest or protests in Tibet.

Overall, political and cultural obstacles make climbing Mount Kailash a difficult and complex undertaking, and visitors must navigate a complex web of regulations and sensitivities to access the mountain.

III. The Physical Challenges Of Mount Kailash

Mount Kailash is a highly challenging and physically demanding mountain, and it is not recommended for novice climbers or those without significant experience at high altitudes. Here are some of the physical challenges of climbing Mount Kailash:

• High altitude: Mount Kailash is 6,638 meters (21,778 feet), meaning climbers must deal with the effects of altitude sickness, including headaches, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. Climbers must take time to acclimate to the altitude and may need medication to prevent altitude sickness.
• Cold temperatures: The climate around Mount Kailash is cold and harsh, with temperatures dropping below freezing at night. Climbers must bring appropriate clothing and equipment to deal with the cold, including warm sleeping bags and high-quality down jackets.
• Remote location: Mount Kailash is located in a remote and rugged region of Tibet, so climbers must be prepared for long treks over difficult terrain. The area around the mountain is also subject to frequent storms, making climbing even more challenging.
• Limited infrastructure: There are limited facilities for climbers on Mount Kailash, which means that climbers must be self-sufficient and bring all of their food, water, and supplies. Only some rescue services are available in the area, meaning climbers must be prepared to deal with emergencies independently.
• Religious and cultural sensitivities: As mentioned earlier, several religious traditions consider Mount Kailash a highly sacred site, and climbing the mountain may be disrespectful or irreverent. Climbers must be sensitive to the local culture and customs and respect the mountain's spiritual significance.

Overall, climbing Mount Kailash is a highly challenging and physically demanding undertaking that requires careful preparation, physical fitness, and a willingness to face difficult conditions in a remote and rugged environment.

Why is Mountain Kailash Mysterious?

Mount Kailash is considered mysterious for several reasons. Firstly, it is believed to be hollow from the inside and has a unique pyramid shape that faces four directions of the compass, and its summit is always covered in snow. According to Russian scientists, it is not a natural mountain but an artificial pyramid. Thirdly, it remains unclimbed despite being smaller than Mount Everest, and climbers have reported sudden poor weather conditions and disorienting track changes. 

Additionally, the mountain is considered the spiritual center of the world and emits positive energy in all directions, with many symbols of divinity and spirituality found on it. And there is a belief that Kailash Mountain has a magnetic field surrounding it, which adds to its mystique.

The religious significance of Kailash Mountain also contributes to its mystery. In Hinduism, the mountain is considered the home of Lord Shiva and the dwelling place of Buddha Demchok in Tibetan Buddhism. It is a sacred site for pilgrimage for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains.

Furthermore, the difficult terrain and remote location of Kailash Mountain have made it challenging for explorers and researchers to fully study and understand the mountain. The mountain's inaccessibility has also given rise to numerous myths, further adding to its mystery.

Overall, the mystery of Kailash Mountain is due to its unique shape, unusual features, religious significance, and difficult accessibility. Its mystique has inspired countless pilgrims, explorers, and adventurers throughout history and continues to captivate people's imaginations.

As it cannot climb due to its mysterious nature, you can still visit Mount Kailash, one of the most beautiful and holy places for four religions.

How To Reach Mount Kailash?

The journey to Mount Kailash begins in the bustling city of Kathmandu, Nepal. This city is a popular starting point for the trek to the sacred mountain. From here, you will begin driving through the Himalayas, passing through small villages and traditional Tibetan settlements.

As you leave Kathmandu, you'll pass through the scenic countryside of Nepal and cross the border into Tibet, where vast landscapes and stunning views of the Himalayas greet you. The drive takes you through the remote town of Saga, where you'll spend a night before continuing along the route toward Darchen. Darchen is a small town situated at the base of Mount Kailash and is the starting point for the trek around the mountain.

After completing the necessary rituals and gaining blessings from the local monks, the journey around the sacred Mount Kailash begins. This trek, also known as the Kora, is about 52 km long and takes about 3 days. The trek is not for the faint of heart and requires a certain fitness level due to the high altitude and rugged terrain. However, the breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks, pristine lakes, and the surrounding natural beauty make every step worthwhile.

Conclusion

We hope this blog has answered your question, "Why is Mount Kailash unclimbable?". Mount Kailash links four religions, and climbing Mount Kailash is considered offensive to the gods and can have severe consequences, including death. It is important to respect religious sentiments, leave divine energies alone, and not interfere with this sacred mountain.