Mt Kailash, with a height of only 6,638m, is an intriguing mystery from ancient times. The mountain is specifically not located in India but lies towards the remote southwest Tibet area of mountains. Likewise, it is full of beautiful secrets and knowledge which many have tried to uncover but failed.
The peak has been considered the center of the world for thousands of years. It has attracted millions at its foothills. Here is a little for you to ponder before we proceed any further.
Surprisingly, Mt Kailash remains an unclimbed mountain even though it is much shorter than the world’s most towering Mt Everest, conquered by many yearly.
Many mountaineers all experienced have tried to reach the peak but have failed. So the mysteries still swirl around Mt Kailash and make every people who visit here wonder, “Why is Mt Kailash Unclimbable?’ Some believe this peak is a spiritual center of the world and an artificial made rather than a natural one covered with white snow.
Despite all the mysteries, the peak, Mt. Kailash, is still one of the most famous as it has never been climbed. Today we will explore why the peak is still unclimbed and why Mt Kailash remains elusive. So keep reading.
The Sacredness of Mount Kailash
Mt Kailash is a great mystery, and the main reason the peak is still unclimbable may probably be the Sacredness of Mount Kailash. Many religious reasons conclude that one should not set foot on the peak as sit disturbs and offends the divine energies residing in the mountain.
Mt Kailash carries great spiritual and cultural significance in four different religions: Jainism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Bon. This being said, the peak is known as one of the most sacred mountains in the world.
Climbing this mountain is seen as a disrespectful step and offends many people. Also, there have been many steps both from the government and religious people to protect its spiritual and cultural significance by implementing limiting access.
Mt Kailash is not the highest peak because the highest peak, of course, is Everest. But the top of the peak is known to be covered by white snow all year around, giving a beautiful view as it shines mysteriously. Likewise, there is said to appear the Hindu symbol of Swastika, “卐,” represents the eternal power of Shiva.
Mt Kailash has many names, and The famous ones are Mt Kailash in Sanskrit, Mount Meru (in Buddhists), and Gang Rinpoche in Tibetan. Moreover, Hindus believe that the peak is the abode of Lord Shiva (the main god in Hinduism, and circumambulating the peak is believed to grant devoted moksha.
In addition, Jains believe that Mt Kailash is where their first prophet Rishabhdev attained moksha. And Buddhists believe that their deity Demchok resides in the peak, which signifies wisdom and compassion. Moreover, there is also this belief by Bon’s religious followers that their religious founder Tonpa Shenrab visited Mt Kailash.
The Challenges of the Mountain
Mt Kailash is tough to climb, even for experienced mountaineers, so it is not recommended for beginners to dare it due to its physically demanding and highly Geographic challenges. These are some challenges every climber should know about Mt Kailash.
Very Cold Weather- The climate around the peak is cold and harsh. Climbers wanting to climb should bring proper clothing and gear to deal with the below-freezing temperature, especially at night. Moreover, mt Kailash lies in Tibet in one of the cold regions. Having said that, the average temperature around the peak does not get more than 0℃. The best and the warmest months here are August and July, with an average temperature of 14 ℃ in the daytime and an average of 2℃ at night.
Mt Kailash’s remote location: The peak lies in both remote and rugged areas of Tibet. Therefore, all climbers must be prepared for difficult and long treks over rugged trails that aren’t very well developed. Likewise, the mountain is subject to strong storms, which makes climbing more challenging.
Limited infrastructure due to its remoteness: Limited facilities are available for the trekkers. Due to this, trekkers shud be well prepared and bring supplies like water and food. Only limited rescue services are available if you suffer from health conditions or other emergencies.
Political Reasons
Today with very advanced tools and training, even the highest peak of Everest has been climbed many times. Also, it’s much easier today to prove that the peak was climbed. But to provide that evidence, one needs to climb the peak first, and Mt Kailash remains the unclimbed mountain in the world.
Mt Kailash has not been climbed because it’s more logistics rather than more challenging to ascend. The peak lies in a remote area and is too engulfed in political turmoil and religious significance, making the peak simply formidable to climb for climbers.
Mt Kailash lies in the autonomous region of China known as Tibet, and the Chinese government strictly prohibits access to the Tibet region. Also, visitors and pilgrims wanting to visit here must obtain a special travel permit and adhere to strict restrictions.
Mt Kailash is highly important in all four religions (Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Bons). These strict government regulations help them avoid any activities that may offend the religious sites of all four religions.
Besides the restriction, the Chinese government controls the accent of the peak. Also, the government restricts visitors’ access during politically unstable times in Tibet, like protests.
Mt Kailash is Pyramid shaped.
Mt Kailash is full of mysteries, and it’s normal if you wonder why Mt Kailash can’t be reached if other taller peaks like Mt Everest, Cho Oyu, and Lhotse are also sacred and can be reached. Some climbers summit the peak to pay respect to the mountain. But Kailash is simply not possible as it is a pyramid-shaped mountain known to be made by human.
Mt Kailash is shaped like a pyramid with a rugged route and harsh environment. Likewise, the peak is not the highest but is said to be both peculiar and magnificent, shining all year under the sun and displaying some strange light of different colors.
In addition, the peak is made up of black rock covered in white snow and has four very symmetrical walls. These walks are very hard to climb as it is different from the peaks like Everest, Cho Oyu, and Lhotse. Also, if you try to climb the mountain, the vertical slopes with the strong wind will make it impossible for you even to stand.
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Conclusion
There are many scientific and religious reasons why Mt Kailash is still unclimbable. All pilgrims strongly believed it should not be climbed as great divine energies reside there, and the belief still continues today, which stops the climbers from summiting the peak. Also, Mt Kailash has many mysteries yet to be revealed, and for now, we can only hope more secrets get revealed, which will help us learn more about the peak and why it is still unclimbable.
FAQS
Who has climbed Mt Kailash?
According to Tibetan beliefs, the Milarepa first climbed Mt Kailash in the 11th century. In fact, he is only the person and a Buddhist monk who succeeded in reaching the peak.
Has anyone seen Lord Shiva in Mount Kailash?
Many brave and experienced mountaineers have attempted to reach Mt Kailash peak but have never seen any divine energy or Lord Shiva. But Hindu devotees are greatly influenced by the peak and when the mountain is the abode of Lord Shiva.
