M
ount Kailash in the western Tibet is a mountain commonly sacred to Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Bongos, those adherents of ancient animistic beliets. In Sanskrit, it is called Mount Meru or Sumeru, in Hindu, Kailash or the Crystal Shining. To Tibetans it is Kang Rimpoche or the precious Jewel of the snows. It is for the shores of the sacred Manasarover Lake (4600m) soaring to 6723m. Travelling west across southern Tibet is an adventure into another way of life. Nomads herd their sheep and yaks in company with devout pilgrims making their way to the holy sites. Hindus believe that it is the World pillar described in ancient texts around which all else revolves, its roots in deepest hell, its summit Kissing the heavens. Here resides Lord Shiva with his consort, the Goddess Parvati.To Manasarover comes Hindus, to drink of its holy water to shed the sins of a hundred lifetimes. To circumscribe the mountain come Tibetans, earnest in there belief that a single circuit will clean them of the sins of a lifetime and a 108 such will ensure the attainment of enlightenment in this life. Mysterious Tibet, long closed to foreign travellers, continues to exert a strong influence on the imaginations of the world. The starchiness of its countryside, the warmth of its people, its unique and colourful Buddhist traditions appear to many to be the embodiment of mythical Shangri-La. Lhasa, the forbidden city, is no longer forbidden: it is open to the ordinary travellers.
More and more exciting places are now accessible and affordable and though changes have taken place, Tibet remains a fascinating and truly adventurous destination.
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