Oct 31, 2011 12:25 PM
“Wow”! What a journey? It’s a place, where you can truly converse with your inner you. Where I could have never imagined the experience, I had. I felt something powerful, so spiritual, which touched my soul. I call it a place close to Heaven, is Mansarovar & Mt Kailash. Since the day I remember Lord Shiva has been part of my life. He is in my prayers every day. I had heard so many stories of Lord Shiva's final resting place, and always envisioned Mansarovar & Mt Kailash. August 2011, was my time to go! I am one of the few lucky ones to have the opportunity to undertake the spiritual journey to Mt. Kailash. I am so grateful to Team Himalayan Glacier to make the journey possible. 25 of us successfully completed the Parikrama around Mt. Kailash, despite the harsh weather condition of rain, snow, and muddy trails! It took 5 days for us to get to Mansarovar, in our Land cruisers, from The Tibet border. We had to acclimatize ourselves slowly to get to do the Parikrama of Mt Kailash which is 19500 ft elevation. We stayed at Mansarovar
for a day and a half. Upon arrival, we took a dip in the Holy Mansarovar, even though it was very cold. We were lucky to have the opportunity to perform Havan puja on the banks of Lake Mansarovar. To top it all, we celebrated the auspicious Raksha Bandhan Day by tying Rakhi on all the brothers.
The weather was completely against us the whole 3 days of our Parikrama, which was a total of 52 km (32 miles) in 3 days. The rain and cold wind against our body was not a pleasant feeling. However, the beauty of River Ganga on the left and the shadow of Mt. Kailash on our right while walking gave us the pleasant feeling of comfort. We were surrounded by the experience staff of Himalayan Glacier as well as each other! Despite the harsh condition, we reached the lodge where we are to stay overnight. The first words that came out of my mouth were, “I can't do this anymore, and this is torture. I am turning around to Darchen." I was in tears. I went to bed without eating, had no energy to get out of bed for food, or to do anything for that matter. That evening, I glanced out of my window, I saw the clouds moved a little, and I got to see a glimpse of snow covered Mt Kailash. I don't know how I got the energy for that. I got up, took a few pictures, and went to bed again. Maybe it was, than I got a signal from Shiva, that I
can do this. I definitely know that I was not the only one who contemplated turning around after the first day.
The second day I woke up and had a hot cup of black tea, and I told myself that I can do this. I felt a bit stronger than the night before. This was when Sagar Pandey & Lina both encouraged all of us to continue our Parikrama. I had no idea what the 2nd day would hold for us. All I knew was that it would be tougher than the first day. We started, Parikrama, on a horse which was still very difficult due to the poor weather and the trail’s condition. One wrong step would've sent you and your horse down into the deep valleys. Once we got to Dolma La peak, the highest point of the mountain at 19,500 ft, we were dropped off from our horses. I stood there for 10-15 min. I couldn’t believe I was actually there. Felt like Beautiful a dream. The feeling I had was rejuvenating when I was up there, and I had so much calmness inside me. I am standing in the freezing cold, at 19500” elevation, snow covered peak and thinking, I made it. What an accomplishment! I am so glad I didn't turn around.” Afterwards, I had no clue how hard it would be to climb down. In the far distance, I was also able to see the beautiful Gauri Kund, (Lake). It is also known to be a very holy pilgrimage site. Lo rd Shiva made the Kund, just for Parvati. Even the surrounding of the lake was covered with snow; but color of the water was Jade green. What a breath taking view. Despite all of these thoughts and challenges, it was still very beautiful hike. Well I was so lucky to have met a group of joyful people, who became my family on this yatra. Thanks to
my dear friends Doug Neal, Manish Kohli, Jan Fadden, Lina, and my room partner Nisha, for walking with me throughout the journey. They helped me tremendously during my three day Parikrama. I wouldn't have made it without them.
The experience I had and the feeling I get when I think about my yatra is so real and mesmerizing. It definitely has changed something inside me, and I will cherish it forever. I am so blessed to have done this yatra. It was an experience of a lifetime. Since I have been back from my Yatra, I have been back so many times to Mt Kailash in my dreams. I think everyone should experience this yatra ones in their lifetime. Om Namah Shivaya…Asha Patel
For more details of Future Journey to Kailash, visit www.kailash.himalayanglacier.com or call 513-257-6700
