Mt KAILASH

For centuries Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and followers of the ancient Tibetan Bön faith that pre-dates Buddhism have revered Mount Kailash as the most sacred place in Asia. Here four of Asia's greatest rivers - the Indus, the Brahmaputra, the Karnali and the Sutlej find their source. The magnificent and lone standing conical snow summit of Kailash, with its great swastika-like central scar, is revered as the wellspring of all life's forces. At the base of this great mountain are two vast blue lakes, the holy Manasarovar and Raksas, divided by a narrow isthmus. Pilgrims to this barren and awe inspiring place journey from the farthest reaches of central Asia, to circumambulate both Manasarovar Lake and the base of Mt Kailash in a quest to wash away the sins of a lifetime.