My name is Preeti Soni, I’m 30 years old, and last month, I lived a dream that felt both impossible and divine. I, along with my five closest friends, visited Mount Kailash, the most sacred and mysterious mountain on Earth. Even today, when I close my eyes, I can still feel the thin air, hear the chants of “Om Namah Shivaya” echoing through the icy wind, and see that mighty peak standing in silent glory — like Lord Shiva himself watching over us.
The Calling of Kailash
I had always heard stories about Kailash Parvat — that no one can climb it, that it is the center of the universe, that every rock and wind there holds divine power. But hearing about it and actually being there are two very different things.
It all started as a random thought during a night of tea and laughter with my friends. One of them said, “Let’s go to Kailash next month.” We all laughed. Kailash? It sounded impossible. But something in that moment changed. The idea grew stronger every day. It felt like Kailash was calling us — as if an invisible energy was pulling us toward it.
So, after weeks of preparation, prayers, and planning, six of us — all filled with excitement and fear — set out for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
The Journey Begins
Our journey started from Kathmandu, Nepal, where we met other pilgrims and guides. The air there already felt spiritual — people wearing Rudraksha malas, chanting mantras, smiling despite the altitude. We began with medical checks, training for high-altitude breathing, and collecting all essentials — warm clothes, oxygen cans, glucose, dry fruits, and courage.
From Kathmandu, we took a small flight to Simikot, one of the most remote airports I’ve ever seen. The plane felt like a toy flying above huge mountains. From Simikot, we moved toward Hilsa by helicopter — a thrilling yet scary ride over deep valleys and icy peaks. The landscape looked unreal — like a painting of heaven and earth mixed together.
Once we crossed into Tibet, everything changed. The air became thinner, the temperature dropped suddenly, and even breathing felt like a task. We sat quietly in our vehicle, staring at the emptiness around us. Miles and miles of cold desert stretched to the horizon, with no trees, no birds — only silence and wind.
That silence, though heavy, was peaceful. It felt like nature was teaching us to listen, not speak.
First Glimpse of Mount Kailash
After two long days of driving through the Tibetan plateau, our guide suddenly shouted, “Look there!” We all turned — and there it was.
Mount Kailash.
At that moment, time stopped. I forgot to breathe. The peak shone like silver under the sun, and clouds formed a ring around it, as if bowing down. Some of us cried quietly, others smiled through tears. It wasn’t just a mountain — it was a presence, a soul.
I remember whispering, “Shiv Shambhu, I’m here.”
Every pain from the journey, every doubt disappeared. Standing there, I realized this was not a normal trip — it was a pilgrimage, a test of faith.
The Mystery and the Impossible Truths
People say no human has ever climbed Mount Kailash. Many professional climbers have tried, but strange things happen — storms appear out of nowhere, weather turns deadly, and equipment fails. Some say the mountain itself rejects anyone who tries to conquer it.
Locals believe it’s the abode of Lord Shiva, where he meditates with Goddess Parvati. Even scientists are puzzled. The shape of Kailash is perfectly symmetrical — like a man-made pyramid — yet it’s completely natural. The rivers Indus, Sutlej, Brahmaputra, and Karnali all begin from this one region, flowing in four directions, just like the four faces of Shiva.
Another mystery — no one ever sees birds flying over Kailash. It’s as if the sky itself knows where it must stop.
And the most incredible thing? When you do the Kailash Parikrama (circumambulation) — a 52 km trek around the mountain — your heartbeat syncs with the rhythm of the land. Some say it’s the heartbeat of Shiva himself.
The Holy Mansarovar Lake
Before starting the parikrama, we visited Lake Mansarovar — one of the holiest lakes in the world. The view took my breath away. The water was so still and pure that it reflected Kailash like a mirror.
We took a dip in its icy-cold water. It was like touching divinity. I felt my sins, my fears, everything wash away. My hands trembled, not because of the cold, but because I felt something powerful moving inside me — a deep peace I had never known before.
That night, we sat near the lake, watching stars. It felt like we were sitting at the edge of heaven. Someone played a soft bhajan, and I remember tears flowing down my cheeks again. The wind felt alive. It whispered prayers in our ears.
The Kailash Parikrama: Walking with Faith
The next morning, we began the three-day parikrama — a circular trek around the holy mountain. It’s one of the toughest pilgrimages in the world, and you walk at altitudes above 16,000 feet.
The path was rocky, steep, and covered in snow. Every breath felt heavy, like my lungs were filled with stones. But every time I looked up and saw Kailash glowing ahead, my legs found new strength.
The second day — the climb to Dolma La Pass — was the hardest. It’s over 18,000 feet high. The air was so thin that some people fainted. We saw yaks carrying oxygen cylinders, and our guides kept telling us to move slowly, one step at a time.
At one point, I almost gave up. My head was spinning, my heart pounding, and I could barely walk. But then I remembered why I was here — to see Shiva, to feel him, to know him. My friend held my hand, and together we took those last few steps to the top.
When we reached the Dolma La Pass, I fell to my knees and cried. The Tibetan flags were fluttering, people were chanting, and Kailash was shining through the clouds. It was the most powerful moment of my life.
The Return and Realizations
Coming down was easier but emotional. The journey had changed us. We were not the same people anymore. We had faced the impossible — freezing cold, oxygen shortage, hunger, fear — and survived it. But more than that, we had found faith.
Kailash teaches silence. It teaches surrender. You realize that in front of nature and God, we are so small. Yet, we are chosen to witness it.
When we reached back to Mansarovar, the mountain looked calm, like it was blessing us. I whispered a thank you to Lord Shiva — not just for keeping us alive, but for opening our hearts.
Survival Tips for Future Travelers
If you ever plan to visit Kailash, remember — it’s not just a trip; it’s a test of faith and body. Here are some survival lessons I learned:
- Train your body early: Start walking and breathing exercises months before. High altitude can be dangerous.
- Stay hydrated: Drink water even if you don’t feel thirsty. Dehydration happens faster in cold.
- Carry glucose, dry fruits, and energy bars. They save you when you lose appetite.
- Take small steps. Never rush. Walk at your own pace.
- Respect your limits. If your body says stop, stop. Kailash forgives rest, not ego.
- Avoid alcohol or smoking before and during the trip.
- Pack wisely: Layers of thermal wear, waterproof jackets, gloves, woolen socks, and sturdy trekking shoes.
- Keep medical kits and Diamox (for altitude sickness).
- Carry a small oxygen cylinder.
- Stay calm and meditate. Panic is your worst enemy at high altitude.
- Respect local customs and silence. Don’t shout, play loud music, or litter.
- Trust the guides. They know the mountains better than any map.
- Travel light but travel with faith.
The Magic Beyond Words
Even now, weeks after returning, I often wake up at night feeling that wind again — cold, pure, and full of whispers. The journey was not easy, but it was worth every struggle.
Kailash isn’t just a mountain. It’s a mirror. It shows you who you really are.
When you walk its path, you don’t just move your body — you move your soul.
I learned that “impossible” doesn’t mean “can’t be done.” It means “waiting for faith.”
And sometimes, you don’t find God in temples or books — you find Him in your breath when it’s hardest to take.
Conclusion: The Mountain That Listens
Mount Kailash is not a place — it’s a feeling that stays with you forever. I went there with friends, but came back with something greater — peace, strength, and a connection with the divine.
To anyone dreaming of going — listen to your heart. If Kailash calls you, go.
Because no one chooses Kailash — Kailash chooses you.
