photo taken: Jun2010 (by Alvin Low)
It is sad to hear the news on Tuesday 08May2012: 2 Singaporeans who went for a pilgrimage trek organised by
Today Travel Pte Ltd
to Mount Kailash ended up perishing at the highpass. It was said to be
due to mountain sickness, or maybe even sudden cardiac-arrest triggered
by stress & exhaustion. Our heartfelt condolences to the family.
Mount Kailash is a sacred mountain for Tibetan
Buddhism, Janism, Hinduism & Bon. Every year, thousands of devotees
make their way from Nepal, Pakistan, India to this sacred place to
fulfil the pilgrimage journey.
I myself have been twice around this 52-km circuit trek around Kailash, in 2006, 2008 & 2010.
The trek is not for the normal people who just wish to see the mountain.
The trails are bare, rocky, uneven ground, and living conditions are
basic, and you have to weather sub-zero temperatures. There is also a
5650m Drolma la highpass to cross at the 26km mark. Typically it will
take
2 to 3days for the average people to do it. staying overnight at 22km marker & 40km. The
better months are Jun-Sep.
The stronger trekkers can probably do it in 2 days, finishing the
last 30km on day2. Usually we would arrange vehicle-support for the
last 4km, which trekkers can then have an option to stop the trek at
48km mark, and be driven back to Darchen. Those who are not so strong,
should also consider getting a horse to ride for most part of the
journey. If you are unsure about your condition or fitness, always
take the safe decision to stay back & return. It could have
happened to anyone. We always believe, to go out & be back home
safe, the trip is already a great success! We should not take that
blessing for granted.
Have a Safe & Blessed Journey to All!
our trekkers during the Kailash trek (Jun2010)
local Tibetan devotee making prostration around the mountain (Jun2010)