Life beyond human form is what you feel when you reach Kailash Mansarovar passing through explicit terrains, imperial environments and fascinating vibes. The journey entices one to such a core that the strenuous climb seems a piece of cake if one is in a complete trance state to reach an altitude not achievable by many.
The journey will introduce you to key attractions; a sacred Parikrama around the Mount Kailash and a holy dip in Mansarovar Lake. You will also get a chance to admire the splendorous of the blue lake Pieko-Tso and Yarlung Zangpo. Another major attraction of the yatra is Yama Dwar, the gates of the lord of death. It is a place of great religious and mythological significance. Also, the distinct four sides of Mt Kailash resemble the cardinal points of the compass. Both geography and mythology combine to lend the Mount Kailash, a charm of its own.
When we think of Mount Kailash, all that comes to the mind is a spiritual journey to the abode of God Shiva. For sure there is no shrine but you can definitely meet the divine. The place is invariably sacred to Hindus as it is to Jains, Bons and Buddhists. Kailash Mansarovar is to these faiths as Mecca is to Islam. However, one must believe that Kailash is the seat of all spiritual power and if you truly believe it nothing will surpass your devotion.
What’s unique about full moon on Mt. Kailash?
Standing in high spirits at 22,000 feet, Mount Kailash on a full moon night is just majestic. It is said a dip in Lake Mansarovar at the night of new moon washes away the sins of current and past 100 lives. Feel the spiritual powers around while you circumambulate the lake in a ring on full moon night. Wash away sins of seven past lifetimes with a Parikrama while 108 Parikramas provide eternal oblivion or Moksha or Nirvana. Watch the stunning super moon over Mount Kailash and its imagery reflected on the Mansarovar lake; one of the most picturesque view on the yatra.
Many stories revolve around the significance of full phase of moon on the lands of Lord Shiva. The call for Full Moon Kailash Yatra 2019 is to be a part of sheer spiritual energy that the natural surroundings of Kailash region emanate. One such story reveals that Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati come alive on full moon night. Numerous devotees flock to the lake for this magical moment, but only a human of pure heart will be able to see it. Pilgrims who have seen it can’t believe their eyes. As on full moon there is an abundance of energy and spirituality around the lake. It seems as if the moon god itself want to come down and pay tribute to the divine Shiva.
Lake Mansarovar is considered sacred as Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati are believed to have a bath in his lake. The lake washes away your sins if you believe in the powers of holy water of the sacred lake. The best time to bathe is between 3-5 am as it is the time of gods. On a full moon night many pilgrims have visually seen the god and Goddess taking a holy dip. They have also seen the holy water getting dispersed just like when a human takes a holy dip. The entire night boasts of exceptional beauty that varies from spiritual godly vibes to.
What will you call such stories, a complete myth or faith? Whatever it is if you want to see heaven while on earth, Kailash Mansarovar Yatra on a full Moon night will make you believe you lived a day in heaven. “If you can really be with Kailash even for a few moments, life will never again be the same for you. It is a phenomenon beyond all human imagination.” – Sadhguru
With traditions dating back to Mahabharata era, Osla village can be reached by a trek to Har Ki Doon valley. People of this village worship the defamed character of Mahabharata, named Duryodhan. As per the theories, it is believed Duryodhan might have been a boon for these people during that era, hence the temple was built for him. Till date the villagers only preach to Duryodhan and no other god.
The attire of these villagers clearly depicts their attachment to their roots; traditions and customs. Most of the villagers earn their bread and butter through agriculture. They grow rajma, potato and rice for living while the others weave their own wool to make jackets and coats. You can buy from them directly as it will help them to earn more.
When you trek from Osla to Sankri, you see varieties of trees, plants, animals and birds, this is due to its location in Govind Wildlife Sanctuary. Varied range of fauna like, Brown Bear, Musk Deer, Snow Cock, Golden Eagle, Koklas Pheasant, Bearded Vulture, Parakeets, and range of flora like Blue Poppy, Orchids, Lilies, Primulas, Potentillas and Anemonies can be found here which will definitely be a thrill for trekkers.
Did you know Pandavas from Mahabharata took the very same route to ascend to heaven via Mt Swargarohini, which also dominates the sky of Har Ki Doon valley! The mountain views on this trek is just stupendous, with Swargarohini – I, II, III, Bandarpoonch and Blackpeak. You can also see the Ruinsara peaks from here. To summarize it beautifully, no other trek steeped in mythology justifies the title of “Valley of Gods”.
As I entered the mystical land of Bhutan, it seemed the old traditions and customs were still preserved like the olden times. The unspoiled terrain made me wonder on the existence of such a place in this contemporary era. If you are in the mood for a road trip, here’s a tip – 
The next morning, we left for the capital city of Bhutan, Thimpu, followed by Punakha the same day. The nation’s largest city, Thimphu boasts of city-like vibe laden with modern infrastructure and new-lined streets. After a bike check-up in the capital city, we zoomed towards the valley of Punakha. In the afternoon, after lunch, we hiked towards the Chimi Lhakhang monastery, also known as the temple of fertility. Impressed by the beauty of this nation, Bhutan’s hospitality radiate purity and peace. Now we know why it is called the Land of Happiness!
As soon as the morning unfolded, we drove around 80 km towards Phobijkha Valley post breakfast. The valley is quite famous for Trongsa Dzong, which is the largest Dzong Fortress of Bhutan. It played an important role during the 17th and 19th century in regards to the unity of the nation. Then we went to Ta Dzong, which has been converted into a museum. The wilderness of flora and fauna at the Phobijkha valley was phenomenal. As we rode towards the valley, we could see countless birds and animals on our way.
Well, after taking this surreal road trip, there is one thing I can say – no blog, or for that matter even this blog, cannot describe the glory and the contentment the Kingdom of Bhutan offers. One has to take the Thunder Dragon Motorbike Tour to see what a gem of a place this country is and why everyone falls in love with this mystical land.
An ultimate postcard location, Gulmarg looks so blissful in winters that you won’t be able to take your eyes off it. Snow settles so perfectly and delicately on the houses, meadows and trees that the entire city looks out of this world. Slide on the shimmering snow while taking in the entire perspective of the snow-covered Pir Panjal mountain range. This place experiences snowfall from December to March, so make your winters exhilarating. To better convince you, hit movies like Jab Tak Hai Jaan and Haider have been shot here, owing to its immense natural beauty.
The temperature here drops to around -30 degree Celsius and is the most suitable for being tread on in the winter months, hence.
Trekkers start this exploration from Chilling and hike further up to Naerak(they can return from this point itself) and then Lingshed. The entire ice trail is about 105 kms long and trekkers walk about 15 kms each day
A road between Zanskar and Leh is under construction which will make it easier for the locals to commute. However, it poses a great threat for the wildlife including snow leopards in the area.
The fluctuating temperature in the valley makes and breaks the ice in the river. So, trekkers are to use extreme caution in a terrain such as this.
The gigantic brown mountains that outline the frozen river present a great visual.
Locals cook food here in caves and it is served in caves. How dreamlike!
Impeccable trekking gear should be made use of while carrying out this trek. The ice sheets thin down over different times of the day.
Camping is an absolute delight on this trek! Enjoy incredible starry nights. Star-gazing is definitely something you should check off your list when you’re here.
Kundalika River rafting gave me an opportunity to paint the canvas of my life with some memorable experiences. It enabled me to hear the voice of the heart, saying that the pangs of life constitute a very small part of the beauty that it beholds. The pangs that life comes across to are meant to be sung to tap on the music that it constitutes. 
