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SOUL TREK
MOUNT KAILASH is considered one of the holiest destinations for pilgrims of Hindu, Tibetan Buddhist and Jain religions, as well as for the ancient Bonpo, a pre-Buddhist animistic faith. The pilgrimage to Mount Kailash - located in Tibet - is surely one of the most difficult in the world, but like most activities in life, modern amenities have rendered it somewhat easier, provided people have the money to spend. Still, a basic level of fitness is required. With the festival of Shivaratri just over and the weather warming up, the minds of pilgrims and trekkers are turning Himalaya-ward. Jyoti Travel, a tour operator based in New Delhi's Nehru Place, has announced its itinerary for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra-2004.
The 17-day trip begins at Kathmandu. The consolidated price of Rs.62,499 per traveller - or 57,499 per person on twin sharing basis - does not include the Delhi-Kathmandu return airfare. It does however include airport transfers and accommodation in Kathmandu, transport between Kathmandu and the Tibet border, Tibet entry visa fee, as well as accommodation in twin sharing tents during the camping and trekking part of the journey, among other facilities. The corresponding price for foreign nationals is 1999 and 1799 U.S. dollars.
Groups are accompanied by a Nepalese Sherpa crew. A visit to the famous Pashupatinath and Boudhnath shrines is an early highlight of the trip. Jyoti Travel's attempts to go beyond their competitors include emergency provisions such as a Gaemow Bag, oxygen cylinders and a wireless set.
The first yatra begins on April 26. Thereafter the dates are May 13 and 27, June 13 and 24, and July 11 and 25. Only one date - 23 - has been announced in August. September dates are 5 and 21.
Mount Kailash, at a height of 6,740 metres, is the place where the first Jain prophet is said to have attained enlightenment. Followers of the Bonpo religion revere it as the place where its founder Shanrab descended from Heaven. To Tibetan Buddhists, Kailash is the navel of the world, from where four rivers flow in the four cardinal directions. Known as the rivers of the Lion Mouth, Horse Mouth, Peacock Mouth and Elephant Mouth, these are believed to correspond to the rivers Indus, Brahmaputra, Karnali and Sutlej. For followers of Hinduism, Kailash is the abode of Lord Shiva, the mountain with which a number of Puranic stories are associated. Swans dwell at lake Manasarovar here, believed to have emanated from the mind of Brahma. And the swan represents the soul, capable of straining milk from water, wisdom from the dross of daily life.
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