For the people of Tibet religion is highly important, and has a deep influence over all aspects of their lives. The dominant religion there is矿etan Buddhism.
矿etan peopleworship snow-capped mountains, lakes, and the color white. They believe that in snowy areasthere is divinity in every mountainand that even the rocks have a spirit. They think that by circling around the sacred mountains, their sins can be cleansed, and hopefully they can reach nirvana.
For them,pilgrimageis the journey from ignorance to enlightenment. Because of this belief, pilgrims can be seen throughout the year circlingaroundthe sacred mountains.
While onpilgrimage, most of them walk, but there are some pilgrims who are so devoted that they prostrate themselves at intervals along the way. They chant their prayers while walking and prostrating themselves.
A pilgrimage takes scores of days, some even longer than a year.>>Read more about Pilgrimage Journey
1. Mount Kailash
Also called Kangrinboqê,Mount Kailash(冈仁波齐 Gangrenboqi /gung-rnn-bor-chee/) is the sacred mountain and thecenter of the worldfor fourreligions:Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism, Bon, and Jainism.
It lies nearLake Manasarovar,a sacred lake. With an elevation of 6,638 m (21,778 ft),Mount Kailashis the main peak of the Gangdisê Mountains.
It is snow-capped all year round, wreathed by a sea of clouds and fog, with itsunique shapelike a pyramid on the mountain top, Mount Kailash looks magnificent and unconquerable under sunshine.>>Read more about Mt. Kailash Facts
For centuries, it has beena Mecca for pilgrims. Every year, countless pilgrims from India, Nepal, Bhutan, and all over Tibet go there to show their devotion. While for adventurers, Mount Kailash remains an insurmountable peak.
- Location:Ngari area, near the border of China, Nepal, and India
- Altitude:6,638 m (21,778 ft)
- Best time:May to late June
2. Mount Nojin Kangsang
Mount Nojin Kangsang (乃钦康桑 Naiqinkangsang /neye-chin-kung-sung/) stands tall with an elevation of 7,191 m (23,592 ft) betweenGyantze Countyand Nagarzê County, with several snow-capped mountains over 6,000 m (19,685 ft) surrounding it.
It is located nearYamdrok Lake, another sacred lake. Mount Nojin Kangsang is the most accessibleglacier siteon the矿etan Plateau.
The famousKharola Glacier(elevation 5,560 m or 18,241 ft) is below the south ridge of Nojin Kangsang.
Nojin Kangsang wasfirst climbedin 1986 by a Chinese team from the south, though now most adventures ascend it from the east, which is easier and does not present major difficulties and dangers.
- Location:Lhasa
- Altitude:7,191 m (23,592 ft)
3. Nyainqêntanglha Peak
Nyainqêntanglha (念青唐古拉 Nianqingtanggula /nyen-ching-tung-goo-lah/) Peak is thehighest peak(7,111 m or 23,330 ft) of the Nyainqêntanglha Mountains.
Meaning "theGod of Grassland", Nyainqêntanglha Peak is the watershed between theYarlung Zangbo Riverand the Nu River (the Salween), and is the subject of much Tibetan folklore and myths. It is located nearLake Namtso, one of Tibet's sacred lakes.
南Nyainqentanglha峰的picturesque(hot spring), which is famous for its geothermalresources, including the largest hydrothermal power plant in China, and hot springs.
- Location:100 km north of Lhasa
- Altitude:7,111 m (23,330 ft)
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Experience Tibetan Festivals with Us in Tibet and Surrounding Areas
If you are looking to go sightseeing in Tibet, check out our top Tibet tours and add sacred mountains and holy lakes as the attractions when booking if they're not included. All our tours are customizable. We can also create an expert itinerary from your requirements.
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