Why does Kailash Mansarovar not belong to India?

The Kailash Mansarovar does not belong to India because it is located in Tibet, which is an autonomous state under Chinese authority.

The Kailash Mansarovar has a lot of significance in Hinduism, which is the most popular religion in India. Devout Hindus believe that Mount Kailash, which is a part of the Trans-himalayan region, is the abode of Lord Shiva. Lake Mansarovar, which lies about 20 kms away from Mount Kailash, is also believed to be a highly sacred point. So it is a fair question to ask about why Kailash Mansarovar does not belong to India. Read on to know more about why this is the case.

Tibet was never under Indian rule

In the past 500 years at least, Tibet was never under Indian rule. Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar belong to the remote western part of the Tibetan kingdom and reaching them was always difficult. However, there were always trade and cultural ties between India and Tibet. Tibetan scholars of ancient times came to India to study in its universities. However, Tibet was never a part of India.

Indian pilgrims have been doing the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for centuries

For many centuries, yogis and learned men travelled to Tibet to pay their respects to Lord Shiva. It was and still is a treacherous terrain and many died along the way, but many did go to Mount Kailash because they believed that their sins would be washed away if they did this. It is only now that Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has become a common affair with the Indian government and private tour operators taking it upon themselves to make the whole process as easy as possible for pilgrims. 

The Chinese contribution

Many people have the question that where is Kailash Mansarovar or Kailash Parvat kahan hai? Literally and geographically, Kailash Mansarovar is a part of China, though it is in Tibet, which is an autonomous state in china. Tibetans have always been a warm and friendly people and with the Chinese government trying to control everything, it is a matter of political debate about what the status of Tibet should actually be. 

The religious connection

Kailash Mansarovar not belonging to India is a sad thing no doubt. Being a place that is so highly revered by Hindus, not being able to go on pilgrimage there without the aid of passport and Visa is certainly not something to be happy about. What is surprising is that Mount Kailash, which finds mention in ancient Indian scriptures like Vedas and Puranas, is located in Tibet. Though no historical or archaeological evidence has been found, it certainly is a point that makes one wonder whether that region was a part of India in very ancient times. 

Going on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

As an Indian citizen, you will certainly need a valid passport and Visa permit to go on the Yatra, but otherwise, it is a journey you can make without any logistical issue. Here are some pointers to keep in mind for the Kailash Yatra:

• Various routes available: There are basically two ways of doing the Yatra: by the routes recommended by the Ministry of External Affairs of India or with a private tour operator. If you choose to go with the government, it will take you about 3 weeks to complete the journey. If you choose a helicopter route with a private tour operator, it will take you between 5 and 11 days to complete the journey. 
• Passport and Visa: It is very important that you have a valid passport with at least 6 months time left on it on the day of the start of the Yatra. You also need a Visa. If you choose to go with a reputed private tour operator, you will not have to worry about all this because it will be taken care of by the agency.
• Physical fitness: Even if you decide to choose the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route that does not involve a lot of trekking, you are still going to have to do it if you do the ‘parikrama’ of Mount Kailash. The whole parikrama involves a trek of 52 kms by foot. You may do a full or a partial parikrama but for that, you will need to be physically fit. So after you have decided that the Yatra is something you will do, it is time to start an exercise regimen that works at building stamina and strength. Walk, jog, run, swim - do any or all of these activities daily. Eat healthy well-balanced meals that nourish the body and the soul.
• Mental calmness and clarity: Before embarking on the holy Yatra, try to get into the habit of thinking positive thoughts, ridding yourself of negativity and gossiping. Instead, enjoy the feeling of peace that comes with knowing that you will soon be near the abode of Lord Shiva and count it as one of the many blessings of your life.