Aerial Darshan
Chartered Flight - 03 Days
by Mr. Vishal Gogia
06th Sep, 2025
My name is Mr. Satyabrat Mohanty, and in June 2025, I had the divine opportunity to undertake one of the most sacred pilgrimages in the world – Mount Kailash Yatra. Words fall short when I try to describe the experience of standing before the majestic Mount Kailash, believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. For me, it was not just a journey; it was a life-transforming experience, a spiritual awakening, and a moment where I truly felt the presence of Lord Shiva.
The Decision to Begin the Journey
The idea of visiting Mount Kailash had been in my heart for many years. As a devotee of Lord Shiva, I always believed that one day I would receive His call. For Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers alike, Kailash is not just a mountain – it is a spiritual powerhouse, a living deity, and the ultimate destination for seekers of truth.
In early 2025, I felt an inner calling. Despite the challenges of planning such a journey – the permits, the long travel, the physical demands – I was determined. When I finally secured my travel arrangements for June 2025, I knew it was the divine will of Mahadev guiding me.
Reaching Tibet – Gateway to Kailash
The journey began with travel from India to Tibet. The landscapes started changing drastically as we moved from bustling cities into the mystical silence of the Himalayas. The air became thinner, the sky clearer, and the energy more intense.
Crossing into Tibet, I felt a strange stillness, as if the mountains themselves were whispering sacred chants. The roads were not easy, and the altitude was challenging, but my mind was firm. Each step was powered by faith, devotion, and the thought of standing before the mighty Kailash.
First Glimpse of Mount Kailash
No words can capture the emotion of seeing Mount Kailash for the very first time. The towering, symmetrical peak rose above the clouds like a throne of the divine. I stood frozen, with tears in my eyes, my heart overwhelmed with gratitude. It felt like Lord Shiva Himself was waiting there for me.
The mountain’s presence was magnetic. Unlike any other peak, Kailash radiates a mystical aura. For a moment, the world around me disappeared – there was no fatigue, no struggle, only pure bliss and surrender.
The Parikrama – Walking Around the Sacred Mountain
One of the most important aspects of the Yatra is the Kailash Parikrama – circumambulating the holy mountain. It is believed that a single parikrama washes away the sins of a lifetime, while completing 108 parikramas leads to salvation.
The parikrama is about 52 kilometers long, usually taking three days. The first day was relatively easy, walking through valleys surrounded by towering mountains and crystal-clear streams. The landscape was raw and untouched, reminding me of the purity of nature.
On the second day came the greatest challenge – crossing the Dolma La Pass at an altitude of 5,630 meters. The air was extremely thin, and every step required immense effort. But as I reached the top, I felt an incredible surge of energy. Tibetan prayer flags fluttered in the cold wind, carrying prayers to the heavens. At that height, it felt like I was standing between earth and sky, directly connected to Lord Shiva.
The third day of the parikrama was a gentle descent, filled with relief, gratitude, and joy. Every stone, every stream, and every gust of wind seemed to bless me.
Lake Mansarovar – The Sacred Waters
No Kailash Yatra is complete without visiting Lake Mansarovar, the highest freshwater lake in the world. The lake is considered to be created by Lord Brahma and sanctified by Lord Shiva. Its crystal-clear waters reflect the mighty Kailash peak, creating a divine image that feels otherworldly.
Taking a holy dip in Lake Mansarovar was one of the most powerful experiences of my life. The icy water touched my body, but what I felt was warmth and cleansing of the soul. It was as if every burden, every pain, and every negative energy was washed away, leaving me pure and renewed.
Sitting by the lake in silence, I meditated on Shiva. I felt His presence within and around me. That moment was not just devotion – it was union.
Challenges Along the Way
The Kailash Yatra is not easy. The altitude can cause breathlessness, headaches, and exhaustion. The weather changes suddenly – from bright sunshine to snowstorms. Food is simple, accommodations are basic, and physical stamina is constantly tested.
Yet, none of these challenges felt like obstacles. In fact, they became part of the purification process. Every struggle made me realize the strength of my faith. Every hardship reminded me that reaching Kailash is not just a physical journey but a test of the spirit.
Spiritual Awakening – Meeting Lord Shiva
When I finally stood facing Mount Kailash after completing the parikrama, I felt something shift deep within me. For a devotee, this was no ordinary mountain. I truly felt that I was standing in the presence of Lord Shiva Himself.
I closed my eyes, folded my hands, and surrendered completely. I felt a surge of energy rise within me, a silence that was not empty but full of divine vibrations. At that moment, I understood what sages and pilgrims have felt for thousands of years – Kailash is not just a place, it is Shiva personified.
Travel from Lhasa to Mt. Kailash and Manasarovar
Meeting Lord Shiva is not about seeing Him in a human form; it is about realizing His presence in everything – the mountain, the wind, the water, the silence, and within my own soul.
Lessons Learned from Kailash
This Yatra taught me many lessons that will stay with me forever:
1. Faith conquers fear – No matter how hard the journey was, faith in Shiva gave me strength.
2. Simplicity is bliss – Away from comforts, I realized true happiness lies in simplicity and surrender.
3. Nature is divine – The Himalayas, the rivers, the skies – all are manifestations of Shiva’s energy.
4. Spirituality is within – The ultimate pilgrimage is not outside but inside. Kailash reminded me that Lord Shiva resides in every heart.
