The Sacred Mountain and a People Denied: Pilgrimage, Politics, and Mount Kailash
For Tibetans, 2026 marks not only the Year of the Fire Horse in the Tibetan calendar but also a particularly auspicious time for spiritual practice. Tradition holds the Year of the Horse as the birth year of Shakyamuni Buddha and a harmonious year with Mount Kailash, considered a “benmingnian” or fortunate year. Tibetans believe circumambulating (kora) Mount Kailash during a Horse year accumulates thirteen times the merit of other years.
Mount Kailash: A Convergence of Faiths
As Tibetan Buddhism spread, and with the growing mystique surrounding Tibetan culture, Mount Kailash has drawn pilgrims from diverse backgrounds. The mountain, known as “the jewel of snow,” is revered not only in Buddhism but also in Hinduism, Bon, and Jainism. It’s considered the world’s center, the source of four major rivers – the Indus, Brahmaputra, Sutlej, and Karnali – and a place where spiritual energies converge.
The act of kora, circumambulating the mountain, is a profound expression of faith. Under the harsh conditions of the Tibetan plateau, the journey is a physical and spiritual test, demanding resilience and devotion.
A Bitter Irony: Access Denied
However, a stark contrast exists. While individuals from China and other nations can readily visit and experience Mount Kailash as a tourist destination, Tibetans themselves face significant obstacles in accessing this sacred site. This situation highlights a complex political reality.
Restrictions and Control in Tibet
The Tibet Autonomous Region remains a sensitive area for the Chinese government. The legacy of the 2008 protests in Lhasa, coinciding with the Beijing Olympics, led to increased surveillance and restrictions on movement. Even Tibetans residing within the region face stringent controls and identity checks. Those from outside the autonomous region encounter even greater difficulties obtaining the necessary permits, particularly the “border pass” required to enter the Ali region where Kailash is located.
This disparity is particularly poignant given the historical context. The area encompassing the traditional Tibetan regions of Amdo and Kham are now administered as parts of Qinghai, Gansu, Sichuan, and Yunnan provinces. This administrative division creates further hurdles for Tibetans seeking to reach sacred sites like Kailash.
The situation echoes concerns raised by writers like Tsering Woeser, who documented the difficulties faced by Tibetans in accessing their own religious sites. The influx of tourism, while economically beneficial to some, has also led to concerns about the commodification of Tibetan culture and the displacement of local traditions.
The 2014 Restrictions and Beyond
Reports from 2014 indicated temporary suspensions of border permits to Ali and restrictions on travel for government employees, ostensibly for security reasons. Such measures, while presented as temporary, underscore the ongoing limitations placed on Tibetan religious practice and movement.
The contrast is striking: while non-religious individuals can engage in activities like “bombing” the Himalayas with fireworks for entertainment, Tibetan pilgrims are often denied access to their most sacred sites. This situation raises fundamental questions about religious freedom and cultural preservation.
The Future of Pilgrimage and Tibetan Identity
The challenges faced by Tibetan pilgrims extend beyond logistical hurdles. They represent a broader struggle for cultural and religious autonomy. The question remains: when will Tibetans be able to freely choose their own spiritual path, rather than being defined by the Chinese Communist Party’s narrative?
As one Weibo user poignantly observed, “Tourism should be personal, enjoyable, and not cause trouble for locals. But Chinese tourists often seem to trample over the beautiful homes of others, like locusts, and then claim they are boosting consumption and feeding the locals…”
FAQ
Q: Why is Mount Kailash important?
A: Mount Kailash is considered sacred in four religions – Buddhism, Hinduism, Bon, and Jainism – and is believed to be the center of the world and a source of spiritual power.
Q: Are there restrictions on visiting Mount Kailash?
A: Yes, access to the region is heavily controlled by the Chinese government, and Tibetans face significant difficulties obtaining the necessary permits.
Q: What is a kora?
A: A kora is the Tibetan Buddhist practice of circumambulating a sacred site, such as a mountain or monastery, as a form of devotion and purification.
Q: What was the situation in 2014 regarding access to Kailash?
A: Reports indicated temporary suspensions of border permits and travel restrictions for government employees, making it tricky for anyone to access the region.
Did you know? The Year of the Horse is considered particularly auspicious for circumambulating Mount Kailash, with the belief that merit earned during this year is multiplied thirteenfold.
Pro Tip: If you are interested in learning more about the political situation in Tibet, research organizations dedicated to human rights and cultural preservation in the region.
We encourage you to share your thoughts on this complex issue in the comments below. Explore our other articles on cultural preservation and religious freedom for further insights.
