17 Days
Moderately Difficulty
The Four Faces of Mount Kailash: Your Guide to the Sacred Giant
Mount Kailash, towering in the remote landscapes of western Tibet, stands as a spiritual beacon for multiple faiths.
Hindus worship Mount Kailash as the abode of Lord Shiva, Buddhists revere it as the earthly manifestation of Mount Meru, Jains honor Mount Kailash as the place where Tirthankara, Rishabhadeva, attained liberation, and Bon practitioners see it as the dwelling of the sky goddess Sipaimen.
This sacred peak also serves as the source of four major Asian rivers—the Indus, Sutlej, Brahmaputra, and Karnali—sustaining millions of lives downstream.
Beyond its religious and geographical importance, Mount Kailash Faces are distinguished—South, West, North, and East.
Each face holds unique characteristics, myths, and spiritual significance, making them an integral part of the Kailash Parikrama, the sacred circumambulation performed by pilgrims.
The South Face
The South Face reveals itself at Yam Dwar, the traditional start of the Kailash circuit. It’s an imposing sight – a massive wall of rock and ice rising almost vertically.
A prominent ridge runs down its center, from the summit to the base. Pilgrims see this as the backbone of Lord Shiva, a symbol of his strength.
The face is often snow-covered, the white contrasting sharply with the dark rock. Some claim to see the “OM” symbol naturally formed on its surface, a testament to the mountain’s sacredness.
Ancient texts describe the face as if made of lapis lazuli, a deep blue. The Vishnu Dharmottara Purana states that sincere worship here can offer protection from premature death.
The South Face is a constant presence during much of the trek. It’s visible from Darchen.
As you circle the mountain, you catch glimpses of it, sometimes reflected perfectly in the still waters of Lake Mansarovar.
Views from Zuthulphuk and parts of Lake Rakshastal are also striking. The mountain’s South face is hard to miss and more challenging to forget.
The West Face
Walking around Mount Kailash, pilgrims first face the intensity of its South Face.
But the Western side brings a different feeling altogether. Pilgrims often spot a natural formation in the mountain resembling a calm, watchful face.
Local stories interpret this peaceful figure as Shiva’s compassionate gaze, quietly guarding visitors during their sacred walk.
Old beliefs add more meaning, describing this rock as glowing deep red like a precious ruby.
They say this color symbolizes kindness and warmth, protecting pilgrims throughout their spiritual path.
People from different spiritual traditions share a reverence for Kailash’s West Face.
Hindus link this side to Varuna, their god associated with water and thoughtful contemplation.
Buddhists view the mountain as a sacred component of Mount Meru, central to their universe.
Jains consider this area part of Ashtapada, a holy place connected with spiritual freedom.
The ancient Bon faith sees it as a home for Sipaimen, their revered mountain deity.
Despite these differences, the West Face consistently evokes peace and calm.
Travelers first notice this gentle presence after entering the quiet Lha Chu Valley on their walk toward Dirapuk.
Here, visitors often pause to reflect on their spiritual purpose quietly. This comforting view returns again near the end of the circuit, from Zuthulphuk toward Darchen.
The mountain guides pilgrims around its paths and inward, encouraging thoughtful reflection about themselves.
Pilgrims finish feeling spiritually renewed, appreciating Mount Kailash’s gentle, comforting guidance.
The North Face
Mount Kailash’s North Face draws immediate attention from pilgrims, often becoming their most vivid memory.
Many popular images highlight this striking side, especially famous for glowing golden at sunrise and sunset—earning it the nickname “Golden Kailash.”
According to Hindu tradition, this face is formed entirely of gold, symbolizing absolute purity. Its steep edges and sharp, imposing rocks create an atmosphere of awe and reverence.
Hindus identify this side with Brahma, their creator god, highlighting spiritual renewal and divine creativity themes. It also represents Shiva’s strength and mysterious power.
In Buddhism, the North Face holds equal importance. Buddhists view it as home to Demchok, a powerful yet compassionate deity associated with deep spiritual insight.
They regard Kailash as part of Mount Meru, the central mountain around which the universe revolves. For followers of
Although Mount Ashtapada remains their leading sacred site nearby, Jainism still inspires respect in Kailash’s northern side.
Similarly, the Bon tradition regards it as the holy home of Sipaimen, their sky goddess.
Pilgrims encounter this view as they walk toward Dirapuk in the first section of the pilgrimage.
From the Lha Chu Valley, travelers catch sight of the face framed dramatically between surrounding peaks.
Dirapuk Monastery offers one of the closest views, encouraging pilgrims to pause and reflect.
Those trekking to Charan Sparsh can approach even nearer, allowing an intimate spiritual connection with Kailash’s most celebrated face.
The East Face
Mount Kailash’s East Face remains the most hidden and mysterious of all its sides, usually observed only from afar.
Unlike the visible North and West Faces, pilgrims rarely see this side up close during a standard Kailash walk.
Instead, its gentle beauty becomes more apparent during the more demanding Inner Kora, a sacred route reserved for those seeking a more profound spiritual connection.
Ancient traditions describe the East Face as formed of crystal, giving it a soft, shimmering appearance, especially when sunlight hits at certain angles.
Compared to Kailash’s other rugged sides, this face appears smoother and more subtle, reinforcing its spiritual mystery.
Hindus associate this crystalline side with new beginnings, purity, and gentle renewal.
It symbolizes the softer, nurturing qualities of the divine, encouraging spiritual renewal among pilgrims.
Buddhists honor this face by believing in Kailash as Mount Meru, though fewer specific traditions single out this side.
Jain pilgrims recognize it as part of their sacred Mount Ashtapada area, respecting its spiritual importance.
Followers of Bon spirituality perceive it as a hidden realm associated closely with Sipaimen, the sky goddess, deepening its sense of sacred secrecy.
Pilgrims glimpse the East Face briefly on the second day of their main walk, particularly while descending from Dolma La Pass toward Gauri Kund.
However, those who commit to the Inner Kora experience clearer, closer views.
This limited accessibility enhances its spiritual value, signifying clarity, purification, and the renewal of the soul for those who journey deeply.
Comparative Analysis Mount Kailash Faces
| Feature | South Face | West Face | North Face | East Face |
| Visual Characteristics | Spine-like line, snowy, OM symbol possible | Human-like face (Shiva), serene | “Golden Kailash,” sharp features, rugged cliffs | Mysterious, ethereal, crystal-like, smooth |
| Hindu Significance | Shiva’s spine, strength, protection | Shiva’s face, compassion, benevolence, Varuna | Brahma’s face, divine power, Shiva’s aspect | Mystery, nurturing, rejuvenation, new beginnings |
| Buddhist Significance | Mount Meru (general reverence) | Mount Meru (general reverence), compassion | Mount Meru, home of Demchok, father of the world | Mount Meru (general reverence), crystal |
| Jain Significance | Part of Mount Ashtapada landscape | Part of Mount Ashtapada landscape | Part of Mount Ashtapada landscape | Part of Mount Ashtapada landscape |
| Bon Significance | Abode of Sipaimen (general reverence) | Abode of Sipaimen (general reverence) | Abode of Sipaimen (general reverence) | Abode of Sipaimen, associated with mystery |
| Associated Jewel | Lapis Lazuli | Ruby | Gold | Crystal |
| Viewpoints (Parikrama) | Yam Dwar, Lake Mansarovar, Darchen, Zuthulphuk | Lha Chu Valley, trek to Dirapuk, descent to Darchen | Trek to Dirapuk, Dirapuk Monastery, Lha Chu Valley | Inner Parikrama, after Gauri Kund, Dolma La Pass |
| Associated Emotion | Majesty, Splendor | Compassion, Benevolence | Daunting, Forbidding | Mystery, Nurturing |
Mount Kailash is a sacred mountain, important to Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers.
Its four faces carry special meanings, giving pilgrims different experiences as they circle the hill.
The South Face appears strong, marked by a clear vertical line down its center.
Hindus see Shiva’s strength in this rugged cliff. It stays clearly in view, providing comfort and stability to pilgrims throughout their walk.
On the West Face, pilgrims notice gentleness.
The rocks naturally form what looks like a kind face, often seen as Shiva watching quietly over visitors. Travelers feel calm here and are encouraged to rest and reflect.
The North Face is famous for turning golden at sunrise and sunset.
Hindu tradition links this face to Brahma’s creativity, while Buddhists connect it to Demchok’s spiritual power. Pilgrims viewing this side often feel inspired by its beauty.
Lastly, the East Face stays mostly hidden. Pilgrims rarely see it closely, except on the difficult Inner Kora.
Hindu beliefs say it’s made of crystal, symbolizing purity and new beginnings. This mysterious side encourages visitors to look within themselves for deeper understanding.
All four faces of Kailash invite visitors from different backgrounds to come together in respect and devotion.
Travelers find more than physical challenges here—they also experience personal growth and spiritual peace.
This sacred mountain continues to draw pilgrims seeking meaning, quietly guiding them on their paths.
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