Nepal is a nation filled with many hidden gems for travellers. You can find remote hills, distant trekking trails, and stunning lakes in unexpected corners of Nepal. Therefore, this nation is rather popular among the trekkers and explorers alike. Among many such hidden gems, one of the most beautiful ones is Gauri Kund, also known as the sacred lake of compassion. It is a visually stunning emerald-coloured pond, and Hindu devotees visit this pond in large numbers to offer their thanks to lord Shiva while performing Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. But, this is just the basic introduction towards the Gauri Kund. So, are you curious to know more? If you are, then you have come to the right place.
In this blog, we provide you with various aspects regarding the Gauri Kund pond, including its location, spiritual significance, and a popular myth associated with this pond. In addition to this, we shall also discuss the geographical features near this pond and the difficulty of visiting this pond. So keeping this in mind, let’s get started!
Location of Gauri Kund
The first aspect of the Gauri Kund that we shall discuss here is the location of this pond. So, where is it located? It is located towards the south face of Mount Kailash, just 2 to 3 kilometres uphill from Dirapuk Gompa, in the far western regions of Tibet in Ngari Prefecture.
Its elevation is 5600 meters from the sea level, and you can easily locate this pond on the second day of the Kailash Parikrama. If you are wondering about the exact coordinates of this pond, they are 30.6529° N and 79.0257° E.
Gauri Kund’s spiritual significance in the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
Now that you know where this pond is located, let’s discuss some of the spiritual significance of this pond during the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. This place is named after Gauri, which is another name for lord Parvati as well. So, needless to say it holds deep significance in Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, which is named after her husband, lord Kailash, which is another name for lord Shiva. But the question here is, what are some of the key spiritual significance of this pond? Well, some of the key ones include:
1. Birthplace Of Lord Ganesha
As per the Hindu scriptures, this pond is the sacred site where Lord Parvati created lord Ganesha. As per the myths, lord Parvati sculpted the body of lord Ganesha from turmeric when she was bathing in this pond back in the day. Once lord Ganesha was born, he was then appointed as the guardian of lord Parvati. Because of this, the Gauri Kund pond is associated with spiritual rebirth and devotion.
2. Symbol of Compassion and Purity
Another key significance of this pond is that it represents the love, devotion and compassion of lord Parvati. Pilgrims who visit this pond believe that the diving energy of lord Parvati lingers in the waters and blesses those who approach this pond with a pure heart. The stillness and calmness of the water inspire deep contemplation, which allows devotees such as yourself to cleanse themselves both physically and spiritually. Many also believe that the waters of this kund have healing properties for both body and soul.
3. Water of Life and Purity
Another key significance of Gauri Kund is that the water inside this pond is considered the sacred source of purification. Visitors of this site and devotees believe that even a single drop of the water on this lake has the power to purify the mind, body, and soul alongside the sins and past karma. Because of this, many pilgrims take a ritual dip or carry the holy water of this pond back into their homes. Furthermore, the act of taking a dip into this water before proceeding further signifies rebirth as well.
4. Emerald-Colored Reservoirs: A Vital Element of the Yatra
One of the unique points of this lake is its colour, which reflects the sacred aura of this region. This emerald-coloured lake is surrounded by the contrast of the challenging terrain and is more than just a beautiful sight. Lake Gauru Kund serves as a viral spiritual milestone on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Pilgrims on this journey often pause here to meditate, party, and absorb the divine vibrations before continuing on the journey towards the sacred Mount Kailash.
The Myth of Lord Shiva and Ganesha’s Beheading
As we discussed earlier, lake Gauri Kunda was the place where lord Ganesha was born and was appointed as the guard of lord Parvati. But did you also know that this lake is deeply connected to one of the most well-known myths in Hinduism? In fact, lake Gauri Kunda is associated with the story of how lord Ganesha came to have the head of the elephant.
As the story goes, after lord Ganesha was created, he was standing guard for lord Parvati, who was bathing in Gauri Kunda Lake. At this time, lord Shiva arrived here but was stopped by lord Ganesha, unaware that lord Shiva was his father. Then, a confrontation broke out in which lord Shiva chopped off the head of lord Ganesha with his trident.
Upon witnessing this event, lord Parvati became devastated and furious. So even though lord Shiva was one of the holy trinity, he had to bow down to the divine and fearsome form of lord Parvati, who was threatening to destroy the entire cosmos. The other gods pleaded with lord Shiva to calm her down, and upon realizing his mistake, lord Shiva instructed his followers to search for the first living being who was facing North, which just so happened to be an elephant encountered by Ganas.
Lord Shiva then placed the head of the elephant on the present, decapitated Ganesh and brought him to life and made him immortal, calming down the anger of lord Parvati.
Now, remember, all this took place in Gauri Kund itself, at least in Hindu mythology. So, it goes without saying that this lake is very special for the followers of the Hindu religion.
Geographical features near Gauri Kund
After discussing the religious aspects of Gauri Kund, let’s now discuss some of the geographical features a bit, or, to be more specific, geographical features near this pond. The good news here is that Gauri Kund is surrounded by some of the most breathtaking and deeply significant geographical features. Some of these key features include:
1. Mount Kailash
Mount Kailash is one of the most significant geographical features around Gauri Kund as this grand peak towers over this lake. This mountain is deeply linked with the lake and is also known as the home of lord Shiva, who is considered the husband of lord Parvati, after whom Gauri Kund is named. It is believed that lord Parvati, along with Lord Shiva, resides in Mount Kailash. Besides, it is not just the religious aspect that makes this mountain special. The mountain is pyramid-shaped which renders it a spectacular geographical marvel to behold. Besides, its status as a virgin peak contributes to its special nature.
2. Mansarovar Lake
Close to Gauri Kund, you can also visit Lake Mansarovar, which is located at around 4,590 meters. It is one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world and is also considered the lake of purity. According to the Hindu myth, this lake was created by the Hindu god Brahma; therefore, it is highly regarded in Hinduism. The turquoise-blue water of this lake creates a mesmerizing landscape, and it is believed that taking a dip in its waters cleanses you from your past sins.
3. Rakshas Tal
While Lake Mansarovar was considered the lake of purity and peace, Rakshas tal, which is just a bit further away from Lake Mansarovar, is considered the lake of Demons. It is a salt lake and is even more desolate with a spooky atmosphere. Rakshas Tal is generally considered to be the dark counterpart of Lake Mansarovar and is associated with Ravana, Lanka’s demon king. While having a different significance, both RakshasTal and Lake Manasarovar are deeply spiritually significant.
4. Dolma La Pass
The final geographical feature that we will talk about here is the Dolma La Pass, which lies at an elevation of 5,630 meters above sea level. It is the highest point on Kailash Parikrama and one of the most challenging segments of the entire trekking process. It is named Tara (Dolma of Tibetan Buddhism) pass, Whose name is connected to the goddess of compassion, and passing this pass is considered passing from old life to new spiritual life. You can see pilgrims leaving behind their personal items and offerings here as a symbol of giving up the past loads. Now, do note that this pass is often covered in snow, which makes going through this pass a bit difficult depending on the season. But, this difficult journey is equally rewarding as once you pass through this pass, you not only become a new person spiritually, but the journey itself takes an easier route as well.
Difficulty level of visiting Gauri Kund
So, at this point, it should not be a surprise anymore that Gauri Kund is located at a rather high place since it is near Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. But how difficult is it to reach this place? The short answer to this question is – it is difficult but can be visited by an average person with some preparation. Some of the key factors affecting the difficulty of reaching and visiting Gauri Kund include:
- High Altitude Risks: Low oxygen levels can result in acute mountain sickness (AMS) characterized by dizziness and shortness of breath.
- Harsh Weather: Freezing cold, strong winds and surprise snowfall make the journey strenuous.
- Steep & Rocky Terrain: The path from Dolma La Pass (5,630m) is steep, slippery, and physically challenging.
- Restricted Accessibility: No roads—trekkers must walk or use yaks/ponies. Medical facilities are restricted.
- Preparation Necessary: Physical training, acclimatization, proper hydration, and appropriate gear are necessary.
Despite its height, the journey towards the Gauri Kund is highly spiritually rewarding, and it is filled with stunning views alongside the acquisition of divine energy, making it worth the trouble.
Reasons to avoid bathing in Gauri Kund during the Mount Kailash Trek
Now, although we did mention that taking a bath in Gauri Kund cleanses away your past sins and brings purity to your life, there are some good reasons to avoid bathing in this lake. The reasons vary, ranging from your health to the conservation of the environment. Regardless, there are good reasons why it is not recommended to take a bath in this lake. Some of the key reasons include:
1. Extremely Cold Water
The first reason we shall discuss here is the temperature. Because this lake is located at 5,500 meters above sea level, the water in this lake is extremely cold. If you do not take proper procedures before taking a bath or are not highly tolerant to cold, you can easily go into shock or get sick at the very least. Furthermore, this is a glacial lake, and the temperatures can often reach sub-zero degrees, forming a thin layer of ice. If proper procedure is not taken, you can even face hypothermia.
2. Risk of Altitude Sickness
Coldness and hypothermia are not the only reasons for not bathing in the Gauri Kund Lake, as altitude sickness is another major reason. This is because exposure to freezing water can weaken the body and cause issues such as dizziness and an increased risk of respiratory issues. This can, in turn, lead to an increased risk of altitude sickness later on in the journey. So by taking a bath in thai lake, not only are you increasing immediate risk, but also planting a seed for a major issue later on the journey.
3. Sacred Significance
The third reason to not bathe in this lake is in the form of sacred significance. As mentioned prior, this lake is the birthplace of lord Ganesha and is seen as the site of divine purity. So bathing in this lake is equivalent to tainting the birthplace of one of the major deities in Hinduism. It goes without saying that doing so disrespects the sanctity of the lake.
4. Preservation of the Site
The final reason to not take a bath in this lake is because of environmental reasons. This lake is a part of the Himalayan ecosystem and taking a bath in this lake can easily pollute and disrupt its natural state. Bathing in this lake can introduce soaps, lotions and other non-natural contaminants into the lake, which can affect the purity of the lake.
Now do note that although it is not recommended to take a full bath in this lake, you can take its water and sprinkle it on yourself to cleanse yourself from the past karma and sins. It does not matter if you use even a single drop of water from this lake; the effect is the same.
Things To Do In Gauri Kund
So, you cannot exactly take a bath in Gauri Kund – but what can you do there? Well, there are many things you can do in this lake. Some of the key activities include:
- Offer Prayers and Meditate: Connect with divine energy in the serene environment.
- Sprinkle Holy Water: Traditional act of purification and piety.
- Observe and Photograph the Scenery: Absorb the stunning emerald-green lake and the peaks around.
- Take Part in Religious Rituals: Be a part of traditional offerings and prayers.
- Chant Mantras and Bhajans: Sing devotional songs for spiritual awakening.
- Light Incense and Diyas: Symbolize devotion and receive divine blessings.
- Think about Mythological Significance: Reflect on the myth of Goddess Parvati giving birth to Lord Ganesha here.
- Perform Parikrama: Walk around the lake as a sign of respect.
- Write Messages and Prayers on Prayer Flags: Attach personal messages and prayers for good luck.
- Bask in the Peacefulness: Surround yourself with the peacefulness of the unexplored Himalayan wilderness.
- Share with Other Pilgrims: Share experiences and tales with other pilgrims.
- Relish the Silence of High Altitude: Relish the silence and loneliness for a calm mind.
Festival of Gauri Kund
Besides engaging in the activities we mentioned previously, if you time your visit right, you can also take part in the festivals in Gauri Kund. But what are the main festivals surrounding this lake? The two the key festivals associated with Gauri Kund include:
1. Sawa Daga
It is a sacred event which is celebrated by Tibetan Buddhists and Hindus at Gauri Kund and it involves ritualistic prayers, chatting, and offerings to the divine deities. Participants and devotees believe that being involved in Sawa Daga brings spiritual enlightenment and karmic purification.
2. Mahashivratri
Literally translating to the “Great Night of lord Shiva”, Mahashivaratri is an important Hindu festival associated with lord Shiva. On this festival, devotees gather around this lake to honour lord Shiva through fasting, night-long prayers, and chanting of ‘Om Namah Shivaya.’ Needless to say, since lord Parvati is the wife of lord Shiva, this lake too holds a deep significance to the believers and devotees and as a result, Gauri Kund is one of the key attractions for this festival.
Best time to visit Gauri Kund
At this point, we have already covered most of the major aspects of Gauri Kunda. And after reading all these, some of you may even want to visit this place. Now, the question here is, what is the best time to visit this place? Well, the ideal time is the summer months between May and September. But why? Well during these seasons, the weather is rather mild, with temperatures ranging between 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F) during the day.
Furthermore, the trails are generally open and more accessible, with a clear and open sky welcoming you all the way. On top of this, you can also take part in both the major festivals if you time your visit right, as both of these festivals occur in this time frame.
How to teach Gauri Kund?
Source: A Soul Window
The final topic that we shall discuss here before we conclude our discussion about the Gauri Kund lake is how to reach it. Well, reaching this place takes a combination of various travel methods since it is a rather rural place. However, the following is the general guideline for you.
- Arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal: Start your pilgrimage from Kathmandu, the pilgrims’ hub for Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims.
- Fly to Simikot or Nepalgunj: Fly internally from Kathmandu to Simikot or Nepalgunj, two of the most well-trodden trekking starting points.
- Optional Flight to Hilsa: An optional short flight from Simikot to Hilsa is available in order to shorten the trekking distance.
- Trip to Tirthapuri: From Nepalgunj or Simikot, go to the Tirthapuri area, the beginning point of the trek, by jeep trips and walking.
- Trek to Gauri Kund: Trek of approximately 6-8 hours from Tirthapuri to Gauri Kund over challenging terrain at high altitude.
Gauri Kund is a rather special lake which you can visit while travelling to or going on the Kailash Mansarovar journey. Similar to this peak, Gauri Kund is deeply spiritually significant as well as it is associated with lord Parvati, the wife of lord Shiva. Furthermore, Gauri Kund Lake is also surrounded by stunning geographical features and is associated with two major festivals as well. But it is a bit difficult to reach this place so you do have to be prepared both physically and mentally as well.