🔶 Article Outline

Introduction

• Spirituality and the Quest for Kailash
• The Eternal Fascination With Sacred Mountains

How Many Kailash in India?

• One in Tibet, Four in India: The Panch Kailash Explained
• Why Are They Called “Kailash”?

Mount Kailash – The Supreme Abode of Lord Shiva

• Location and Geography (Tibet, China)
• Religious Significance in Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Bonism
• Mount Kailash Yatra: Routes and Restrictions

Adi Kailash – The Replica of Kailash in India

• Location: Uttarakhand’s Hidden Gem
• Om Parvat and Adi Kailash: Not the Same
• Mythological Significance and Trekking Route
• Adi Kailash Yatra Highlights

Shrikhand Mahadev Kailash – The Toughest Pilgrimage

• Location: Himachal Pradesh (Kullu-Sainj Valley)
• Myth and Devotion: Shiva in Meditation
• Shrikhand Kailash Trek Difficulty and Yatra Details

Kinnaur Kailash – The Mystical Shivling That Changes Color

• Location: Kalpa, Kinnaur (Himachal Pradesh)
• The Iconic 79-Foot Shivling Rock Formation
• Trekking to Kinnaur Kailash: Route and Experience

Manimahesh Kailash – The Jewel of Chamba

• Location: Bharmour, Chamba (Himachal Pradesh)
• Manimahesh Lake and the Floating Reflection Legend
• The Spiritual and Trekking Experience

Panch Kailash: Why These Five Are Considered Sacred

• A Spiritual Circuit Unlike Any Other
• Individual Essence, Collective Energy

Which Kailash Yatra is Easiest? Which is Hardest?

• Difficulty Ranking of Panch Kailash Treks
• Travel Infrastructure & Access

Mount Kailash vs Panch Kailash in India

• Comparing the Experience and Significance
• Is It Mandatory to Do All Five?

Kailash Yatra India – Routes, Permits, and Best Time to Go

• Indian Kailash Routes Overview
• Permit Requirements and Planning

What to Pack for Kailash Yatra

Things to Keep in Mind During Any Kailash Yatra

• Physical Fitness and Acclimatization
• Essentials to Carry
• Dos and Don’ts

Conclusion – Finding Kailash Within

• Beyond Peaks: The Spiritual Journey
• Do You Need to See Kailash or Feel It?

FAQs

• How many Kailash are in India?
• Can you visit Mount Kailash without going to China?
• Which Kailash Yatra is suitable for beginners?
• Is Adi Kailash similar to Mount Kailash?
• Can I do Panch Kailash in one lifetime?

🕉️ Introduction

So, how many Kailash in India? Out of the five, one lies in Tibet (Mount Kailash), and the remaining four are in India — tucked away in the Himalayas, each with its own myth, trek, and pilgrimage.

Mountains have always held a sacred place in human consciousness, especially in Indian spirituality. But few peaks have captured imaginations and devotion like Kailash — not just one, but five revered peaks, collectively known as the Panch Kailash.

Spirituality and the Quest for Kailash

For centuries, the word “Kailash” has stirred something deep within the hearts of millions. Not just wanderlust, but a sacred longing. A calling. For Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers alike, Kailash isn’t merely a peak—it’s a spiritual axis mundi, the center around which their universe of faith spins.

People don’t visit Kailash to conquer it—they go to surrender. Unlike other summits that inspire the thrill of victory, Kailash humbles. It draws you not to climb, but to bow.

And it’s not just one mountain. Many seekers are surprised to learn that there isn’t just one Kailash—there are five revered Kailash peaks, together called the Panch Kailash.

The Eternal Fascination With Sacred Mountains

Sacred mountains across cultures have been seen as stairways between heaven and earth. In India, this concept finds its most powerful expression in Kailash. These peaks represent not just natural wonders, but gateways into myth and metaphysics. The Panch Kailash are living temples, untouched by human ego, standing tall in raw silence and divine rhythm.

Let’s dive deep into each one and uncover their mystical allure.

🕉️ How Many Kailash are in India?

There are five sacred Kailash peaks in total. Here’s the breakdown:

• Mount Kailash – Tibet (China)
  
• Adi Kailash – Uttarakhand, India
  
• Shrikhand Mahadev Kailash – Himachal Pradesh, India
  
• Kinnaur Kailash – Himachal Pradesh, India
  
• Manimahesh Kailash – Himachal Pradesh, India
  

So, the answer to “how many Kailash in India” is four, with Mount Kailash being the fifth and most revered, though it lies in Tibet.

These five together form the Panch Kailash Yatra — a rare spiritual journey that touches the soul and tests the body.

One in Tibet, Four in India: The Panch Kailash Explained

To answer the burning question—how many Kailash in India?—you need to zoom out and see the spiritual landscape.

The five sacred peaks are considered manifestations of Mount Kailash:

1. Mount Kailash – Tibet (China)
   
2. Adi Kailash – Uttarakhand
   
3. Shrikhand Mahadev Kailash – Himachal Pradesh
   
4. Kinnaur Kailash – Himachal Pradesh
   
5. Manimahesh Kailash – Himachal Pradesh

Out of these, only Mount Kailash is located in Tibet, while the other four are within Indian territory. These peaks, though geographically distinct, share a common spiritual DNA — each one tied to Lord Shiva, each one considered an abode of the Divine.

Why Are They Called “Kailash”?

This is where mysticism meets devotion. “Kailash” isn’t just a name — it’s a vibrational signature that denotes the dwelling of Mahadev himself.

Each of the five mountains exhibits Shiva’s traits — isolation, raw power, the presence of lakes (Parvati Kund, Gauri Kund, Manimahesh Lake), and the Shivling-like shape of the summit. The sages and seers of India didn’t need carbon dating to sense sanctity — they could feel the divine energy. That’s why these peaks were named Kailash—not to copy Mount Kailash, but because Shiva was seen, felt, and revered here in other forms.

🕉️ Mount Kailash – The Supreme Abode of Lord Shiva

📍 Location and Geography (Tibet, China)

Towering at 6,638 meters, Mount Kailash stands isolated in the remote Ngari Prefecture of western Tibet, is unclimbed to date. It’s considered the spiritual center of the universe in multiple religions. It’s surrounded by equally sacred features — Lake Mansarovar, Rakshastal, and Gauri Kund.

But here’s the shocker for many: Mount Kailash isn’t in India. And that raises a very valid question: Why not?

Why Is Mount Kailash in China and Not India?

Legend has it that in Satyug, Mount Kailash was placed at the center of the universe by the gods. It was, and still is, the cosmic axis — Mount Meru itself.

But geopolitically, things changed over time. During the 1962 Sino-Indian War, many border regions that were once pilgrimage-friendly were redrawn. The Mount Kailash region, historically accessed by Indian pilgrims through Uttarakhand, became part of modern-day China.

While this land was never under independent Indian administration in the post-colonial sense, for centuries, pilgrims had free access under ancient trans-Himalayan trade and faith routes. Today, the mountain stands behind visa barriers, though it remains central to Indian spirituality.

That’s why, for many, doing the Panch Kailash Yatra—including the four Kailash peaks within India—has become a spiritual alternative and equally revered pilgrimage.

🔱 Religious Significance in Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Bonism

For Hindus, it’s the throne of Lord Shiva. For Jains, it’s the site where the first Tirthankara attained liberation. For Buddhists, it’s the home of Demchok (Chakrasamvara), and for followers of Bon, it is the seat of spiritual power.

• Hindus: Home of Shiva and Parvati; axis of creation and destruction.
  
• Jains: Where Rishabhdev, the first Tirthankara, attained liberation.
  
• Buddhists: Known as Kang Rinpoche, the mountain is sacred to Demchok.
  
• Bon: Tibet’s indigenous religion views it as the seat of the sky god Sipaimen.
  

🚶‍♂️ Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: Routes and Restrictions

The traditional yatra includes circumambulating (parikrama) the mountain — a 52 km loop at high altitude — along with a dip in Lake Mansarovar, believed to purify karma.

Indian pilgrims can visit Mount Kailash through:

• Kumaon Route (via Lipulekh)
  
• Nepal Route (via Hilsa and Simikot)
  
• Lhasa Route (organized via MEA and private travel agencies)
  

Permits are complex, expensive, and limited, making it logistically harder compared to Indian Kailash treks.

🕉️ Adi Kailash – The Replica of Kailash in India

📍 Location: Uttarakhand’s Hidden Gem

Nestled in the Kumaon Himalayas in Pithoragarh district, Adi Kailash is often referred to as Chhota Kailash. The region is so remote, it feels like time has paused.

Location: Uttarakhand,  Adi Kailash lies in the Vyas Valley of Pithoragarh district. It is so remote that modern infrastructure has only recently reached here, but that remoteness is part of its charm.

Om Parvat and Adi Kailash: Not the Same

A common confusion: Om Parvat, famous for the natural “ॐ” symbol on its snow face, lies en route to Adi Kailash. But the actual Adi Kailash peak is separate, more symmetrical, and cradles the pristine Parvati Sarovar at its base.

🔱 Myth vs Reality

While many confuse Adi Kailash with Om Parvat, they’re distinct. Adi Kailash has a unique symmetrical profile and a sacred lake at its base.

Mythological Significance and Trekking Route

Legend says Shiva and Parvati made Adi Kailash their summer retreat. In fact, the “Gauri Kund” and “Parvati Sarovar” here are said to carry divine footprints. The journey crosses Gunji, Kuti, and Jyolingkong — places mentioned in Valmiki’s Ramayan.

🧗 Trekking Route

Pilgrims reach Gunji via Dharchula and then proceed by vehicle and foot to Jyolingkong. The path is lined with waterfalls, glaciers, and mythological markers.

🙏 Adi Kailash Yatra Highlights

• Parvati Sarovar and Gauri Kund
• Reflection of Adi Kailash in the lake(Parvati Sarovar)
• Shiva-Parvati rock formations
• Shiva-Parvati rock formations
• Peaceful reflection of Adi Kailash in the Sarovar
• Rugged but soul-touching landscapes

🕉️ Shrikhand Mahadev Kailash – The Toughest Pilgrimage

📍 Where It Lies

Located in Kullu district, the Shrikhand Mahadev peak sits at 5,227 meters and is shaped like a Shivling piercing the sky.

🔱 Mythological Significance

According to legends, Shiva meditated here after destroying Tripurasura. The area is charged with intense spiritual energy.

🥾 Trek Difficulty

This yatra is not for the faint-hearted — the 35 km uphill trek through glaciers, rocky ridges, and steep ascents is a true test of devotion.

🕉️ Kinnaur Kailash – The Mystical Shivling That Changes Color

📍 Kalpa, Kinnaur

In Himachal Pradesh, above the hamlet of Kalpa, rises Kinnaur Kailash, with a massive 79-foot vertical rock Shivling.

🎨 A Shivling That Changes Color

Locals claim the rock changes hues depending on time and light — a spectacle only the faithful truly appreciate.

🥾 Trekking Details

The 3-day trek starts from Tangling village, climbing through orchards, meadows, and snowfields. The final leg, known as the Parikrama of Kailash, is spiritually taxing.

🕉️ Manimahesh Kailash – The Jewel of Chamba

📍 Location

At 5,653 meters, Manimahesh Kailash towers over Manimahesh Lake in Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh.

🌊 The Reflective Miracle

It is believed that only the pure-hearted can see the mountain’s reflection in the lake — a sign of divine acceptance.

🙏 Manimahesh Yatra

Held during Janmashtami, this is one of the most well-organized and attended yatras in India. It is considered second only to Amarnath.

🕉️ Panch Kailash: Why These Five Are Considered Sacred

Each Kailash has its own legend, geography, and aura. Together, they form a spiritual pentagon rooted in:

• Lord Shiva’s various forms and abodes
  
• Unique geological wonders
  
• Centuries of oral and written traditions
  

Completing all five is seen as moksha-marg (path to liberation) by many Shaivites.

🕉️ Which Kailash Yatra Is Easiest? Which Is Hardest?

Here’s a quick breakdown of difficulty levels:

Most accessible: Manimahesh
Most difficult: Shrikhand Mahadev

🕉️ Mount Kailash vs Panch Kailash in India

🕉️ Kailash Yatra India – Routes, Permits, and Best Time to Go

🛣️ Routes Overview

• Adi Kailash – Dharchula → Gunji → Jyolingkong
  
• Shrikhand Kailash – Jaon Village → Shrikhand Top
  
• Kinnaur Kailash – Tangling → Shivling
  
• Manimahesh – Hadsar → Dhancho → Lake

🗓️ Best Time to Visit

• June to September is ideal for the Indian Kailash yatra
  
• Avoid peak monsoon and early snowfall

📄 Permits & Travel

Most yatras require ID proofs, medical fitness, and registration through state portals or temple committees.

What to Pack for Kailash Yatra (with Essential Trekking Gear)

Packing smart for Kailash Yatra is not just about convenience—it’s about comfort, safety, and survival at high altitude. Here’s a list of essential items I personally use or recommend, based on multiple Yatras in all seasons.

Trekking Shoes (Top Priority!)

If there’s one item that can make or break your Yatra, it’s your shoes.

Avoid sports shoes. You need proper trekking shoes with ankle support, grip, and water resistance.

Recommended Picks

• Budget Trekking Shoes (Rs. 1000–2500)
• Mid-Range Waterproof Hiking Boots
• Premium All-Weather Trekking Shoes

I’ve used these on the Adi Kailash Yatra and the Shrikhand Mahadev trail during peak rains and slushy patches—and my feet thanked me every step.

Rain Jackets, Ponchos & Windcheaters

The weather in the high altitudes can turn from sunny to stormy in minutes.

Must-Pack Rain Gear:

• Reusable Rain Poncho (Unisex) – Lightweight and Compact
• Windproof & Waterproof Jackets – For Cold & Rain
• Rain Pants for Trekking – Stay Dry Waist-Down

Pro Tip: Pack a disposable raincoat as backup.

Thermals, Gloves, and Layered Clothing

Even in summer, mornings at these places can feel icy.

Suggested Items:

• Thermal Set for Men/Women – Soft & Breathable
• Woolen Gloves + Touchscreen Friendly Options
• Fleece Jacket (Optional Mid-layer)

Layer smartly: base thermal + fleece + jacket.

Head Torch or Flashlight

In remote areas, power cuts are common and trails can be pitch-dark early morning.

Best Options:

• LED Head Torch with Adjustable Band (Rechargeable)
• Mini Flashlight with Emergency Blinker Function

Energy Snacks, Dry Fruits, and Hydration

Long treks demand quick energy. I usually carry:

• Energy Bars (Chocolate/Nut Mix)
• Packaged Trail Mix or Dry Fruits
• Insulated Water Bottle or Hydration Pouch

Tip: Hydrate regularly to fight altitude fatigue.

Essential Health & Safety Kit

Never skip these:

• Basic First Aid Kit + Pain Relief Spray
• AMS (Altitude Sickness) Tablets – Consult a Doctor First
• Sanitizer, Wet Wipes & Toilet Paper

Power Backup, ID Proof & Essentials

Keep your devices alive and your documents handy:

• 10000mAh Power Bank with Fast Charging
• Plastic Zip Pouches for ID Cards and Documents

My Real Tip:

Don’t go overboard with gear, but don’t skip the essentials either. Good shoes and rain protection aren’t luxuries—they’re survival tools on these Yatras.

Whether you’re doing the Kailash Mansarovar or Adi Kailash, or Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra in summer heat or monsoon chill, these items can literally be the difference between a peaceful journey and a painful one. I’ve curated this list based on what I—and countless fellow pilgrims—actually use on the trail.

🕉️ Things to Keep in Mind During Any Kailash Yatra

🏃 Fitness First

Start preparation at least 1–2 months before the yatra. Cardio and stamina matter more than strength.

🎒 Essentials to Carry

• Windproof jacket, woolen layers
  
• Trekking shoes
  
• Rehydration salts
  
• Dry fruits, torch, medicines
  

🚫 Dos and Don’ts

• Don’t litter near sacred lakes
  
• Avoid meat and alcohol
  
• Respect local customs and language
  

🕉️ Conclusion – Finding Kailash Within

The Panch Kailash isn’t just about geography or trekking. Each peak represents a layer of self — ego, fear, devotion, faith, and surrender.

Whether or not you reach the summit, the real Kailash is the transformation within you.

Q1. How many Kailash are in India?

There are four Kailash peaks in India — Adi Kailash, Shrikhand Mahadev, Kinnaur Kailash, and Manimahesh Kailash. The fifth one(First in the importance order), Mount Kailash, lies in Tibet.

Q2. Can you visit Mount Kailash without going to China?

No. Mount Kailash lies in Tibet, and an international permit via MEA or private organizers is needed.

Q3. Which Kailash Yatra is suitable for beginners?

Manimahesh Kailash is best for beginners due to an easier trek and a well-organized route.

Q4. Is Adi Kailash similar to Mount Kailash?

It is considered the closest visual and spiritual replica, but not the same geographically.

Q5. Can I do Panch Kailash in one lifetime?

Yes, many devout seekers complete all five over a few years. It’s a challenging but soul-enriching pursuit.