Author: Colin Thubron
Pages: 227
Genre: Non-fiction, Travel Memoir
Grade: B
Synopsis: In memory of his mother's death, the author makes a trip to the sacred mountain of Kailas of southern Tibet which is the source of four of Asia's greatest rivers (Indus, Sutlej, Brahmaputra, Karnali (tributary to the Ganges)). His trek starts in Nepal before crossing over the border into Tibet (occupied by China) and onto the beautiful Mount Kailas. The 21,778 foot tall Mount Kailas has never been climbed and is sacred to 1/5 of the world's population (Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Bon). Believers of these religions find it sacred to make a pilgrimage to the mountain where they walk around the mountain in a clockwise direction (except Bon) culminating in the Drolma Pass at 18,600 feet.
My Review: I really enjoyed the travelogue portion of the book, but I didn't find the discussions of the religious significance of the mountain and pilgrims nearly as engaging. While the book wasn't about Tibet, it was enlightening nonetheless and helped me to understand the conflict between the Tibetans and Chinese a little better. I would love to make this trek in person one day.
From the Book: "As the track bends north-east, the ethereal sandstone disappears. The slopes turn black with granite, and the mountain's lower ridges break into unstable spikes and revetments. Their ribs are slashed in chiaroscuro, and their last outcrops pour towards the valley in the fluid, anthropomorphic shapes that pilgrims love. The spine and haunches of a massive stone beast, gazing at Kailas, are hailed as the Nandi bull, holy to Shiva; another rock has become the votive cake of Padmasambhava."
1 comment:
Tibet is without doubt one of the most remarkable places to visit in Asia. It offers fabulous monastery sights, breathtaking high-altitude treks, stunning views of the world’s highest mountains and one of the most likeable peoples you will ever meet.
Tibet trekking tours
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