Charan Sparsh

The Charan Sparsh Kailash Yatra is a journey that allows pilgrims to come closest to Mount Kailash, touching its base – an act known as Charan Sparsh, meaning “touching the feet.” 

Located in the remote region of Tibet Autonomous Region, China, Mount Kailash stands tall at an altitude of 6,638 meters, while the Charan Sparsh point lies at around 5,600 meters above sea level. This yatra is one of the most respected parts of the Kailash Mansarovar.

Many pilgrims describe it as a rare opportunity to stand at the foot of a mountain believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. According to Hindu belief, touching the base of Kailash is equivalent to receiving the direct blessings of the god.

The Charan Sparsh Kailash Yatra usually begins from Kathmandu, Nepal. From there, pilgrims travel by road through mountains, green valleys and small towns. The route passes through Syabrubesi and then to the Kerung Border, which connects Nepal with Tibet. Crossing into Tibet, the journey continues toward Saga and Paryang, both of which lie at altitudes of over 4,500 meters.

As the journey advances, travelers pass by the Pikutso Lake which is a high-altitude lake that reflects the vast blue sky and snow peaks. From there, the route moves toward the sacred Lake Mansarovar, situated at 4,590 meters. People often take a holy dip or perform rituals on its banks to purify their souls before moving toward Mount Kailash.

The journey to Charan Sparsh starts from Darchen, the base camp of Mount Kailash. From here, devotees begin their trek through the Yam Dwar, considered the gateway to heaven. The trek continues through Dirapuk, located at an altitude of around 4,900 meters, where one can see the north face of Mount Kailash.

From Dirapuk, pilgrims who are physically fit can continue the short yet steep trek to the Charan Sparsh point, which lies close to the base of the mountain. It is here that devotees bow down, touch the ground and feel the energy that radiates from the mountain. 

For Hindus, Mount Kailash is the home of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Performing Charan Sparsh is seen as a direct act of devotion like touching the feet of Lord Shiva himself. 

Buddhists revere Mount Kailash as Mount Meru, the center of the universe, while Jains believe it to be the site where their first Tirthankara, Rishabhadeva, attained liberation. Followers of the Bon religion, native to Tibet, see it as the sacred nine-story mountain of the gods.

Thus, Charan Sparsh Kailash represents more than just a physical journey.

A Tibetan saying goes, “He who goes around Kailash gains merit for a lifetime; he who touches its base finds the door to heaven.”

Few Facts about Charan Sparsh Kailash

• The weather near the Charan Sparsh point changes quickly, with temperatures dropping below zero even in summer months.

• Due to the high altitude, only a limited number of pilgrims are allowed to attempt the Charan Sparsh trek each season.

• Locals believe that no human should attempt to climb Mount Kailash itself, as it is a sacred mountain meant only for worship, not conquest.

Pilgrims often say that when they return from Charan Sparsh Kailash, they do not come back as the same person,they come back feeling closer to the god.