Shakti's Musings & Travelogue

The adventure began in Kathmandu, where our days kicked off with Satsang and prayers, followed by visits to renowned temples such as the Pashupatinath and Swayambhunath. However, when the day arrived for our journey to commence, heavy rains triggered a landslide on one of the mountains. This necessitated a trek to the Nepalese border town to complete immigration formalities before continuing our drive to Kerung, a place whimsically described as the “Valley of Happiness.” These picturesque Nepalese villages possess a unique charm, and the locals seem to be in harmony with the natural environment and the whims of the weather.

We were fortunate to travel through Tibet, an incredibly enchanting place with a profound spiritual energy. I truly believe that this remarkable place will retain its natural beauty and not succumb to overdevelopment. There’s an indescribable mystical quality about Tibet that captivates the soul. The drive to Saga offered breathtaking views of the mountains adorned with beautifully shaded clouds. The entire landscape is a true delight for any photographer. We spent the night at Saga, allowing ourselves to acclimate to the altitude before continuing our journey to Lake Mansarovar.

The most exhilarating experience at Lake Mansarovar is undoubtedly the invigorating early morning dip in its icy waters, following a serene prayer session with Sadhguru. As you immerse yourself in the lake, a rush of emotions overwhelms you, leaving you with a profound sense of clarity – a rare moment in most people’s lives. Despite the bone-chilling cold that leaves us shivering, the comforting warmth of a hot cup of tea and breakfast feels like a truly divine blessing in disguise.

There’s a local legend that if you go up to the lake at midnight, you might just catch a glimpse of heavenly apsaras. I figured, hey, why not give it a shot? So, I dragged myself out of bed in the middle of the night, swung open the tent door, and promptly got smacked back inside by a fierce gust of wind! I mean, seriously, it was so cold and blustery out there, even the apsaras would have needed a jacket.

From Saga, our trek starts from Yamadwar to Dirapuk. As we reach Dirapuk, we are blessed with a close-up view of Mt. Kailash. Although a clear view of the mountain depends on the weather, spending a full day at the base of Mt. Kailash is an incredibly powerful and indescribable experience. Meditating in front of this gigantic Mountain is the most soul-satisfying experience I have ever had in life.