Kailash Manasarovar Yatra 2011 - Batch 1 - Day 15

Jun 12 2011 – Day 15

Journey – Taklakot to Darchen – a distance of 115 kms by bus

We got ready for the yatra and boarded the bus. The journey is going to by bus so we were relaxed a lot. We had a small prayer and continued our yatra. The road is very good – neatly lied; no potholes and there are some stretches where some repair work was going one. Apart from that there is no inconvenience to the bus ride.

On the way we saw Rakshash or Ravana Tal on the left hand side; we stopped by at a tourist spot where the Chinese authorities have made some observation post kind of stop and enjoy the lake scenery. We spent some time on that place. There was a Tibetan temple, where we prayed by building 21 stone monuments as per the Tibetan style. We took some photos and continued our yatra.

On our right hand side, we saw another magnificent lake called Manasarovar Lake. We stopped by there for some for taking photos. Some of yatris took a bath and continued our yatra.

After travelling some more time, we witnessed Lord Shivaji and Ma Parvathi in the magnificent style – yes; I am referring to the Mount Kailash where Lord Shivaji and Ma Parvathi are believed to be residing.  With Om Namo Shivaya chanting, all of us the yatris excited and thrilled to witness the beauty of the scene. We chanted the mantra throughout our journey.

After checking by the Chinese authorities at 2 to 3 times, they allowed us to enter the guest house at Darchen. The rooms at Darchen were constructed newly. In a single room, three persons can stay. There are some very basic facilities like toilet. No hot water is available.

We spent the entire day watching Lord Shivaji and Ma Parvathi taking as many photos as possible. The moments were truly engaging. We also met some private yatris who have come to Darchen through Nepal route. Most of the private yatris did not go to the parikrama. The tour operator has told them that there was huge snowfall and therefore, it is not advisable to go the parikrama. We were having mixed feelings about what to do.

We spent some time in shopping also. Darchen is the last place where you can shop around.