Journey to Mount Kailash - the heart of the world, the axis of the earth and the center of the universe

Tibet is the center of the spiritual world, and Mount Kailash is the heart of Tibet. In the Gandisa mountain system there is a peak with a height of over 6000 meters, this is the sacred mountain Kailash, the highest peak of the mountain range of the same name.

The precious snowy mountain, as the Buddhists call it, has remained unconquered so far, because the Chinese authorities do not give permission to climb. The only attempt to climb the mountain caused a violent protest from believers led by the Dalai Lama. Tibetans believe that Kailash is the house of God and anyone who has climbed a mountain must die.

The mountain is considered sacred, representatives of 3 major religions make pilgrimages to it: Hindus, Buddhists, Jains. They have to go around the mountain 108 times. This will give karma cleansing and a better reincarnation.

Mount Kailash, Dirapuk Gompa, north side.

Hindus consider the peak of the mountain the home (summer residence) of the god Shiva. Perhaps looking at Kailash, they created Mount Meru in this religion - the point where the world begins and where the gods live.

Adherents of bon, a religion that was in China before Buddhism, believe that their teacher and mentor Salva in the form of Tonpa Shenrab Miwoche came down from the sky. The Jains are sure that the first Jaina lived here and received enlightenment. And Buddhists believe that Buddha lived here in the angry incarnation of Samvar, and therefore Kailash is one of the favorable places for spiritual growth.

In other words, many people believe that this mountain is endowed with divine power, and many try to make a ritual circuit to find enlightenment and purify karma. Such a pilgrimage path is called the bark.

Photographer Samuel Zuder, visiting Kailash, was struck by him at first sight. Very soon, he was able to gather a small group of assistants and took a month to photograph the surroundings and pilgrims. The results of his journey are impressive. In the future, the photographer plans to release the book "Face to Faith: Mount Kailash, Tibet." In the meantime, we will admire the photos created by him that are stunning in saturation:

Left: Sonam Tsering, 24. Origin: Darchen, Tibet. 4 rounds. Right: Zerin Zumba, 28. Origin: Darchen, Tibet. 22 rounds.

Glade Tarpoche. May Day Saga Dava.

Left: Dolma, 18. Origin: Lhasa, Tibet. 1 round. Pictured right: Lobsang Yeshe, 27. Origin: Markam, Tibet. 5 rounds. Far right: Temp Gyatso, 28.

Mount Kailash, Lha Chu Valley.

“By worshiping Mount Kailash, a person does not give up his usual daily behavior. It’s not like going to church, where you need to stay calm and focus on prayer. During the ritual walk I saw many groups and families who seemed to enjoy worshiping sorrow, "the photographer writes.

Left: Sange, 17. Origin: Darchen, Tibet. 12 rounds. Right: Yeshe Gyaltsen, 35. Origin: Shigadze, Tibet. 12 rounds.