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Meili Snow Mountain (梅里雪山), also known as “Medicine Mountain” (药山), is located in Mangkang County, on the border between Yunnan and Tibet. Situated between the Lancang River and the Nujiang River, it is one of the most sacred and majestic mountains in the Kang area.
Key Features of Meili Snow Mountain:
- Main Peak – Kagebo Peak: The highest point of Meili Snow Mountain, Kagebo Peak, rises to an impressive 6,740 meters above sea level. This majestic mountain is one of the highest and most awe-inspiring peaks in the region.
- Sacred Significance: Meili Snow Mountain is considered a sacred mountain in Tibetan Buddhism. It is particularly revered by local Tibetans, who see it as a place of deep spiritual significance. The mountain is often worshiped by pilgrims, and it is a central focus for spiritual rituals and pilgrimages.
- Sacred Sites: At the foot of the mountain, there is a Buddhist stupa built to honor the Panchen Lama and his pilgrimage to the mountain. Additionally, there is a memorial for the Sino-Japanese joint mountaineering team, who tragically lost their lives on the mountain. The Mingyong Glacier, located in the middle section of the mountain, is the lowest glacier in China, offering unique views of snow-capped peaks and glaciers.
- Glaciers and Snow Peaks: The mountain range is surrounded by 13 peaks that rise above 6,000 meters, along with 16 glaciers. The snow-covered landscape creates a stunning backdrop for the spiritual and natural beauty of the region.
The Pilgrimage to Meili Snow Mountain
Meili Snow Mountain is a major pilgrimage site, attracting devotees from Tibet and beyond. There are two main pilgrimage routes for those looking to complete the sacred journey:
- Outer Path (Great Kora): The outer path, or great kora, takes approximately 20 days to one month to complete. Pilgrims travel around the mountain, visiting various sacred spots along the way.
- Inner Path (Small Kora): The inner path, or small kora, typically takes 3 to 4 days to complete. This shorter route allows devotees to perform their rituals closer to the base of the mountain.
The main pilgrimage route begins with turning prayer wheels and bowing in sacred areas, visiting landmarks such as Feilai Temple, the Prince’s Palace, and the Avalanche Waterfall. Devotees usually begin their pilgrimage with the inner kora and then proceed to the outer kora.
Annual Pilgrimage and High Spiritual Significance
The most significant pilgrimage to Meili Snow Mountain occurs every year, especially during the Tibetan Year of the Sheep, when the number of pilgrims is at its peak. Pilgrims from Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, and even India travel to the mountain to pay homage, performing spiritual rites and completing the kora.
The pilgrimage and the sacred mountain hold immense cultural and religious importance, not only to the local Tibetans but also to Buddhists across the region.
Why Visit Meili Snow Mountain?
- Spiritual Significance: Meili Snow Mountain is a site of deep spiritual reverence, especially for those following Tibetan Buddhism. It is a major pilgrimage destination where you can witness both the physical and spiritual aspects of Tibetan culture.
- Natural Beauty: The mountain’s snow-covered peaks, glaciers, and the surrounding landscape offer some of the most breathtaking views in Tibet.
- Cultural Experience: The pilgrimage routes, with their sacred sites and unique rituals, provide an opportunity to experience Tibetan religious practices and immerse yourself in local traditions.
- Adventure and Trekking: For those interested in trekking, the kora routes offer a challenging and spiritually rewarding journey through stunning natural beauty.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Meili Snow Mountain is during the spring and summer months, when the weather is more favorable for trekking and the mountain views are at their clearest. Pilgrims generally flock to the mountain during the Tibetan New Year and the Year of the Sheep, which is considered an especially auspicious time for spiritual practices.
