Simikot and Shelmogang (Crystal Mountain)

May 19th, 2010  | Comments: none
Posted in: buddhist festivals of nepal, festivals of nepal, Humla & Limi Valley

Shelmogang (Crystal_mountain) and Bargaon in Humla Nepal by Mads Mathaisen

Photograph  © Mads Mathiasen.

Close to Simikot, located in culturally rich and stunning Humla district of West Nepal, lies Shelmogang, or Crystal mountain as it is also known, because of its stunning crystalline appearance.

Shelmogang can be reached through the Nyinba valley, a days walk from Simikot. Nyinba is a culturally rich valley populated with Bhotiya communities who still practice a blend of pre-Buddhist Shamanism and Tibetan Buddhism. The valley is also home to the famous Raling Gompa and Siddhi caves of Guru Rinpoche.

For the more adventurous, Mt. Shelmogang can also be walked from June-October via a pilgrimage trail leading to the top.  For centuries, pilgrims have sought to accrue merit in their lives by ascending the mountain in reverence to Buddhist deities, and Shelmogang offers an amazing chance to trekkers and outsiders to participate in this ancient tradition.

Visitors might like to make their trek coincide with the Saga Dawa Festival, a very important and spectacular festival held here.

Saga Dawa Festival – 27th May 2010

Saga Dawa Festival is observed as one of the most  important festival in Buddhist society all over the world. This festival held each year on the full moon day of the fourth lunar month of the Tibetan calendar. This festival is celebrated in honour of Sakyamuni’s enlightenment. And this auspicious day coincide with three important events in Buddha’s life, Birth, Nirvana and death.

Source: Firante website.

Tags: festival, Guru Rinpoche, holy sites, Nyinba, pilgrimage, Raling Gompa, Siddhi caves