Introduction
Kawagebo, also known as Khawa Karpo or Kawa Garbo, is the highest peak in Yunnan Province, China, standing at 6,740 meters (22,113 feet). Located at the border of Yunnan and the Tibet Autonomous Region, it is revered as one of the most sacred mountains in Tibetan Buddhism, embodying deep religious and cultural significance.china.travelguidesub.com+7Mountain Field Guide+7Wikipedia+7中国发现
Geography and Ecology
Situated within the Meili Snow Mountain range of the Hengduan Mountains, Kawagebo boasts a diverse ecological system. The elevation difference of 4,900 meters from river valleys to the summit creates various climate zones and vegetation types, ranging from dry shrubs and subtropical mountain forests to alpine meadows and permafrost zones.songtsam.com+10yunnanexploration.com+10Wikipedia+10
Religious Significance
In Tibetan Buddhism, Kawagebo is considered the embodiment of a warrior deity. According to legend, the mountain was once a fierce god subdued by Guru Padmasambhava, who converted it into a protector deity of Buddhism. Local Tibetans believe that human attempts to climb the peak would anger the mountain god, leading to disasters.greattibettour.comyunnanexploration.com+1old1.wondersofyunnan.com+1
Climbing Ban and Cultural Preservation
Since the 1980s, several domestic and international expeditions have attempted to summit Kawagebo, all without success. In 1991, a Sino-Japanese expedition faced a tragic avalanche, resulting in 17 fatalities. This incident reinforced local beliefs about the mountain’s sanctity. In 2001, local authorities enacted legislation prohibiting climbing activities on Kawagebo to preserve its sacred status and natural environment.
Pilgrimage Practices
Annually, approximately 20,000 pilgrims undertake the kora, a 240-kilometer circumambulation of Kawagebo, taking about two weeks to complete. This practice not only reflects religious devotion but also contributes to the conservation of local natural resources and ecological balance.old1.wondersofyunnan.com+1Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre+1