Words: Guy Baker Photos: Archer McLeay, Lucas Quintero, Chris Jones & Guy Baker
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KAILASH
CONQUERING THE RIVERS OF MOUNT
A 35-YEAR KAYAKING ODYSSEY
Words: Guy Baker Photos: Archer McLeay, Lucas Quintero, Chris Jones & Guy Baker
In 2024, I completed a part descent of all four rivers sourced from Mount Kailash, a journey that spanned decades and defined my kayaking career. These rivers – the Indus, Sutlej, Karnali, and Brahmaputra – are geographical wonders and the lifeblood of the Himalayas, flowing through some of Earth’ s most challenging and awe-inspiring terrain. This accomplishment culminated 35 years of exploration, courage, and resilience.
MOUNT KAILASH: A SACRED SOURCE
Mount Kailash is no ordinary mountain. Revered across multiple religions, it is the spiritual heart of the Himalayas. For Hindus, it is the abode of Lord Shiva; for Buddhists, it symbolises enlightenment as Mount Meru; for Jains, it marks the site of Rishabhadeva’ s liberation; and for Bon followers, it is the axis mundi of the spiritual world. Its untouched summit and pristine rivers have inspired pilgrims and adventurers alike.
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