History of Kawa Karpo Meili Snow Mountain in Diqing

Kawagarbo (卡瓦格博), the highest peak of the Meili Snow Mountain (梅里雪山) range at 6,740 meters, has been worshipped as a sacred mountain by Tibetan Buddhists for over 1,300 years. As one of the eight holy mountains in Tibetan Buddhism, it holds deep spiritual significance in the local Kagyu (噶举) tradition.

Early Historical Records

The mountain first appeared in historical texts during the Tang Dynasty (唐代) when Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo (松赞干布) designated it as a sacred Buddhist site. The 17th century saw the establishment of pilgrimage routes that continue to this day.

Mountaineering History

Despite its spiritual status, Kawagarbo (卡瓦格博) attracted mountaineering attempts:

• 1902: First recorded attempt by British expedition
• 1987-1996: Multiple Japanese-Chinese joint expeditions failed to summit
• 1991: Deadliest accident when 17 climbers perished in an avalanche
• 2001: Chinese government banned climbing to respect local beliefs

Cultural Significance

The mountain features prominently in:

• Tibetan Buddhist scriptures
• Local folklore and oral traditions
• Annual pilgrimage ceremonies like the Kangkar (转山) circumambulation

Natural Preservation

In 2019, the Diqing Prefecture (迪庆州) government established strict conservation measures to protect the mountain’s fragile ecosystem while respecting its cultural importance.

Modern Recognition

• 1986: Listed as a provincial nature reserve
• 2003: Included in the Three Parallel Rivers (三江并流) UNESCO World Heritage Site
• 2020: Officially recognized as a “Holy Mountain” under Chinese law

The history of Kawagarbo (卡瓦格博) reflects the harmonious coexistence of natural wonder, spiritual tradition, and cultural preservation in the Diqing (迪庆) region.