Lake Manasarovar
A sacred lake beside Kailash, traditionally believed to purify a lifetime's sins.
Lake Manasarovar sits beside Mount Kailash at around 4,590m, and is considered one of the most sacred bodies of water in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Bon alike. Its name derives from the Sanskrit for "lake of the mind", and pilgrims traditionally bathe in or take a symbolic dip from its waters, believed to cleanse the sins of past lifetimes and prepare the soul for liberation.
At around 90km in circumference, Manasarovar is one of the highest large freshwater lakes in the world, and its clear waters reflect Kailash's snow-capped peak on calm days, a combination that makes this one of the most photographed pairings on the entire plateau.
HSJ's 14-day Mount Kailash and Manasarovar Kora Tour stops at Lake Manasarovar before the 52 km kora around Kailash.
Highlights
Considered a sacred, purifying lake across four religious traditions
One of the highest large freshwater lakes in the world
Reflects Mount Kailash's peak on calm days
Traditionally visited alongside the Kailash Kora, not on its own
Trips that visit Lake Manasarovar
Practical Info
Address
Near Darchen, Ngari Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region
Opening Hours
Seasonal access, typically May to September
Price
moderate
Entry fee payable on site
In This Destination
Ngari
Far-western high desert, home to Mount Kailash
On the itinerary