Lake Mansarovar

Lake Mansarovar is considered one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world. It is situated at an elevation of 4600 m, and it is the holiest lake of Tibet. The trek to Mount Kailash is considered incomplete without visiting the holy Lake Mansarovar. This is one of the two popular lakes located near Mount Kailash. To the north of Lake Mansarovar, Mount Kailash is located. The name Mansarovar is the combination of two words in the Sanskrit Language, in which Mana means “Mind” and Sarovar means “Lake”. It is believed that this pious lake was first created in the mind of the God of creation, Lord Brahma, and later was created on the earth.

Everything About Mansarovar

People who embark on the Mount Kailash Yatra definitely visit Lake Mansarovar. It is an inevitable part of the pilgrimage to Kailash Parvat. Mansarovar Lake is located near Mount Kailash in Tibet, about 50 km to the northwest of Nepal. This blue water lake creates a mesmerizing landscape with a backdrop of the majestic snow-capped Kailash Parvat. Pilgrims get a clear and first view of the holy Kailash from Mansarovar Lake.

Mansarovar Lake is also known as Mapham Yumtso Lake in Tibet, which means “invincible lake”. As per the Buddhist Scripture, this lake is the exact place where Queen Maya, the mother of Lord Buddha, bathed and then gave birth to lord Buddha. Hence, it is a very sacred place for them. Apart from its spiritual significance, the lake is renowned for its pristine beauty. The crystal-clear blue water on the shoreline and emerald green in the middle make the lake extraordinarily beautiful. The lake seems like a sapphire, and you can see the reflection of the surroundings in the lake. The dark blue water of Mansarovar, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, makes the site very captivating.

Significance of Lake Mansarovar

According to Hindu Mythology, Lake Mansarovar holds a great religious significance because it is the same place where Lord Shiva and Lord Indra swam as swans. Lake Mansarovar is a pure and sacred waterbody near Mount Kailash, which is known as the summer home of Swans, the symbol of wisdom and purity. If you are embarking on the pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar, taking a holy dip in the lake is considered pious. Bathing here wards off your covetous desires and past sins. And, drinking the pure water of this holy lake also keeps you healthy and away from illnesses. Pilgrims even do a parikrama (circumambulation) of Lake Mansarovar and thank lord Shiva. Mansarovar Parikrama brings endless benefits to pilgrims.

Mansarovar Lake Parikrama Route

Pilgrims do parikrama of Lake Mansarovar, which begins from and ends at Chiu Monastery. This is also known as Sparrow Monastery, because a sparrow guided Guru Rinpoche to the location. The monastery is located atop of craggy hill that overlooks the lake. Here is the route of Mansarovar Lake that is substantial in terms of geography and scenery. You begin in a clockwise direction from Chiu Monastery, heading to the Langbona Monastery. This is a small guesthouse for pilgrims taking the Kora route. Then visit Hoe Qu on the northeast corner of the lake, where you will stay in camp, gazing at the stars. From there, you will move to Seralung Monastery, which lies on the eastern edge of the lake. Later, head to the southernmost tip of the lake Trugo Monastery. After this, you will reach Gossul Monastery and finally complete your Kora, reaching Chiu Monastery again. The trek around the lake takes 4-5 days, covering a total distance of 110 km.

Best Time for Lake Mansarovar Kora

Commonly, pilgrims embark on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra when it opens in the month of May. From May to June is the best time for the Lake Mansarovar Kora (Parikrama). From September to mid-October is also the best time for Parikrama. The weather during these months is neither too warm nor too cold. It is apt for trekkers to trek with clear skies and moderate temperatures. The winter months are not suitable for the pilgrimage. It is even remains closed for pilgrims and trekkers due to extreme weather conditions and heavy snowfall in the region. You should also avoid the yatra or pilgrimage during the monsoon season, as the trek becomes more challenging with slippery trails.

Travel Tips for Lake Mansarovar

• Mansarovar is a holy lake, so do not litter in and around the lake. Do not leave your clothes or anything near the lake; keep it clean. 
• For the best spiritual experience, meditate near the lake facing Mount Kailash. You will feel the sense of meeting the Almighty itself.
• It is advised to take a holy dip in the lake only if your physical health allows, because the water is cold, which might affect your health.
• A dip in the lake should only be taken in the afternoon, when the temperature goes up and the water gets warm by the time.
• At any time of the day or night, do not visit the lake alone. And cover yourself properly, especially ears and head, if visiting the lake at night or at Brahma Muhurat.
• Be aware of the dogs present near the lake.