Lake Mansarovar in Tibet will introduce you to the country and two different nations, including Tibet and Nepal . In Tibet, the Lake Mansarovar region is accessible from both the government and Kathmandu. Travelers can even get there via Lhasa, via Kathmandu. Lake Mansarovar is considered one of the holiest places in Tibet. Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims frequently visit it every year.
Moreover, the place never remains unexplored and invites visitors from all over the world.
Lake Mansarovar in Tibet remains one of the most religiously important pilgrimage sites. Many Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims aspire to visit it at least once in their lives to perform a religious act. Hikers and travel enthusiasts, on the other hand, visit for the thrill of it all. The site is fascinating, and passionate travelers have no reason to miss its beauty.
Please read the end of this article to learn more about Lake Mansarovar in Tibet and how to get there!
Where is Lake Mansarovar in Tibet?
It is well known that Lake Mansarovar is located in Tibet. However, many people wonder where it is located, as it has close ties with China’s neighbors, India and Nepal. It is located 50 km northwest of Nepal and 100 km east of Uttarakhand, India. It is also located southwest of the autonomous state of Tibet, China.
Although it is a body of water, i.e., a lake, it is not surprising that it is located at a relatively high altitude, 4,590 m (15,060 ft) above sea level. Moreover, it is one of the largest freshwater bodies on the Tibetan Plateau. Moreover, it is one of the highest freshwater lakes in Asia, after Lake Tilicho in Nepal. Also, being very close to Mount Kailash, Lake Mansarovar in Tibet is bound to freeze over in winter. At the height of the season, it is completely frozen.
The lake is 90 m deep and has a circumference of 300 km. Its surface area is 88 km². It is connected to Lake Rakshastal, near the natural channel of the Ganges Chhu. Lake Mansarovar, in Tibet, is also a nearby source of the Indus.
Tibetan Lake Overflows Rakshastal Lake , an endorheic saltwater lake in Tibet. The entire lake overflows into another body of water called the Sutlej Basin. The aforementioned lakes are closely connected by a relatively narrow gap. Trekkers can also quickly enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Mansarovar, Tibet, and Mount Kailash from the Lapcha La Pass in the Limi Valley in Humla, Nepal.
What is the best time of year to visit Lake Mansarovar in Tibet?
Travelers are advised not to visit Lake Mansarovar or trek in Tibet at any other time of year except when deemed most suitable. One of the main reasons why it’s important to choose the right time is that the lake is located at a high altitude, which can present dangers and inconveniences if you’re not careful. That said, you can travel like most people and visit the lake in spring or fall, two of the most popular seasons of the year.
Most pilgrimages and visits to the region take place between May and September. Here are some reasons why visitors tend to favor this time of year over any other:
Temperature
When you visit Lake Mansarovar in Tibet during spring and autumn, the air temperature is ideal, ranging between 15°C and 25°C. Walking around this sacred site is even more enjoyable when the weather is mild.
It’s neither too hot, nor too cold, nor too humid. The air is just as fresh for your visit, and you can admire mountain views. The trail, a few kilometers from the lake, is passable without problem, as there are almost no clouds in spring and autumn. Likewise, the nights are less cold than in winter, whatever the season. You can enjoy the warmth of your teahouse during your visit, with appropriate clothing and blankets.
Accessibility
There are many routes to Lake Mansarovar in Tibet. It can be reached from Nepal, Lhasa, and India. The lake is accessible in spring and autumn, which is most of the summer months. Access to the lake is easy during the warmer months thanks to the melting snow and the region’s mild temperate climate.
Walking in the region therefore does not seem as complicated as during the colder months, generally after November and before February. Road risks are relatively low and the journey is generally uneventful.
Circumambulation
The circumambulation (parikrama) around Mount Kailash is an important part of a visit to Lake Mansarovar in Tibet. Choosing the most suitable time allows you to explore the trails around the mountain and lake without encountering snow or danger. Likewise, travelers can explore the region without being too demanding and take advantage of the good weather and easy travel, allowing for a faster completion of the trip.
Festival Celebration
Travelers can enjoy the festival without much delay by choosing the right season. You can celebrate two of the most important and enjoyable festivals at Lake Mansarovar in Tibet in spring and autumn: Saga Dawa and Guru Purnima. Your trip will be full of adventure and imbued with a good dose of spirituality. The spiritual atmosphere will also keep you deeply engaged and entertained to a certain extent. These festivals will also allow you to learn more about the region and its people.
Different routes to Lake Mansarovar in Tibet
There are several routes you can take to reach Lake Mansarovar in Tibet. You won’t find one route that’s better than another, as the convenience of the journey depends on the traveler’s starting point. Three routes are generally possible to reach Lake Mansarovar in Tibet and Mount Kailash. You can travel down to Kashgar in Xinjiang, take the Friendship Highway (G219) from the Tibetan capital, or reach Kathmandu, the Nepalese capital, from the south.
Here are the detailed descriptions of all the different routes to Tibetan Lake Mansarovar:
From Kashgar to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in Tibet
Kashgar is located in the southern Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Prefecture. This 1,549-kilometer journey will take you to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in Tibet. The Xinjiang-Tibet Highway, renowned as one of the most passable in the world, will be a highlight of your trip. You will pass through several counties in Xinjiang, passing by Lake Quanshui to Aksai Chin, before entering Rutog County, Ngari Prefecture, Tibet. This county lies south of Bagong County and the Mariam La Pass.
After crossing Gar County in Ngari Prefecture, you will be driven to Shiquanhe, formerly Gar Town. The famous Sengge Zangbo River runs through the town. The trail continues through Burang County to Darchen Town. Finally, Kailash Kora becomes the starting point of your journey if you are taking the Kashgar route.
A flight to Lake Mansarovar in Tibet is also possible. You’ll fly from Kashgar Airport in Xinjiang to Ngari Gunsa Airport in Shiquanhe, Ngari Prefecture. From Darchen, you can fly to Gunsa Airport the same day. Darchen is a short journey that will allow you to easily cover the trail to Lake Mansarovar in Tibet and Mount Kailash. After crossing Akshai Chin, you’ll finally reach the autonomous state of Tibet.
Your trip will begin in Kashgar. Some permits take several days to process, so travelers are always advised to book their permits in advance. Some of the most essential permits to obtain during a trip include the Tibet Travel Permit, the Foreigner Travel Permit, the Border Pass, and the Restricted Area Permit.
From Kathmandu to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in Tibet
Tibet is the closest country to Nepal. Several routes allow for quick access to the destination. These include the Gyirong/Rasuwa Gadhi Port route and Lhasa Gonggar International Airport. The latter is accessible from Tribhuvan International Airport, the country’s capital. These are the two most popular and important routes to reach Ngari Prefecture. Furthermore, the Kathmandu route is one of the most popular of the three routes mentioned in our list.
You can also fly to Lhasa from Kathmandu. However, it’s important to keep in mind that point-to-point flights are never cheap, and you may have to spend a little more for convenience. It’s always possible to save money, and more easily, by opting for economy class. Travelers should fly to Ngari Gunsa Airport from Lhasa, as there is no direct access to Gunsa Airport from Kathmandu. It’s easy to enjoy. View of Mount Everest during the 1.5-hour flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa.
From Lhasa, you can quickly reach the pretty little town of Darchen. Spending a day and night in this town will be a real adventure. The surrounding area is fascinating. Tashilhunpo Monastery, Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier, and Gyantse Kumbum are just a few of the sites to discover during your trip.
Traveling via Gyirong Port is just as convenient from Kathmandu. One of the advantages of the Gyirong Port route is that it allows two to three days of acclimatization. While acclimatization isn’t necessarily a critical factor when traveling to Lake Mansarovar in Tibet, it’s important to note that traveling at high altitudes requires a lot of physical adjustment.
From Lhasa to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in Tibet
By traveling directly from Lhasa to Lake Mansarovar in Tibet, you’ll likely reach your final destination faster than any of the routes mentioned above. This route allows you to travel the Tibetan Plateau from east to west and explore almost every corner of the region. Since the G318 Friendship Highway is a popular route, most travelers choose this route for a variety of reasons, including time, cost, and convenience.
Travelers will visit Gyantse, Shigatse, and Saga, while admiring the intense beauty of Mount Everest. You can finally access G219 and Darchen from Saga. To continue your journey, you must have all the necessary permits. In addition, you will be able to acclimatize easily in the high-altitude region from Kailash to Ngari.
Lake Mansarovar, located at a relatively high altitude and requiring good acclimatization, requires an extended stay in Ngari. This way, you can explore the beauty of nature, cultural and traditional aspects, as well as the daily lives of its inhabitants. The Potala Palace and the Jokhang Temple are also among the most popular sites on this trip.
Flying from Lhasa to Gunsa Airport is quite expensive. If you’re on a tight budget, it’s always advisable to opt for economy class flights. Although less economical, these flights will save you a lot of time and energy compared to other travel options.
What is the shortest and most energy-efficient route to reach Lake Mansarovar in Tibet?
The fastest and most energy-intensive route to reach Lake Mansarovar in Tibet is undoubtedly the one from Lhasa. Any other route will be long and treacherous. However, it’s equally important to know that your journey will be equally convenient regardless of your starting point.
Many visitors sometimes begin their journey from India. However, if you can start your trip from a specific point, for example, by going only to Lake Mansarovar in Tibet, instead of visiting other destinations before your trip, you can always choose to start from Lhasa. The Friendship Highway and the G219 National Highway are essential landmarks on this route.
History of Lake Mansarovar in Tibet
Lake Mansarovar in Tibet holds great significance for Hindu pilgrims. Mount Meru, a mythical mountain, is said to be located in the region where Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar are located in Tibet. Mount Kailash, a manifestation of Mount Meru, is also known as the abode of Mahadeva. No man-made structures were observed around the sacred lake until the 1930s. Similarly, since many great monks meditated in the caves surrounding the lake, Buddhist devotees attach special importance to this body of water.
Moreover, according to Hindu beliefs, the formation of Lake Mansarovar in Tibet dates back centuries, when the creator of the world, Lord Brahma, formed the lake. Its formation was intended to facilitate religious rituals.
It is said that the twelve sons of Brahma performed rituals and religious acts by the lake. The lake’s name comes from the combination of two Sanskrit words: Manasa, meaning spirit, and Sarovaram, meaning lake. It is also believed that Lord Shiva tamed the Ganges River and sent it to nourish the fertile valleys of the Himalayas, which is also the origin of the formation and importance of Lake Mansarovar in Tibet.
Tips for traveling to Lake Mansarovar in Tibet
Traveling to Lake Mansarovar in Tibet requires a lot of effort from travelers, not only at the beginning of the trip, but also beforehand. To fully enjoy your stay, make sure you take care of all your needs.
Many travelers and pilgrims who have never visited a place like Lake Mansarovar in Tibet might find it difficult, if not impossible, to plan and do everything according to their wishes. Everything becomes easier when you have a to-do list in advance. Therefore, it is essential to consult a list of tips and safety measures to take during your visit.
Here are some of the most essential tips to remember:
Planning
Last-minute planning may be appropriate for many trips, but it’s never the case for a visit to Lake Mansarovar in Tibet. The lake is located at a high altitude, so spontaneous plans aren’t even an option for a smooth trip from start to finish. Careful planning is essential for traveling to the lake and Mount Kailash. Advance planning is always recommended for all travelers and pilgrims, regardless of their experience with high-altitude sites like this.
Planning your trip well and allowing at least a week to prepare is the least you can do as a traveler. It’s not just about things to consider: it’s crucial to get physically tested to check your health and fitness for the trip or pilgrimage, as the risk of altitude sickness is high if you’re not careful. Likewise, it’s equally essential to be in good mental shape. Decide who you’ll trust (agency, guides, etc.), who you want to go with, and how long you’ll stay on the trip. You can plan ahead for travel authorization and a visa for Tibet .
Other important factors that require planning when traveling to Lake Mansarovar in Tibet include preparing permits, booking accommodations, and managing travel and routes.
Physical fitness
Physical fitness is an essential aspect to consider when traveling to Lake Mansarovar in Tibet. Anyone who has never traveled to this region or similar places must exert themselves to the maximum physical exertion. It’s not always noticeable, but your body is not prepared for new situations and environments. You’ll probably learn what works best for it by engaging in certain activities. The same goes for this trip.
It is highly recommended to do cardio, gym, regular jogging and walking for a reasonable distance daily, or learn to hike in a high altitude location by training for it in hiking or trekking destinations closer to where you live.
Exercising daily allows your body to step out of its usual comfort zone. Being physically fit also means being in great shape. If you have a serious illness or health problem, avoid this trip. Considering all the factors mentioned, if you are fit enough for this trip, you can consider yourself fit enough to do so.
Acclimatization
Trekkers must acclimatize to complete a trek. This will allow them to complete it without health or trail issues. Continuing a trek without rest can lead to breathing difficulties and ease on the trails. It is important to keep in mind that the trail to Lake Mansarovar in Tibet is inaccessible, as it is located in the most rural part of the Himalayas.
This requires acclimatization, which will also allow you to rest enough to continue your journey peacefully. Without fatigue, you’ll feel energized and motivated to continue moving toward your goal, and acclimatization will facilitate your progress.
Another major risk for travelers and pilgrims visiting Lake Mansarovar in Tibet is altitude sickness. Your body must gradually adapt to the altitude. Adapting to climate change and altitude is impossible without dedicating the necessary time. Acclimatization also helps maintain oxygen levels in the body.
Pack properly
Travelers and pilgrims often make the mistake of packing too much or too little. Without a list of everything you’ll need for your trip, you may be at a loss for what to bring. Some travelers pack too much, and others don’t even pack what they might need.
Travelers should always make a list of everything they’ll need for their trip and rank them in order of necessity. You can select everything from the most essential to the most essential. This will allow you to check everything you need without having to regret not having an essential item in your backpack. This tip will also prevent you from bringing unnecessary items during your trip. Properly packing your luggage often allows travelers to save on baggage costs.
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Staying hydrated is essential advice, but only a traveler who has already visited a challenging destination knows its importance. Drinking water is essential, and it is advisable to always carry a water bottle with you during your trip. Not drinking enough water during your trip to Lake Mansarovar in Tibet can lead to dehydration and restlessness, which should be avoided at all costs.
Hikers and pilgrims should carry a water bottle of at least 2 liters. A simple bottle is not enough to preserve the purity of the water. Water purifiers would be useful to ensure you drink safe, drinkable water wherever you go, as the purity of the water in your destination region is not always guaranteed.
Nutrition and medication
Eating nutritious and satisfying food, to a certain extent, helps prevent you from delaying your trip or facing difficulties. Eating isn’t the only solution to appease your hungry stomach and your body thirsty for nutrients during an arduous journey to a destination like Lake Mansarovar in Tibet. But you can be sure of finding healthy and nourishing food in establishments in the Kailash region. Most tea shops and guesthouses offer locally prepared dishes. Avoid junk food, even for snacks.
However, it’s always recommended to bring snacks when traveling. This will help fill your stomach, even partially, during a hike or pilgrimage. Healthy options include energy bars, dried fruits, and nuts.
Travelers should also take the necessary medications during their trip. It is essential to get properly tested before taking any strong medication. However, you can always carry ibuprofen in your pocket or backpack. It is an effective medication at any time and in almost any situation, regardless of the severity of your health. This is, again, a temporary solution to a potentially serious problem. Therefore, the urgent need for rest and postponing a trip should never be overlooked.
Weather Considerations
You can’t travel around Lake Mansarovar in Tibet without taking the weather into account. The weather and temperature in the region aren’t always favorable. It can be too hot in spring, it can rain, and if you travel in autumn, it can get too cold later. Therefore, it’s necessary to postpone your trip spontaneously. Planning to complete your trek in a short period of time won’t do you any good, as your safety and comfort always come first.
If you travel during the peak season, you’ll likely face some weather challenges. However, this season is not considered favorable; your trek or pilgrimage must, at all costs, be planned carefully.
Culture and Labels
If you’re traveling to a new country, you should first familiarize yourself with its culture. What happens in one culture may be new to someone from another. Therefore, behaving inconsiderately toward another person’s culture, traditions, and way of life can hurt their feelings. Furthermore, standards of etiquette vary from one region of the world to another.
The Kailash region , or Lake Mansarovar region in Tibet, has traditionally minded people. They are very religious and respectful of their etiquette. To avoid any inconvenience, travelers can always learn about the culture and etiquette of the region before their trip.
This will allow them to discover the beauty of a particular culture while helping them socialize and network with locals in the most friendly way possible. One always learns about a place by showing respect for its culture.
Don’t rush
It’s normal to rush when traveling to a place that can be covered in a day or a few hours. But when trekking or making a pilgrimage on a challenging journey lasting several days, it would be foolish to do the same on the trails, which would completely ruin your trip.
On the other hand, traveling slowly allows you to get used to a changing environment. While you may feel empowered by speeding through the trails, there’s a significant risk that your energy won’t remain constant over the long term. This is why travelers are more likely to suffer from illnesses and health complications during their trip.
Another reason to slow down on the trek to Lake Mansarovar in Tibet is to be able to observe the sights between the trails. For many travelers, the final destination is the only view they get, due to a lack of attention to the journey. Yet, in the end, the journey and the trail offer an optimal experience and scope for exploration. Taking your time, even to rest, between trails also allows you to acclimate to the changing environmental conditions.
Ecological behavior
When traveling to Lake Mansarovar in Tibet, it’s important to respect the environment. This destination is one of the cleanest and most natural places on the planet. Littering the trail and disrupting nature would not only be irresponsible, but it would also be a crime—and that’s a stretch!
The Kailash Mansarovar authorities ensure the cleanliness of the area. As a true traveler, you must follow this rule: keep your trash in a bag and only throw it away when you find the right place.
Also, avoid using plastic or other environmentally harmful materials. You risk being prosecuted if caught. However, if you are arrested by the authorities, not only are you responsible for nature, but your movements also contribute to the spread of coughs. Mental awareness allows you to fully enjoy nature.
Travel insurance
It’s best to purchase travel insurance for your trip to Kailash. Your trekking agency will usually be responsible for your travel insurance for your trip to Lake Mansarovar in Tibet. However, purchasing insurance shouldn’t be seen as a burden. Insurance protects you against any future harm, whether financial or physical.
Visitors must ensure their physical and mental safety at all levels. Travel insurance offers many benefits, including evacuation services, trip cancellation, and emergency medical coverage.
Since you are responsible for many factors during your trip to Lake Mansarovar in Tibet, you should also be aware of all the potential dangers that could arise. If you think about it more carefully, you could face unimaginable situations. Travel insurance is your guarantee.
Take newspapers and a camera.
Don’t forget to immortalize your moments and keep memories of your trip in a journal or a camera. These days, many people use their cell phones to take photos, which is ideal for those who don’t want to invest in a camera or aren’t passionate about photography. However, if you want to immortalize the moment and take a unique photo of the mountains and Mansarovar Tibhen Lake, don’t hesitate to bring a good quality camera.
Additionally, keeping a journal will help you record memories you might forget over time. This will remind you of all the challenges and positive moments encountered throughout your trip. Keeping a journal is the best way for a traveler to express their feelings after a significant accomplishment. And there will always be something for travelers to learn!
Conclusion
Lake Mansarovar, located on the southern slope of Mount Kailash, is also known as one of the three great sacred lakes of Tibet. It is therefore safe to assume that the region where it is located is influenced by different countries, cultures, and religions. While Tibet and Nepal influence all the factors mentioned above, India also has a significant impact on Lake Mansarovar, even though it is located solely in Tibet.
