Lake Manasarovar

Geographic Facts and Legends About Lake Manasarovar

Lake Manasarovar, located in the Burang County, 20 km southeast of the Mount Kailash, is among the world’s highest fresh-water lakes. At an elevation of 4,583 meters, the lake covers 412 square kilometers.

With the northern part broader than the southern end, the deepest point of the lake is over 70 meters. Purer than a sapphire, one can see through dozens of meters into the lake.

In Tibetan language, Manasarovar means “invincible lake”. In “Regions In Great Tang”, wrote by monk Xuanzang, Lake Manasarovar was regarded as the sacred Yaochi Lake of Nirvana.

In the 11th century Buddhism won the competition against the Bon Religion and changed the lake’s name from “Machui Co” into “Manasarovar”, in the hope of winning more believers in Tibet.

In Tibetan Buddhism, it is believed that bathing with the water of Manasarovar will drive off avaricious desires, troubled thoughts and past sins; drinking the water will keep healthy and away from disease; while circling the lake will bring boundless beneficence to the pilgrims.

The Hindi poet Kalidasa once wrote that the waters of Lake Manasarovar are "like pearls" and that to drink them erases the "sins of a hundred lifetimes".

Thus all the pilgrims to Tibet will come to Manasarovar and regard circling and drinking from the lake as their greatest fortune.

Throughout the year, numerous pilgrims and visitors are attracted to the holy Mt. Kailash and the Lake Manasarovar. It is also 1 of 3 Holy Lakes in Tibet (the other 2 are Namtso Lake and Yamdrok Lake).

Lake Manasarovar’s brilliant blue waters shine under the vast, blue sky.

Highlights at Lake Manasarovar

The region’s natural beauty is truly stunning, featuring the blue waters of Lake Manasarovar and the mysterious Lake Rakshas Tal, set against snow-capped peaks with clear views of Mt. Kailash. Wild donkeys, Tibetan yaks, and antelopes are often spotted near Lake Manasarovar.

Culturally, five Buddhist monasteries surround the lake - Chiu, Langbona, Seralung, Trupo, and Gossul - each with its own unique appeal. Chiu Monastery, also known as Sparrow Monastery, is perched atop a craggy hill in the lake’s northwest, offering panoramic views of the water.

The 100-kilometer kora around Lake Manasarovar is a key highlight for both pilgrims and trekking enthusiasts. Taking about five days to complete, this ritual has been performed by Tibetans for over 2,000 years.

Along the way, pilgrims pass ancient monasteries and immerse themselves in breathtaking landscapes, blending spiritual significance with natural beauty.

15 Days Kailash and Manasarovar Small Group Tour: A pilgrim’s final fantasy and the greatest overland trip in Tibet.

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - E.B.C - Saga - Kailash Trek - Darchen - Lake Manasarovar - Saga - Gyirong - Tingri - Lhasa

Price from USD2069 p.p

Join our classic 15-day tour from Lhasa to visit Lake Manasarovar and Mt. Kailash.

Best Time to Visit Lake Manasarovar

Lake Manasarovar can be visited from late April to October, with the best times being from May to June and September to October. During these months, you’ll enjoy clear skies, stunning views, and comfortable temperatures, perfect for circumambulating the holy lake and mountain.

During this period, the Saga Dawa Festival, held on April 15 of the Tibetan calendar (June 11, 2025), commemorates Sakyamuni’s birth, enlightenment, and nirvana. As Tibet’s most significant festival, it will elevate your experience and let you deeply immerse in Tibetan culture.

July and August are also great months to visit, though the monsoon brings intermittent rains to western Tibet. The rain boosts oxygen levels and increases moisture in the air, while the light mist around Kailash adds a mysterious charm, offering a unique experience.

While most of the Tibetan plateau is accessible year-round, Ngari is best avoided in winter. The extreme cold can make travel uncomfortable, with freezing temperatures at night.

Weather Information of Lake Manasarovar from April to October

For adventurous travelers, self-driving to Lake Manasarovar is a fantastic alternative to guided tours.

What to Pack for Visiting Lake Manasarovar?

Clothing: Pack warm, layered clothing to adjust to changing temperatures. Start with a thermal base layer and add thinner layers as needed- aim for at least five, as laundry isn't an option on the trail. A warm down or fleece jacket is essential.

Footwear & Accessories: Sturdy hiking boots are a must for the rough terrain. Bring gloves, a warm hat, and sunglasses for sun protection. Trekking poles are also helpful, especially for the Lake Manasarovar trek.

Toiletries: Guesthouses rarely provide toilet paper, so bring your own - wet wipes are even better, especially where water is unavailable. Include a washcloth, antibacterial soap, and a dental kit, as showers are unlikely during the trek.

Skin Care & Sun Protection: High-altitude wind can cause dry skin and chapped lips, so bring lip balm, sunscreen, and moisturizer if needed.

Snacks: Carry high-energy snacks for the trail - chocolate, cookies, dried fruits, nuts, and oatmeal biscuits are great. Trail mix with granola, nuts, and dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, and banana chips is ideal for sustained energy.

16 Days Kailash and Manasarovar Small Group Tour: Touching Mount Kailash with Spiritual Saga Dawa Festival Experience

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - EBC - Saga - Darchen - Kailash Trek - Darchen - Saga - Gyirong - Tingri - Lhasa

Price from USD2219 p.p

Experience the spiritual heart of Tibet by exploring Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar during the Saga Dawa Festival.

How to get to Lake Manasarovar? From Lhasa or Kathmandu!

The most recommended way to reach Lake Manasarovar is by overland travel from Lhasa. This southern route follows the G318 National Highway west to Shigatse, then heads southwest to Everest Base Camp.

The journey continues northwest through Saga to Darchen and then finally the Lake Manasarovar. With over 3200 Kilometer for a round trip, the round trip typically takes about 15 days.

Alternatively, you can travel to Lake Manasarovar by overland from Kathmandu via the Gyirong Port. First, drive 120 km from Kathmandu to Gyirong Town, then continue 593 km to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar - a drive that takes roughly 13 hours without stops.

Besides these two legendary overland routes, you can also fly from Lhasa to Ngari Gunsa Airport, the closest airport to Lake Manasarovar. The flight takes just 2 hours, making it the fastest option from Lhasa. However, the flights depart only in the morning, and ticket prices are higher.

10 Days Kailash Pilgrimage Tour from Kathmandu, via Gyirong Port

Tour Route: Kathmandu – Gyirong – Saga – Mt.Kailash – Lake Manasarovar – Darchen – Saga – Gyirong – Kathmandu

Price from USD1749 p.p

Enjoying an overland trip to Lake Manasarovar from Kathmandu via Gyirong Port is also a great option.

The Best Places to photograph Lake Manasarovar

Top photo spots include Jiwu Temple, Chiu Temple, and Lake Rakshas Tal. Jiwu Temple, on the western bank of Lake Manasarovar, is a popular overnight stop for travelers.

Climb the nearby hill at sunrise for breathtaking views of Lake Manasarovar and distant Mount Kailash. The temple's position also makes it ideal for capturing sunsets.

Chiu Temple, the largest of the five temples around Manasarovar, lies to the south of the lake, about 20 km from Jiwu Temple. From its hilltop location, the lake seems to stretch out beneath your feet - offering a perfect angle for photographing both the sacred lake and Holy Mountain.

Rakshas Tal (also called La’ang Tso), located about 10 km from Jiwu Temple, is a saltwater lake separated from Manasarovar. Easily accessible by car, it has a longer ice-formation period, making it a great spot to capture melting ice scenes.

Perched above the lake, Jiwu Temple offers one of the most breathtaking viewpoints for capturing the beauty of Lake Manasarovar.

The Accommodation and Food at Lake Manasarovar

For sightseeing travelers, Darchen - the nearest town to Lake Manasarovar, just 40 kilometers away - offers a range of accommodations and dining options.

Comfortable hotels like the Castle Hotel and Himalaya Hotel even provide views of Mount Kailash from the window. You’ll also find several guesthouses. Dining options mainly include Tibetan, Sichuan, and Nepalese cuisine.

If you're doing the kora, basic accommodations are available at monasteries around the lake. While Chiu Monastery offers very simple lodging, Langbona, Seralung, and Trugo monasteries have guesthouses.

Food options are limited along the route, so it's recommended to bring energy snacks to help complete the kora.

Insider Tips for Touring Lake Manasarovar

1.The temperature difference is kind of big at Lake Manasarovar. In summer, it may be 22℃ in daytime, but drops dramatically below 0℃ at night. Make sure you bring enough clothes with you.

2.It is necessary to handle your travel permits in advance. Besides Tibet Travel Permit, you will also need to obtain the Alien’s Travel Permit and Military Permit. Our travel guide can help to arrange these documents on your behalf.

3. Circling around the lake complete circle will cost you 3~4 days. Tibetan Buddhists and Hindus perform the kora in a clockwise direction, while Bonpos do it counter-clockwise.