Lake Manasarovar
Burang County, Tibet, Tibet
Lake Manasarovar was once surrounded by eight Buddhist monasteries that represented the Wheel of Life. While many of these holy structures have now crumbled to the ground, the lake’s religious significance has not been lost, and Buddhists from across the globe still travel to this sky-high freshwater lake each year.
The basics
Lake Manasarovar ranks among the world’s highest freshwater lakes. The lake’s circumference measures 64 miles (103 kilometers) and takes most travelers around four days to complete. Visitors who prefer to skip the trek can still pitch a tent along the shore of Lake Manasarovar and enjoy epic views of its crystal clear blue and green waters. Chiu Village on the northwestern shore offers basic accommodations.
Things to know before you go
- Lake Manasarovar is an excellent destination for spiritual travelers and trekkers.
- If you plan to trek around the lake, do so in a clockwise direction.
- Temperatures can change drastically between day and night, so be sure to pack warm layers.
- Visitors need a Tibet travel permit and an Alien’s travel permit to visit the lake; keep these documents with you at all times.
- Be sure to acclimate to the altitude before trekking; the lake sits at 15,036 feet (4,583 meters).
How to get there
Lake Manasarovar is located at the foot of Mount Kailash’s southern side in Tibet. The only way to get there is by car or organized tour, and the trip typically takes at least four days.
When to get there
Flocks of swans gather on the lake each summer—the best time to visit for mild weather. Photographers will want to capture images of the lake within an hour of sunrise or sunset.
Lake Manasarovar in Mythology
According to local legend, this lake was created by Brahma as a bathing spot for his sons after trekking, while Buddhists believe the mother of the Buddha was brought to the lake by the gods to bathe in the sacred waters, where she immaculately conceived the Buddha. It is widely believed that the lake has restorative properties.
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