Mansarovar Lake Tibet – How to Get There

Mansarovar Lake Tibet will give you the experience of the country and two different nations, including Tibet and Nepal. You can enter the region of the lake in Tibet from both the government and Kathmandu. Travelers can even make their way to the lake through Lhasa via Kathmandu. Mansarovar Lake Tibet can be considered one of the holiest places there. Both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims tend to visit the lake frequently every year.

Moreover, the place never remains unvisited and invites visitors from all around the world.

Mansarovar Lake Tibet remains one of the most religiously significant locations for pilgrimage. Many Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims have an ambition to go to the lake at least once in their lifetimes as a part of a religious act. Trekkers and travel enthusiasts, on the other hand, visit the lake for the thrill of it. The location is enthralling, and there is no reason for one to miss out on the beauty of the place as a keen traveler.

Please read this article’s end to learn more about Mansarovar Lake Tibet and how to get there!

Where is Mansarovar Lake Tibet located?

It is a commonly known fact that Mansarovar Lake is situated in Tibet. However, many people are confused about where the lake falls since it has just as close a relationship with China’s neighboring countries, India and Nepal. It is, however, located 50 km to the northwest of Nepal and 100 km east of Uttarakhand in India. At the same time, it is also located on the southwest side of the Autonomous state of Tibet in China.

Though it is a water body, i.e., a lake, one should not be surprised that it is situated at a relatively high altitude, 4,590 m (15,060 ft), above sea level. Moreover, it is also one of the largest bodies of freshwater in the Tibetan plateau. Not only this, it is also one of the highest freshwater lakes in all of Asia, after Tilicho Lake in Nepal. Since Mansarovar Lake Tibet is also very close to Mount Kailash, it is bound to freeze in the wintertime. The water body is completely frozen at the peak of the season.

The lake is 90 m (300 ft) deep and has a circumference of 88 km (54.7 mi). Its surface area is 320 km2 (123.6 sq mi). It is interconnected with Lake Rakshastal, close to the natural Ganga Chhu channel. Mansarovar Lake, Tibet, is also a close source of the Indus River.

The Tibetan lake overflows to Lake Rakshastal, an endorheic lake full of salt water in Tibet. The combined lakes overflow into another body of water known as the Sutlej Basin. The formerly mentioned lakes are closely connected through a relatively narrow space. A traveler keen on hiking can also quickly get the perfect view of Lake Mansarovar, Tibet, and Mount Kailash from the Lapcha La pass in the Limi Valley of Humla in Nepal.

What is the best time of the year to visit Mansarovar Lake Tibet?

Travelers are not advised to travel and trek to Mansarovar Lake Tibet any time of the year other than the ones considered the best for the purpose. One of the main reasons you need to be wise about choosing the right time of the year is because the lake is located at a tall altitude, which may invite danger and inconvenience if you are not careful enough. That said, you can move with the majority and visit the lake in either spring or fall, considered two of the most preferable seasons of the year.

Most pilgrimages and visits in the region occur between May and September. The following are some of the reasons as to why visitors tend to choose these seasons out of all the other ones in a year:

Temperature

When you visit Mansarovar Lake, Tibet, during spring and fall, the air temperature is perfect, ranging around 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). Roaming around the holy water body is all the more pleasant when the weather is in our favor.

It is neither too hot nor too cold and neither too humid. The air is just as fresh for your tour, and you can see the mountain view along the pathway just a few kilometers away from the lake without any issues because there are almost no clouds during spring and fall. Similarly, nights are not as cold as during winter seasons during either of the seasons either. You can enjoy the warmth of your teahouse while you’re on the visit with proper clothing and coverings.

Accessibility

There are many pathways through which you can get access to Mansarovar Lake Tibet. You can enter the lake from Nepal, Lhasa, and India. The lake is accessible during spring and fall or most of the months you would call summer. One of the main reasons you can easily access the lake during hotter months is the snow melts, and the region is not as cold.

Therefore, walking around the area does not seem like as big of a hassle as when you are there during colder months, usually after November and before February. Road risks are relatively low, and the journey is generally seamless.

Circumambulation

Circumambulation (parikrama) around Mount Kailash is a significant part of the Mansarovar Lake Tibet visit. Therefore, when you choose the best time for your visit, you can walk through the trails around the mountain and the lake without coming through snow or any signs of danger. Likewise, travelers don’t have it as strict when circumambulating around the region while enjoying the weather and the ease of the journey, which leads to one completing the trip sooner rather than later.

Festival celebration

Travelers can travel around the festival without waiting too long when they choose the right season for their journey. You can celebrate two of the most significant and enjoyable festivals in Mansarovar Lake Tibet in spring and fall Saga Dawa and Guru Purnima. Your trip will have many adventures and a proper dose of religious factors. The spiritual atmosphere will also keep you deeply invested and entertained to a reasonable extent. You will also be able to learn more about the region and the people from these festivals.

Different routes to Mansarovar Lake Tibet

You can take different routes to get to Mansarovar Lake Tibet. You won’t find a better route than the other because the pathway convenience depends on where a traveler starts his journey. There are three popular directions you can take to reach Mansarovar Lake Tibet as well as Mount Kailash. Going down to Kashgar in Xinjiang, the Friendship Highway, G219 from the Tibetan capital, or the Nepali capital Kathmandu from the south are all your route choices.

The following are detailed descriptions of all the different routes to Tibetan Mansarovar Lake:

Kashgar to Mt. Kailash and Mansarovar Lake Tibet

Kashgar is in the south Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Prefecture, which takes you to Mt. Kailash and Mansarovar Lake Tibet on a 1,549-kilometer (962.5 miles) journey. The Xinjiang Tibet Highway, known as one of the world’s most drivable highways, will be a significant highlight of your trip if you take this route. You will pass through various counties in Xinjiang by Quanshui Lake to Aksai Chin, and finally, you will enter Rutog County of Ngari Prefecture in Tibet. The Rutog County of Ngari Prefecture is south of Bagong Co and the Mariam La Pass.

Once you have crossed Gar County of Ngari Prefecture, you will be driven to Shiquanhe, formerly Gar Town. The famous Sengge Zangbo River flows through Gar Town. The trail will keep moving through Burang County and to Darchen town. Finally, Kailash Kora becomes the starting point of your journey through the road if you take the Kashgar route.

A flight is just as possible when you are on Mansarovar Lake Tibet. You will start your flight from Kashgar Airport in Xinjiang and then fly to Ngari Gunsa Airport in Shiquanhe, Ngari Prefecture. From Darchen, you can go to Gunsa Airport on the same day. Darchen is a short time that can easily take you through the pathway of Mansarovar Lake Tibet and Mount Kailash. After you have crossed Akshai Chin, you will finally make your way to the Autonomous state of Tibet.

Your trip will start in Kashgar. Some permits take several days to process, so it is always wise for travelers to book their permits beforehand. Some of the most essential permits one needs to get during the trip are the Tibet Travel Permit, the Alien’s Travel Permit, the Frontier Pass, and the Restricted Areas Permit.

Kathmandu to Mt. Kailash and Mansarovar Lake Tibet

Tibet is the closest to Nepal. You can quickly drive through several pathways in Nepal to reach your destination. The roadway routes include that of Gyirong Port/Rasuwa Gadhi and Lhasa Gonggar International Airport. The latter can be reached from Tribhuvan International Airport, the country’s capital city. These are the two most popular and significant routes to reach Ngari Prefecture. Furthermore, the Kathmandu route is one of the more preferred routes among the three routes we mentioned on our list.

You can also go to Lhasa in Kathmandu. It is, however, necessary to remember that flights from one point to another are never cheap, and you may have to spend a bit more in exchange for convenience. Saving money is always possible and more straightforward when you opt for economy class. Travelers must fly to the Ngari Gunsa Airport from Lhasa because they cannot get direct access to the Gunsa Airport from Kathmandu. One can easily enjoy Mount Everest’s view when flying through the one-and-a-half-hour flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa.

You can quickly enter the small and beautiful town of Darchen from Lhasa. Spending a day and a night in this town will prove to be an adventure in itself. The surroundings are enthralling here. Tashilhunpo Monastery, Yamdrok Lake, the Karola Glacier, and the Gyantse Kumbum are some aspects you can enjoy during the journey.

Traveling through the Gyirong Port is just as possible and convenient when you are traveling from Kathmandu. One of the best points about choosing the Gyirong Port road is that you will get around 2-3 days in hand for acclimatization. Though one might not be relatively stressed about the importance of acclimatization when going to Mansarovar Lake Tibet, it is essential to emphasize that traveling to a high-altitude location requires many bodily adjustments.

Lhasa to Mt. Kailash and Mansarovar Lake Tibet

When you travel directly from Lhasa to Mansarovar Lake Tibet, you will likely reach the end destination sooner than you can from any of the routes above. On this route, you can move from east to west of the Tibetan plateau and explore almost every nook and corner of the region. From the G318 Friendship Highway, most travelers always choose this route for many reasons associated with both time, cost, and convenience.

Travelers will be coming to Gyantse, Shigatse, and Saga while also being able to view the intense beauty of Mount Everest on their way. You can finally enter G219 and Darchen from Saga. To proceed with your trip, you must have all the necessary permits. Additionally, you can acclimatize without an issue in the high-altitude region of the Kailash area in Ngari.

Since Mansarovar Lake Tibet is relatively high and needs proper acclimatization, you need to spend a considerable amount of days in Ngari, which will further allow you to explore the beauty of nature there along with the cultural and traditional factors and the daily routine of the people living there. Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple also happen to be two of the most sought-after locations for one’s discovery during this trip.

Flying from Lhasa to Gunsa Airport is pretty expensive. It would help if you always went for economy flight packages on a tight budget. Though not as pocket-friendly, you will save much time and energy when you take a flight instead of opting for other commuter and travel options.

Which is the least time and energy-consuming route to reach Mansarovar Lake Tibet?

The least time and energy-consuming route to reach Mansarovar Lake Tibet has to be the one you start from Lhasa. Any other route is going to be long and hasty. At the same time, it is just as important to recognize that your journey will also be convenient when you start from wherever you are.

A lot of visitors even begin their journey from India at times. However, suppose you can start your journey from a specific location, such as if you only go to Mansarovar Lake Tibet, instead of traveling to additional places before the trip. In that case, you can always choose to begin from Lhasa. The Friendship Highway and G219 National Road are critical landmarks on this route.

History of Mansarovar Lake Tibet

Mansarovar Lake Tibet is of great significance to Hindu pilgrims. Mount Meru, a mythical mountain, is said to be around the region where Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake Tibet are located. Mount Kailash is a manifestation of Mount Meru and is also known as the abode of Mahadeva. No artificial structure was seen until the 1930s around the holy lake. Likewise, since many great monks had meditated in caves around the lake, Buddhist followers have just as much significance towards the water body.

Additionally, according to Hindu beliefs, the formation of Mansarovar Lake in Tibet dates back several centuries to when the creator of the world, Lord Brahma, formed the lake. The lake’s formation was meant to facilitate religious rituals.

Twelve Brahma’s sons are said to have conducted rituals and practiced religious acts on the lake’s edge. The name of the lake comes from a combination of two Sanskrit words: Manasa, which means mind, and Sarovaram, meaning lake. It is also believed that Lord Shiva had tamed Ganga and sent her to nourish Himalayan fertile valleys, which is also responsible for the further formation and significance of Mansarovar Lake Tibet.

Tips for travel to Mansarovar Lake Tibet

Traveling to Mansarovar Lake, Tibet, takes a good amount of effort from the travelers, not only once the journey starts but even before that. To fully enjoy your trip, you must ensure that everything that comes forth as a necessity is handled.

Many travelers and pilgrims who have not quite traveled to a place like Mansarovar Lake Tibet might think that planning and doing everything as per what’s in your mind is challenging and, to an extent, impossible. Everything becomes more straightforward when you have a list of things ready beforehand. This means you must go through a list of things you should remember as tips and safety measures when going there.

The following are some of the most essential tips you should not forget:

Planning

Last-minute planning may suit many trips, but this is never the case when visiting Mansarovar Lake, Tibet. The lake is at a high altitude setting. Henceforth, spontaneous plans are not even in the equation if you want a seamless journey from beginning to end. One must plan exceptionally carefully when going to the lake and Mount Kailash. Planning is always recommended for every other traveler and pilgrim regardless of their expertise in going to high-altitude locations like this one.

Planning well before the trip and spending at least a week to get yourself ready is the least you can do as a traveler. It is not only the things that you need to take care of—getting tested physically to check whether you have the health and fitness to make the trip or pilgrim is highly crucial since there is a big chance that you may suffer from altitude sickness if you’re not too careful. Similarly, it becomes just as essential to be mentally fit as well. Decide who to rely on (agency, guides, etc), who you want to go with, and how long you will stay on the trip. You can plan a head the travel permit and Tibet Visa.

Other significant factors that require planning during Mansarovar Lake Tibet travel include getting permits ready, booking accommodations, and managing travel plus commute.

Physical fitness

Physical fitness is an essential aspect that travelers must consider when going to Mansarovar Lake Tibet. Anyone who has never traveled there or places alike must make the most effort in training physically. One may not always notice, but your body is unprepared for new circumstances and environments. You are likely to know what suits your body the best when you come into action with certain activities. The same is the case for this journey as well.

From cardio, gym, jogging regularly, and walking a reasonable distance daily to learning how to trek in a high altitude location by training for the same in hiking or trekking destinations closer to one’s residence is highly suggested.

Engaging oneself in daily physical activities will take your body out of a usually inert comfort zone. Physical fitness also means that you have the best state of the body inside out. If you suffer from any sickness or health conditions, you should avoid this trip, given that your condition is severe. Considering all the factors mentioned, if you are fit enough for the trip, you can consider yourself suitable for the journey.

Acclimatization

Trekkers need to acclimatize to complete a journey. Doing this will help you complete the trip without any issues related to health or trails. Continuously continuing a trip might mean having problems breathing and finding ease in the trails. It is necessary always to remember that the path to Mansarovar Lake Tibet will not be accessible at all since it is situated in the most rural place in the Himalayas.

This necessitates acclimatization, which also helps you get adequate rest to continue your travel conveniently. When your body is not tired, you will feel energized and have the zeal to keep moving until you reach your goal, and by acclimatizing, it is easy to do so.

Another significant risk for travelers and pilgrims going to Mansarovar Lake Tibet is suffering from altitude sickness. Your body slowly needs to adjust to the surroundings of a higher altitude. Adapting to changing weather and height is impossible without taking proper time. Acclimatization can also maintain the level of oxygen in your body.

Pack adequately

Travelers and pilgrims often make a common mistake: packing too much or too little. Without a list of everything you will need during your trip, you may also get confused about what you need to carry. Some travelers overpack, and some don’t even take the things that they may need.

Travelers should always list all the things they will need for the trip and label them according to their necessity. You can shortlist everything from what you need the most to what you need the least. Doing this will help you cross-check everything you need without facing the regret of not having something crucial in your backpack. This trick also keeps you from taking things you may not need during your trip. Packing adequately often means that travelers can save money on hiring porters.

Hydration

Keeping yourself hydrated is a fundamental tip, but only a traveler who has been to a problematic destination knows its importance. Drinking water is necessary, and you should always keep a water bottle while traveling. Compromising on drinking enough water during your Mansarovar Lake Tibet travel might result in dehydration and restlessness, which you will want to avoid at all costs.

Trekkers and pilgrims must carry a water bottle with at least a 2-liter capacity. Carrying only a bottle of water is not enough to maintain the purity. It would help if you had water purifiers to be assured of drinking drinkable and healthy water wherever you go because you cannot always trust the cleanliness of the water you may find around the region of your destination.

Nutrition and medication

Having nutritious food that fills you up until a certain period keeps you from delaying travel or facing difficulties. Having food is not the only solution for your hungry stomach and nutrient-thirsty body during an arduous journey to a destination like Mansarovar Lake Tibet. But you can be assured of getting healthy and filling food in amenities around the Kailash region. Most of the teahouses and guesthouses serve food that is made locally. You should not rely on junk food, even just for snacking.

However, it is always recommended that one take snacks on their journey. This will help them fill their stomachs even to some extent while trekking or on a pilgrimage. Healthy snack options include energy bars, dried fruits, and nuts.

Travelers must also take the medication they require during the journey. It is crucial to get tested properly before taking any strong medicine. You can, however, always keep ibuprofen in your pocket or backpack. It is one such medicine that might work at any time for almost any possible situation, regardless of the seriousness of your health. This is, again, a temporary fix for a problem that may be serious. So, the urgency of rest and the delay of trips should never be ignored.

Considerations towards weather

You cannot travel around Mansarovar Lake Tibet without considering the weather. It is not always possible for the weather and the region’s temperature to favor. Sometimes, the temperature may be too hot during springtime, sometimes it may rain, and if you travel during fall, it may get too cold later. This necessitates delaying your travel spontaneously. Only thinking of completing your trek in a short period will not work in your favor, as your safety and ease always come before that.

If you go on a journey during peak seasons, you will likely face as much difficulty dealing with the weather. However, going there is not considered a favorable season; your trek or pilgrimage to an extent, which, by any cost, must always be taken care of wisely.

Culture and etiquettes

If you travel to a new place, you must first learn about the culture there. What may happen in a particular culture may be new to someone from another. Hence, mindlessly conducting yourself about someone’s culture, traditions, and lifestyle may prove offensive on their behalf. At the same time, the etiquette standards are not the same in all regions of the world.

The Kailash region, or that of Mansarovar Lake Tibet, has inhabitants who think traditionally. They are very religious and aware of their etiquette. To avoid any awkwardness and issues, travelers can always learn about the culture and etiquette of the area before their journey.

Doing this will familiarize them with the beauty of a distinct culture while also helping them socialize and network with the locals in the most friendly manner possible. You always get to learn about the place when you show respect for its culture.

Do not rush

Rushing during travel is expected when traveling to a place whose journey can be completed in a day or a few hours. But, when you are trekking or taking a pilgrimage on an arduous pathway that lasts several days, you’d be a fool to do the same through the trails, which will ruin your travel entirely.

On the other hand, when you take it slow on the trip, you can make yourself comfortable with the changing environment. One may feel like an overachiever going fast on the trails, but there is a considerable chance that his energy will not remain consistent in the long run. As such, a traveler is the likeliest to suffer from sickness and health complications during the journey.

Another reason to slow down the pathway to Mansarovar Lake Tibet is that you get the chance to see the locations between the trails. For many travelers, the end destination is the only viewpoint they enjoy because they are not attentive to the journey. Still, in the end, the journey and the pathway give you the most experience and breadth for exploration. When you take your time, even to rest, between the paths, you also acclimate to the changing environmental conditions.

Eco-friendly conduct

When going to Mansarovar Lake Tibet, you must also t be mindful of the environment. The destination is one of the cleanest and the most natural places on earth. One would not only be irresponsible to throw their waste on the pathway and disturb nature in any way, but they will also be committing a crime that is to be said with exaggeration!

The authorities in the Kailash Mansarovar area are keeping the surroundings as clean as possible. As a real traveler, you must respect that, keep your garbage in a bag, and dispose of it only when you find the right place.

Furthermore, you should not use plastic and other materials that are not environmentally friendly either. There is a chance of getting charged if you are caught. The authorities catch you, however, not only being the reason for you to be in charge of nature, but your travels are, after all, about spreading cough. The mental awareness is soundly enjoying nature simultaneously.

Travel Insurance

It would be best to have travel insurance during your trip to Kailash. Your trekking agency will most often be responsible for your travel insurance during your Mansarovar Lake Tibet travel. Getting insured should not be taken as a burden, though. Insurance protects you from any harm in the future, either financially or physically.

Visitors should keep themselves safe in every way besides having their bodies and minds safe. Travel insurance has several advantages, including evacuation services, trip cancellations, and coverage for medical emergencies.

Since you are in charge of many factors during the Mansarovar Lake Tibet trip, you should also be aware of all the possible dangers that may come your way. If you think through it even more, you can encounter unimaginable circumstances. Travel insurance is your gateway to assurance.

Take journals and a camera.

Do not forget to capture your moments and record instances of your travel in either a journal or a camera. Many people nowadays rely on mobile phones to capture pictures, which is also very suitable for those who don’t want to invest in a camera or are not keen on photography. But if you want to capture the moment by getting a “once in a lifetime” shot of the mountains and the Mansarovar Lake Tibhen, you should not hold back from carrying a good quality camera.

Additionally, carrying a journal will help you note down memories you may forget after a while. Doing this will remind you of all the hardships and wholesomeness that came your way throughout the journey. Journaling is the best way a traveler can express his feelings after accomplishing something significant. And there will always be something for travelers to learn!

Conclusion

Mansarovar Lake, located on the southern side of Mount Kailash, is also known as one of Tibet’s Great Three Holy Lakes. Therefore, you can easily assume that the region where this lake is located is influenced by different countries, cultures, and religions. While Tibet and Nepal influence all factors above, India also significantly impacts Mansarovar Lake, though it is located in Tibet only.