Discover Kailash Mansarovar Tour: Overland from Kathmandu

Lake Manasa Sarovar Hindi Tibetan, Mapham Yutso) is a fresh-water lake in Tibet 2,000 km from Lhasa. It is the highest freshwater lake in the world. To the west of Lake Manasarovar is Lake Rakshastal and towards the north is Mount Kailash, known in Tibetan as Khang Rinpoche.

The sight of a huge lake with a reflection of snow-capped mountains in its lucid waters is jaw dropping. Be prepared for a feast for the eyes. Manasarovar Lake lies at 4,556 m above mean sea level. It is relatively round in shape and its circumference is 88 km, depth is 90 m and it occupies a total area of 320 square  kilometres.

• The lake freezes in winter and melts only in spring.

• The Sutlej River, the Brahmaputra River, the Indus River, and the Karnali River all trace their sources to its close vicinity.

Cultural significance

Like Mount Kailash, Lake Manasarovar is a place of pilgrimage, attracting religious people from India, Tibet and the neighboring countries. Bathing in the lake and drinking its water is believed to cleanse all sins. Pilgrimage tours are organised regularly, especially from India, the most famous of which is the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra, which takes place every year. Pilgrims come to take ceremonial bathes in the cleansing waters of the lake.

According to Hindu legend, the lake was first created in the mind of the Lord Brahma. Hence, in Sanskrit it is called Manasarovar, which is a combination of the words Manas (mind) and Sarovar (lake). The lake, in Hindu mythology, is also supposed to be the summer abode of swans, which are considered to be judicious and sacred birds. It is also believed the Devas (Gods) descend to bathe in the lake between 3 and 5 am. This time of the day is known as Brahma Muhurta (moment). Buddhists also associate the lake to the legendary lake known as Anavatapta in Sanskrit and Anotatta in Pali, where Queen Maya is believed to have conceived Buddha. The lake has a few beautiful monasteries on its shores. The most notable of which is the ancient Chiu Gompa Monastery, which has been built right onto a steep hill. It looks as if it has been carved right out of the rock. The Jains and the Bonpas of Tibet equally revere this spot with great enthusiasm.

Note: Journey of a lifetime, a holy Pilgrimage to Kailash Manasarovar plan and process for the Tibet / China visa and Military permit takes time to acquire so you are advised to book the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra package at least 4 months in advance.

For this Kailash Yatra, we’ve created a 15-day schedule taking into account the distance of the Yatra trails and the required acclimatization days in between. Nevertheless, if you just have a few days available or want to cut the yatra a little short, we may adjust it by slashing the suggested 1-2 days, based on the current state of the weather, the time of year, and other factors.

Please reach us at awareofawake@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Day 01 Arrival in KathmanduDay 02 Sightseeing in Kathmandu and drive to NagarkotDay 03 Hike to Dhulikhel and drive back to KathmanduDay 04 Drive Kathmandu – SyabrubesiDay 05 Drive Syabrubesi – Kerung/GyirongDay 06 Acclimatization Day at KerungDay 07 Drive Kerung – Saga / ParayangDay 08 Drive Saga – Holy Mansarovar LakeDay 09 A day in Mansarovar LakeDay 10 Drive to Tarboche & Trek to Diraphuk - 1st Day of KoraDay 11 DIRAPHUK – KAILASH CHARAN SPARSA WALK AND BACK TO DIRAPHUK - special dayDay 12 Trek to Zuthulphuk via Drolma La Pass - 2nd Day of KhoraDay 13 Trek to Darchen - Last day of Khora and drive to SagaDay 14 Drive Saga – Syabrubesi - KathmanduDay 15 Departure from Kathmandu