In remote western Tibet, Lake Manasarovar sits at the foot of Mount Kailash. In Tibetan, its name means “The Eternal and Unconquerable Emerald Lake”. The lake is believed to be the most sacred one in Tibet and has the most transparent water among all the lakes in China. Its purity and grandeur make it a place of breathtaking beauty and spiritual significance.
Lake ManasarovarFor devout pilgrims, a journey to Mount Kailash is often followed by a kora (sacred walk) around Lake Manasarovar, believed to bring blessings and spiritual merit. If you’re planning to visit Kailash, we highly recommend including this mystical lake in your journey.
Facts
- Chinese Name: 玛旁雍错, Mǎpáng Yōngcuò
- Location: Ngari Prefecture, western Tibet, about 1,300 km (808 miles) from Lhasa
- Altitude: 4,588 m (15,050 ft)
- Opening hours: All day
- Recommended visit duration: 1–3 hours (longer if doing a kora)
- Entrance Fee: 150 RMB/ 21 USD
Content Preview
- How to Plan a Visit
- Best Places to Visit
- If You Want to Do a Kora or Hike
- What Else Can I Do Besides Sightseeing
- Best Time to Visit
- What Documents Do I Need for Visiting?
- Be Prepared for the High Altitude
- Can I Drink or Swim in the Lake?
- Nearby Attractions
How to Plan a Visit to Lake Manasarovar
Lake Manasarovar and Mt. KailashLake Manasarovar is located in Ngari Prefecture in western Tibet, one of the most remote regions on the plateau. For most travelers, Lhasa is the most convenient and nearest gateway city to start the journey.
The lake lies about 1,300 km (808 miles) from Lhasa, so it cannot be reached in a single day. The drive takes around 19 hours in total, but you can break the journey with stops at scenic spots along the way to make the trip less tiring and more enjoyable.
With this arrangement, we recommend planning about at least 3 days to travel from Lhasa to Lake Manasarovar. If you plan to do a kora around Mount Kailash, allow an additional 2–3 days.
A typical travel route is:
Day 1: Drive (or train) from Lhasa to Shigatse, overnight stay.
Day 2: Drive to Saga County, enjoy stunning plateau scenery.
Day 3: Continue to Lake Manasarovar, overnight at Baga Township.
Best Places to Visit Lake Manasarovar
Lake Manasarovar is known for its sapphire-blue waters reflecting the snow peaks of Mount Kailash. With its crystal clarity and high-altitude purity, the lake creates an awe-inspiring contrast with the stark Tibetan plateau.
The monasteries around the lake are great spots to take in the scenery. There are eight in total, but only two are really worth visiting: Chiu Gompa and Chugu Gompa. The others are less ideally located and offer average views.
Chiu Gompa (吉吾寺/齐悟寺) sits dramatically on a cliff above the lake, on the northwest of the lake. It offers sweeping views of Manasarovar and distant Mount Kailash. Its easy access from the highway makes it convenient for visitors, though you may not be able to capture the lake and the sacred mountain in the same frame because of different orientation.
Chiu GompaChugu Gompa (楚果寺/楚古寺) lies right on the south lakeshore and directly faces Mount Kailash, making it the best spot for photos of the mountain reflected in the holy waters. The only drawback is that reaching it requires nearly 20 km of rough, unpaved road, which can be challenging for small vehicles.
If You Want to Do a Kora or Hike
Lake Manasarovar has a 90-km pilgrimage path (kora) around its shores. For devout pilgrims, completing the full circuit is believed to bring immense spiritual merit and blessings, often after finishing a Mount Kailash kora.
A regular kora will start from Chiu Gompa, walk clockwise around the lake, and eventually return to where they began. It will take about 3-4 days to finish it.
Tip: The streams and rivers on the way could cause some challenges. You may encounter bridges, but they can flood in the rainy season. Take extra care when crossing.
If you just want to do a short walk around the lake, we suggest a 2–3 hours walking along the lakeshore near scenic monasteries, such as Chiu Gompa or Chugu Gompa. By hiking, you would get more close to the lakeshore to admire the crystal-clear water, the reflections of the snow-capped Mount Kailash, and the serene spiritual atmosphere.
What Else Can I Do Besides Sightseeing: Hot Spring
There are a lot of natural hot springs near Lake Manasarovar, you can even fine a hot spring hotel in Baga Township (巴嘎乡). These hot springs offer a relaxing way to ease the fatigue from long road travel and cold.
When is the Best Time to Visit
The best season for visiting Lake Manasarovar is from April to October, when the weather is more pleasant and less cold.
April–June: The clearest skies and sunny weather make it the best time to capture photos of Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar in one frame. The temperature is mild, and it is easier to see the sacred peaks without clouds.
July–August: Summer monsoon brings some rainfall, but it usually falls at night and won’t affect most travelers.
September–October: Cool but stable weather, with beautiful autumn landscapes. This is also an ideal time for doing a kora (pilgrimage circuit) around the lake.
Avoid the harsh winter season (November to March), when Ngari is covered in snow and extreme cold. During this time, most local shops, hotels, and restaurants are closed.
What Documents Do I Need for Visiting?
Since Lake Manasarovar is located in Ngari Prefecture (Ali), near the sensitive border areas of Tibet, foreign travelers need the Aliens’ Travel Permit and a Military Permit in addition to the standard Tibet Travel Permit (TTP). If you travel with us, we will arrange all the necessary documents for you.
Be Prepared for the High Altitude
The lake lies at a high altitude (4,588 meters/15,050 feet) and is extremely windy. Combined with thin air, the strong wind often causes headaches or discomfort. Be sure to bring windproof jackets, hats, and enough layers to stay warm.
Can I Drink or Swim in the Lake?
The water of Lake Manasarovar is crystal clear and technically drinkable, but for health and hygiene reasons, we do not recommend drinking directly from the lake.
Swimming or bathing in the lake is strictly prohibited. As the holiest of Tibet’s three sacred lakes, it is deeply revered, and respecting local beliefs is essential for all visitors.
Nearby Attractions
Lake Lhanag-tso (Rakshastal, 拉昂错湖)
Lake Rakshastal It sits just 5 km west of Lake Manasarovar, yet it offers a striking contrast. Known in Tibetan as the "Poisoned Black Lake", it is a saltwater lake at 4,574 m, neither people nor animals can drink its water.
With no plants or livestock around, the barren shores feel lifeless and eerie, earning it the nickname "Ghost Lake". Still, its deep-blue waters and vast emptiness create a haunting beauty, like standing at the edge of the universe.
Mount Kailash (冈仁波齐峰)
Mt. KailashRising like a diamond in the remote Ngari region, is one of the most sacred peaks in the world, venerated by Hindus, Buddhists, and other faiths as the spiritual center of the universe. Every year, countless pilgrims come here to perform a yatra and a kora (sacred circuit) around the mountain.
If you're not planning a kora, you can simply spend a day visiting Lake Manasarovar and Lake Rakshas, photographing the two lakes with Mount Kailash in the background.
For those undertaking the kora, you'll need to stay overnight in Baga Township (巴嘎乡) before starting the pilgrimage route the next day.
Visit Lake Manasarovar with Us
We can help you visit Lake Manasarovar as an extension to one of our most popular Tibet tours:
- 4-Day Lhasa Highlights Tour: Explore Lhasa's highlights with sufficient oxygen, and enjoy meticulous care and assistance.
- 8-Day Lhasa-EBC-Lhasa Roof of the World Adventure
Or let us help you arrange a customized trip to the area. Our Tibetan tours can include a guided hike around Lake Manasarovar with full logistical support. We can help you get a Tibet Entry Permit and other permits needed for that part of Tibet.
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