Mt Kailash and Lake Manasarovar

Mt Kailash

Mt. Kailash (Kang Rimpoche), situated in the Western region of Tibet, has been considered sacred by Buddhists, Hindus, Jains and Bonpos for thousands of years. For Hindus and Buddhists, it is the center of Universe. In past a visit to this holiest place was something of a dream for mankind but due to the road network this dream has turned into reality. Mt. Kailash is also revered as the source of four great rivers of Asia, Indus, Bramhaputra (Tsangpo), Karnali (Ganges) and Sutlej which are all fed by the water of the nearby sacred Lake Mansarovar.

Lake Manasarovar

Sacred Lake Manasarovar (4588m) is located in the Western Tibet between Mt. Kailash (6714 m) and Gurla Mandhata Range (Memo Nani, 7694m). For Hindus, Lake Manasarovar floats beneath the shadow of holy Kailash and was created to show the omnipotence of Brahma's mind (manas). Tibetans know it as Maphan Tso, 'the Unconquerable Lake'. For many, this is holiest lake in Asia.
The Hindu poet Kalidash has written in the 3rd Century:

"When the earth of Manasarovar touches anyone's body or when anyone bathes therein, he shall go to the paradise of Brahma, and he who drinks its water shall go to the heaven of Shiva and shall be released from the sins of 100 births. Even the beast that bears the name of Manasarovar shall go to the paradise of Brahma. Its water is like pearls".

The ideal time to go round Manasarovar is in late autumn and early spring when the streams and rivers flowing into the lake are low. Some Tibetans prefer to circumambulate the lake in winter when everything is frozen. It is then possible to walk very near to the shoreline. During most of the year, a pilgrim should be prepared to wade across small and large streams.

Example Trips with a visit to Xegar and surroundings

Mt. Kailash a sacred Journey
Mt. Kailash from Lhasa
Mt. Kailash overland from Kathmandu