Lake Mansarovar: Know Everything about Tibet’s Sacred Lake

Did you know that Tibet’s Lake Mansarovar is believed to be one of the world’s highest freshwater lakes? The universe is blessed with several beautiful lakes; however, not every lake's water is spiritual and healing. As per Hindu texts, the water of fives lakes, often called ‘Panch Sarovaras’: Kailash’s Mansarovar (Tibet), Bindu Sarovar (Odisha), Narayan Sarovar (Gujarat), Pampa Sarovar (Karnataka), and Pushkar Sarovar (Rajasthan), is believed to be holy. 

Did you know, Swami Pranavananda, the greatest spiritual leader of modern India, circumambulated nine times the Mansarovar Lake in Tibet? 

Well, Lake Mansarovar is one of Tibet’s most popular tourist attractions and has been drawing millions of pilgrims from across the world. It has several spiritual and scientific significances, folktales, mysteries, and so on. Continue reading further to know more about the Lake Mansarovar pilgrimage.

About Lake Mansarovar

Mansarovar Lake or Mansarovar Jheel is one of Tibet’s natural wonders, located at an elevation of 4590 m, at the southern base of Mount Kailash in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), with a depth of approximately 330 feet. This lake is regarded to be sanctified in Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon religions and considered to have the holiest water. Interestingly, one can spot fish swimming in the Lake’s water, and beautiful swans or migratory birds can be spotted near its shoreline. 

Generally, Mansarovar is derived from two words: ‘Manas’, which means mind, and ‘Sarovar’, meaning lake. In the Tibetan language, Lake Mansarovar, Tibet, is also called Mapham Yumtso, which translates to ‘invincible lake’. Mansarovar Kailash Yatra holds great spiritual significance not just for Hindus but for Buddhists, Jains, and Bons as well. 

Earlier, this sacred lake of Tibet was surrounded by several Buddhist monasteries such as Chiu, Bonri, Seralung, Yerngo, Trugo, Langpona, and Gosul, which represent the Buddhist wheel of life, with eight gompa located in proximity

History and Spiritual Significance of Lake Mansarovar

While Mount Kailash is the centre of the universe, Lake Mansarovar is believed to be the heart of the universe. It symbolises purity, positivity, hope, renewal, and light as compared to Rakshastal Lake (Ravana Tal), another lake located close by, which is believed to be demonic in nature, representing darkness and negativity.

Hinduism: According to Hindu beliefs of Mansarovar, the Mansarovar Jheel was first visualised and descended on the Earth from heaven by lord Brahma. Hindus typically visit Lake Mansarovar after Kailash Parvat darshan to perform parikrama of Lake Mansarovar. Sapta Rishis are believed to have performed penance there and worshipped a Shiva Lingam, which originated from the lake itself. Also, pilgrims perform Hawan & pujan at the Hindu sacred Lake Mansarovar as an important ritual of their Tirth Yatra.

Buddhism: It is mentioned that Queen Maya (the mother of Lord Buddha) conceived close to this lake, which makes Mansarovar a revered pilgrimage site for Buddhists. During Kailash Parikrama, it is believed that circumambulating the lake and crossing through the eight gompa located closely implies a single symbolic turn of the wheel. Buddhists also believe that the lake is identical to Anotata Lake. As per popular legend, the lake’s appearance is described with Buddha and Bodhisattvas, floating in the Lake while sitting on lotus flowers. 

Lake Mansarovar: Key Rituals Performed During Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

One of the most important and significant rituals performed during Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is the Lake Mansarovar parikrama which is believed to usher in renewal and positivity in the lives of pilgrims. The water of the lake is used as a remedy to cure any kind of illness, when pilgrims take a dip in the water of Mansarovar Jheel before their darshan of Kailash Parvat. Pilgrims carry the holy water of Lake Mansarovar in the form of ‘Prasadam’ during their return journey. Moreover, Hindus usually perform pujan near the Lake, and for the same, Trip To Temples organises hawan and pujan near the lake. You can check out our Kailash Mansarovar Yatra packages to learn more about the parikrama of Lake Mansarovar.

Parikrama of Lake Mansarovar

The Parikrama of Lake Manasarovar earlier used to be 105 km, but now it has been reduced to roughly 90 km due to global warming. It takes about 3 hours to complete Manasarovar Lake Parikrama by Volvo category buses. One can see Kailash Parvat throughout the Parikrama route of Mansarovar Jheel. The parikrama of Lake Mansarovar is believed to purify the soul and liberate one from the human lifecycle while also helping one in self-realisation. 

Is Lake Mansarovar mysterious?

Do you know the mystery of Lake Mansarovar? Lake Mansarovar’s crystal-clear waters have enchanted every traveller, adding natural splendour to the region of Mansarovar. There are several lakes located in the Himalayas: Lake Rara, Phewa Lake, Gosainkunda Lake, Shey Pokshundo Lake, Tilicho Lake, Gokyo Lake, Namtso Lake, and Mansarovar Lake. Among these holy Himalayan lakes, Lake Mansarovar has mysteries associated with its existence and origin.

Well, the atmosphere surrounding Lake Mansarovar is believed to naturally possess therapeutic properties, with its water being rich with curative herbs. It’s radioactive springs contain healing properties. Additionally, gold fragments were found near the south-west corner of Mansarovar, south of Chiu Gompa. The godly swans and aquatic birds also swim on the surface of Lake Mansarovar. 

When can I plan the Lake Mansarovar Yatra?

The best time to do the Lake Mansarovar Yatra is from May to September. Pilgrims typically visit Lake Mansarovar during April, May, and June, as the weather is pleasant and there is no snowfall. The temperature usually remains moderate during the summer season, which makes it the ideal time to plan for Lake Mansarovar Yatra.

Got questions? We’re just a click away! Reach out to our team of experts at +91-85100 07751 to know more exciting information on Lake Mansarovar.

FAQs: Mansarovar Lake in Tibet 

Q1. Is Bathing allowed at Lake Mansarovar?

Ans. Yes, pilgrims can take a dip in Lake Mansarovar.

Q2. Is Lake Mansarovar Tibet Parikrama done by foot (Padyatra)?

Ans. No, Lake Mansarovar tibet Parikrama is only 105 kms, which is done by a Volvo category bus.

Q3. What are the stay facilities near Mansarovar Lake?

Ans. Yes, accommodation facilities are available at Lake Mansarovar. Pilgrims can stay at the guesthouses available nearby.

Q4. Can I visit any monastery near Lake Mansarovar?

Ans. Chiu Gompa monastery, Trugo monastery, and Gossul monastery are available near Lake Mansarovar.

Q5. Does Trip To Temples organise any Puja near Lake Mansarovar?

Ans. Yes, Trip To Temples organises hawan & pujan near Lake Mansarovar.

Q6. Can we see the pair of swans in the Mansarovar Lake?

Ans. Yes, swans are floating on the surface of Lake Mansarovar. And if you get lucky enough, you can get a sight of swan pairs.

Q7. Can I visit Lake Mansarovar at night?

Ans. It is advisable to carry torch lights while visiting Lake Mansarovar at night. One should wear layered clothes to protect oneself from cold waves and high-altitude sickness at night.

Q8 Can I stay at Mansarovar for a longer duration?

For Kailash Yatra, the group gets a group VISA and a group permit, and the entire group has to leave Tibet at the same time. The validity of a group VISA is 7 days, hence you can’t extend the duration of living beyond the designated date of departure.

Q9. Are any kind of toilet facilities available at Lake Mansarovar?

Ans. No, there are no toilet facilities available at Lake Mansarovar. However, Trip To Temples provides portable toilets at Lake Mansarovar.

Q10. Can we see Mount Kailash from Lake Mansarovar?

Ans. The South face of Mount Kailash is visible from Lake Mansarovar.

Q11. How far is Lake Mansarovar from Mount Kailash?

Ans. Lake Mansarovar is located at a distance of 45 km from Mount Kailash.

Q12. How can I reach Lake Mansarovar?

Ans. ‘Lucknow-Nepalgunj-Purang-Mansarovar Lake-Lucknow’ is the route to Lake Mansarovar. You will reach Lake Mansarovar from Purang via an AC Volvo category bus to complete the parikrama of Lake Mansarovar, covering 105 kms in 2-3 hours.