Top 8 Tourist Attractions Near Kailash Mansarovar

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a journey that transcends the realm of the universe, comes with a bundle of blessings in our lives. Lord Shiva’s celestial abode, Mount Kailash, is one of the holiest peaks in the world. The mountain rises high amidst the snow-capped Himalayan mountains. Whether you are a devotee of Lord Shiva or simply seeking solace within the majestic Himalayas, this yatra promises you a manifold of blessings, abundance, and inner peace.

Needless to say, Mount Kailash has a wealth of holy sites worth exploring. The beautiful, majestic peaks of the snow-capped mountains, Lake Mansarovar, and a stunning landscape, together weave a spirit of harmony, balance, and timeless beauty. From the holy lake to the mighty mountains, Kailash Mansarovar’s bewitching landscape and mystical vibe can capture your attention like never before. 

Places to visit in Kailash Mansarovar

Beyond Kailash Mansarovar or Mansarovar Lake, this beautiful place of Shiva has many more attractions that make this place more attractive. Below is the list of the top 8 places to visit near Kailash Mansarovar:

1. Lake Mansarovar

2. Yam Dwar

3. Rakshastal Lake

4. Gauri Kund

5.  Ashtapad

6.  Saptarishi Caves

7. Nandi Parvat

8. Shivasthal

1. Lake Mansarovar

Lake Mansarovar in Tibet is one of the holiest lakes situated in Tibet. It is located just 20 km away from the holy Mount Kailash. A large fresh-water body, the lakes hold great religious significance for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bons alike. ‘Mansarovar’ is derived from two words, ‘Manas’ (mind) and Sarovar (pond). It can be said to be the ‘Lake of Consciousness’. As per the holy Hindu scriptures, the lake was first visualized in the mind (manas) of Lord Brahma before it materialized on Earth. The Lake Mansarovar Parikrama is believed to liberate one from the sins committed in past births. Buddhists believe Kailash to be the father of the Universe and Lake Mansarovar as the mother. 

2. Yam Dwar

Yam Dwar or the Gateway of the God of Death is another popular tourist attraction located near Kailash Mansarovar. It marks the entrance of the abode of Lord Shiva. The word Yam means Yamraj,' the god of death’, and Dwar is called the gate. It is believed to be the base camp for the Kailash Parvat Yatra and Parikrama. Tibetans refer to Yam Dwar as the ‘Tarboche’. It is believed that crossing through the gate and performing Kailash Parikrama ushers in a manifold of blessings in the lives of pilgrims. 

3. Rakshastal Lake 

A saltwater lake located in Tibet, Rakshastal lies west of the holy Lake Mansarovar and south of Mount Kailash. The lake covers a huge area of 250 km at an altitude of 4,575 meters. The lake is also known as ‘Ravan Tal’. According to a long-held belief, the king of demons, Ravana performed deep meditation on the banks of Rakshastal Lake to seek powers from Lord Shiva. Rakshastal is a crescent-shaped Lake and is regarded as a symbol of ‘‘Darkness. The lake appears to be bluish-green in colour. The lake's salinity and the lack of greenery in its surroundings are believed to give off negative energies. 

4. Gauri Kund

Situated at an elevation of 5600 m downwards from Dolma-La, Gauri Kund is also popularly referred to as the ‘Lake of Compassion’. The lake finds its mention in the Shiva Purana. Legend has it that Goddess Parvati created Lord Ganesh using clay, earth, and turmeric near the holy sarovar. The lake is also known as Parvati Sarovar. 

5. Ashtapad

Ashtapad (the eight spiritual steps) is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites of Jains. Rishabhnatha, the first Tirthankar of the Jains, attained moksha or salvation here. The place is located in Darchen, Purang County. At Ashtapad, every stone, every carving is considered an incarnation of the Gods. The place attracts a huge crowd of Jains and Hindus alike seeking blessings at the holy site. Several saints and monks are believed to have meditated at this sacred site.

6. Saptarishi Caves

Saptarishi Caves are believed to be the abode of the Sapta Rishis, who were ardent devotees of Lord Shiva. The seven sages, Vasishtha, Vishwamitra, Atri, Gautama, Jamadagni, Bharadwaja, and Kashyapa, have performed severe penance at these caves. Saptarishi caves are located at an elevation of 6000 m in the Inner Parikrama of Mount Kailash. The caves lie close to Nandi Parvat. Saptarishi Caves are an embodiment of selflessness, spirituality, renunciation, and devotion. 

7. Nandi Parvat

The Nandi Parvat is a sacred mountain that resembles Nandi Maharaj, the bull Vahana (vehicle) of Lord Shiva. The Parvat is located in front of the South Face of Mount Kailash. Nandi Parvat is the protector of Mount Kailash. According to Shiv Puran and several other Hindu scriptures, Nandi is the gatekeeper of Lord Shiva’s abode, Mount Kailash. The Nandi Pahad can be easily spotted, standing tall amidst the snow-capped Himalayas. 

8. Shivasthal

Shivasthal is located 100-200 meters before Dolma La Pass. The place holds great religious significance for Hindus. As per popular belief, if you donate clothes, food, and other items at Shivasthal, you get them in your next life. Shivasthal represents life and death. The place symbolizes selflessness and renunciation of materialistic pleasures. 

Make the most of your Kailash Mansarovar yatra with our expert-led tours. For more details on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Package, contact us at +918510007751.