For Tibetan Buddhists, mountains and lakes inhabited by deities are sacred. Pilgrims perform rituals such as prostrating around mountains and lakes to pray, express devotion, and seek blessings like good fortune, health, and happiness. Similar to the tradition of Mount Kailash Parikrama in the Year of the Horse, there is a custom of Lake Mansarovar Parikrama in the Year of the Goat.

The Sacredness of Lake Mansarovar

Lake Mansarovar, meaning "Eternal and Undefeated Emerald Lake" in Tibetan, is celebrated for its sanctity. According to legend, in the 11th century, a religious battle was fought on its shores, and the Kagyu School of Tibetan Buddhism won over Bon. The "Manasarovar" was named to honor this triumph. Mansarovar is worshipped by Buddhism, Bon, Hinduism, and Jainism, and different religions have different descriptions and functions for Manasarovar:

In Bon’s teachings, Lake Mansarovar is regarded as the palace of the Dragon King.

In Buddhism, bathing in the lake purifies the mind of the "five poisons" (greed, anger, ignorance, laziness, and jealousy) and cleanses physical impurities. Drinking its water strengthens the body and removes illnesses. Pilgrims gain immense merit by circumambulating around the lake. Many books and classics describe the water of Mansarovar as "pearls" that wash away the "sins of the centuries" after drinking it.

In Hinduism, ancient texts state that touching the shore of Mansarovar or bathing in its waters can lead one to Brahman's paradise. Anyone who drinks its water is believed to ascend to Shiva's celestial abode and be liberated from the sins of a hundred lifetimes. Mahatma Gandhi's ashes were also scattered in the lake, further heightening its reverence. Each summer, pilgrims from India, Nepal, and Tibet journey to this sacred site to bathe and seek spiritual merit. They also carry the holy lake's water back to their homes over long distances, treating it as a precious gift to share with family and friends.

In Jainism, Lake Mansarovar and Mount Kailash are considered the most sacred, as they are believed to be the site of Rishabhadeva’s enlightenment. Jain pilgrims believe bathing in the lake leads to liberation and spiritual ascension.

Why Do Lake Mansarovar Parikrama?

Legend has it that during the Year of the Goat, Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and protector deities convene to hold grand ceremonies. Pilgrims believe that during this time, walking around the lake once is equivalent to doing so 100,000 times under normal parikrama. It also brings immense merit, wisdom, and liberation from suffering and bad habits. Hence, devotees make arduous journeys to circumambulate the lake. Like Kailash Parikrama in the Year of the Horse, this is a rare opportunity once in 12 years.

Tibetan pilgrims are taking the Mansarovar Parikrama in Goat Year.

Sights Along Lake Mansarovar Pilgrimage Route

Besides the stunning natural scenery, pilgrims encounter eight monasteries surrounding the lake, positioned in eight directions: Seralung Monastery in the east, Nyego Monastery in the southeast, Chugu Monastery in the south, Gotsuk Monastery in the southwest, Jiwu Monastery in the west, Kajyil Monastery in the northwest, Langna Monastery in the north, Benri Monastery in the northeast.

Jiwu Monastery

Lake Mansarovar Parikrama Route and Duration

Pilgrims often begin at either Hor Township or Jiwu Monastery. Like Kailash Parikrama, Buddhists walk clockwise, while Bon adherents go counterclockwise. Generally speaking, tourists from Lhasa who pilgrim to the lake and then the mountain will choose the clockwise lake route starting from Hor Township. If you want to visit the mountain before the lake, choose the Jiwu Monastery as the starting point.

The full parikrama is 90 km (56 miles). If you choose to complete the journey on foot, it typically takes 3-4 days. The terrain around the lake is relatively flat, and a road has been built to accommodate vehicle access. Most visitors prefer to circumambulate the lake by car, enjoying views of the sacred Lake Mansarovar, Mount Kailash, and the surrounding scenery along the way. By car, the entire circuit can be completed in a single day. Outdoor enthusiasts may opt for cycling around the lake, which takes about two days to finish.

In our Kailash Mansarovar group tours, we do not include a full parikrama of the lake. Instead, we arrange a short trek of a few kilometers along the best viewing points in the northwest or northeast sections, as the full parikrama is time-consuming and the scenery around the lake can be somewhat repetitive. If you want to experience the complete parikrama, please feel free to contact us, and we can arrange a customized Tibet tour for you.

Best Seasons for Mansarovar Parikrama

Ideal times are May-June and September-October, offering clear weather, picturesque views, and manageable conditions. July to August is the rainy season in Tibet, making trekking more challenging. Moreover, during this peak season, there will be many walking pilgrims. You will not feel lonely, and you will have more opportunities to interact with other pilgrims.

Essential Equipment for Lake Mansarovar Kora

When planning Lake Mansarovar Parikrama, it is essential to pack light. Excessive gear not only adds to your burden but also increases the risk of altitude sickness. However, even during the summer, temperatures in the Ngari region remain low, making warm clothing a necessity.

Basic gear should at least include durable hiking boots, a waterproof and windproof jacket, thermal underwear, a thick coat, a hat, gloves, wool socks, sunglasses, trekking poles, a medium-sized backpack, a sleeping bag, and tent (if camping is planned), a flashlight or headlamp, a first aid kit, a quick-dry towel, and a water bottle.

Additionally, ensure that you carry all the necessary travel documents, such as Tibet Travel Permit, Aliens’ Travel Permit, and Military Area Entry Permit. These documents can be arranged by Tibet Horizon on your behalf before the trip begins. Contact us with your travel plans, and we will assist you in organizing all the required paperwork.

Conclusion

Lake Mansarovar Parikrama is not just an adventure that brings you closer to nature but also a profound spiritual experience. Along the way, the sacred waters, majestic mountains, and expansive grasslands showcase the unparalleled beauty of Tibet's Ngari region. If you're planning a pilgrimage to these sacred sites, Tibet Horizon is your ideal partner!