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20km of north Mount Kailash, Ngari, Tibet, China.
One of the three Holy Lakes in Tibet, highest freshwater lake in the world
Lake Manasarovar（Chinese name: 玛旁雍错） or Mapam Yumco is a fresh-water lake in Ngari, 2,000 km from Lhasa. It lies at 4,556 m above mean sea level, making it the highest fresh-water lake in the world. Like Mount Kailash, Lake Manasasarovar is a place of pilgrimage, attracting religious people from Tibet, India, Nepal, and the other neighboring countries.
According to Hindu religion, the lake was first created in the mind of the Lord Brahma. Hence, in Sanskrit it is called "Manassarovara", which is a combination of the words manas (mind) and sarovara (lake). The lake, in Hindu religious belief, is also supposed to be the summer abode of swans. Considered as sacred birds, the swans represent wisdo and beauty.
One of the Three Holy Lakes in Tibet
Lake Manasarovar is one of the three most famous holy lakes in Tibet, together with the Namtso and Yamdrok. Lake Manasarovar is the highest freshwater lake in the world, which is also one of the most famous lakes in Asia and the world. Namtso means Heaven Lake in Tibetan, which is the highest saltwater lake in the world. Yamdrok means Swan Lake in Tibetan, whose shape and color are beautiful.
Religious Significance
In the eyes of Buddhist believers, Lake Manasarovar is the holiest lake. It is the holiest and oldest place Buddhism and Hinduism. It is also the Shangri-La for the believers.
Starting from Lake Manasarovar Tourist Center, turn clockwise to the lake, and the first temple you pass is Serelong Temple. Serelong Temple is located on the east bank of Lake Manasarovar. According to some documents, the temple was built in 1728.
Starting from the tourist center, passing through Serelong Temple, arriving at the intersection of Qupu Hot Spring. And walking along this road, it is the Qupu Hot Spring.
At an altitude of 4,600 meters, Qupu Hot Spring is a large natural hot spring pool with clean and clear water. And the temperature ranges from warm to 80°C, some of which are turbulent and rolling, and some are smooth and gentle. From afar, the smoke fills the air on the lake, like a fairyland.
Chugu Temple is located directly opposite Mount kailash, which is an excellent place to view the Mount Kailash. Chugu Temple is one of the existing large-scale and well-preserved temples around Lake Manasarovar.
Guochu Temple is located in the west of Lake Manasarovar on the cliff nearly 100 meters high over the lake.
Guochu Temple is also an excellent place to view the Lake Manasarovar. Looking down from the temple, the surface of Lake Manasarovar is as flat as a mirror, surrounded by blue sky, white clouds and snow mountains, which makes people feel refreshed and relaxed.
Go straight ahead about 13 kilometers from Guochu Temple, you will get to Qiwu Temple. Qiwu Temple is located on Sangduo Bairi Mountain in the northwest corner of Lake Manasarovar. There are villages and hot springs at the foot of the mountain, where you can stop to have a rest.
Qiwu Temple is also one of the best places to view the Lake Manasarovar. Standing on the top of the mountain and overlooking the holy lake, you will feel the breeze blowing and the water waves flourishing.
Trekking Route of the Circle Clockwise
Tourist Center to Serelong Temple: 5 Kilometers
Serelong Temple to the Qupu Hot Spring: 13.3 kilometers
Qupu Hot Spring to Nieguo Temple Site: 7.2 kilometers
Nieguo Temple Site to Prayer Stones: 700 meters
Prayer Stones to Chugu Temple: 3 kilometers
Chugu Temple to Guochu Temple: 20 kilometers
Guochu Temple to Qiwu Temple: 11.7 kilometers
Qiwu Temple to Jiaji Temple: 6.2 kilometers
Jiaji Temple to Tourists Center: 19.6 kilometers
Best time to visit Lake Manasarovar is May to October. It is recommended that you visit Lake Manasarovar from June to September with comfortable weather and wonderful scenery. During this time, Lake Manasarovar is sparkling, which is attractive and beautiful. You can take a boat on the lake or cycle around the lake to fully experience the beauty and charm of the Lake Manasarovar. At the Lake Manasarovar, you can also enjoy the stunning sunrise and sunset on the lake.
Though Lake Manasarovar is open all the year around, it is not recommended that you visit the Lake Manasarovar in winter because it is frozen in winter.
Mount Kailash is one of the most sacred scenic spots in Ali area, with an altitude of 6,656 meters. And it is jointly respected as the center of the world by Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. The top of the Mount Kailash is covered with white snow all year round. Mount Kailash is surrounded by vast grasslands and deserts, providing desolate and magnificent scenery, attracting believers to come here for pilgrimage. There are rare animals such as Tibetan antelope and wild yak haunting at the Mount Kailash, providing unforgettable ecological experience for tourists.
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