Lake Manasarovar
མ་ཕམ་གཡུ་མཚོ།
A freshwater sacred lake at about 4,588 meters, known alongside Mount Kailash as the “sacred mountain and holy lake.” From Chiu Monastery on the shore, you can see both the sacred mountain and Mount Naimona'nyi.
Lake Manasarovar lies about 20 kilometers south of Mount Kailash, at roughly 4,588 meters above sea level. It covers about 412 square kilometers and is one of the highest large freshwater lakes in the world. Its Tibetan name means “the eternal, undefeated jade lake.” Hindus and Buddhists regard it as the most sacred lake. Pilgrims circle it in a loop of about 90 kilometers, which takes three to four days on foot. Most visitors ride the scenic loop bus. On the north shore, Chiu Monastery is built on a small hill above the lake, offering views over Manasarovar, the neighboring Langa Tso, and Mount Kailash to the north. From the south shore, you can see Mount Naimona'nyi reflected in the water. Small monasteries around the lake include Chukhu and Guocu. Indian pilgrims bathe in the lake and collect its holy water. 2025 official prices: 150 yuan per person for entry, and 280 yuan per person for the loop bus. The entry ticket is valid for three days. Getting there: about 30 kilometers from Darchen, and about 80 kilometers from Burang County town. You can stay at guesthouses in Chiu village to watch the sunrise and the stars. Note: The lake area is windy and cold, and temperatures drop sharply in the evening. Do not wash things or throw away trash at the lakeshore, and fishing is prohibited. Loop bus routes and stops are determined by the scenic area.
Opening hours
Open all day (shuttle runs on the scenic area's operating hours)
Nearby sights
- Gossul Gompa
- Trugo Gompa
- Chiu Gompa
- Lake Rakshastal
- Gurla Mandhata
- Zutulpuk Monastery
- Darchen
- Gyangdrak Monastery