Lake Mansarovar

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Lake Mansarovar is a fresh-water lake in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. It lies about 2000 km from Lhasa, South of the sacred Mount Kailash.

Physical data

The geographical coordinates of the Mansarovar Lake are 30˚40'25.68" N 81˚28'07.90" E. It lies at 4556 m above the sea level, making it the highest fresh-water lake in the world. The circumference of Mansarovar is 88 km, depth is 90 m and it occupies a total area of 320 km². The lake freezes in winter and melts only in the spring.

Cultural Importance

Like Mount Kailash, Lake Mansarovar is a place of pilgrimage, attracting religious people from Tibet and the neighboring countries. Pilgrimage tours are organized regularly, especially from India, the most famous of which is the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra which takes place every year. Pilgrims come to take ceremonial bathes in the cleansing waters of the lake.

According to Hindu mythology, Mansarovar is a creation of Lord Brahma, the God of Creation. The sons of Lord Brahma lacked a sufficient site to perform rites, so they called Brahma, their holy Father, for help. As a result, Mansarovar was created. His sons spent 12 years at the lake performing austerities. Buddhists also associate the lake to the legendary Anotatta Lake, where Queen Maya is believed to have conceived Buddha. The Jains and the Bonpas of Tibet equally revere this spot with great enthusiasm.

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