Kailash Manasarovar: The Sacred Circuit of Mount Kailash
A guide to the Kailash Manasarovar pilgrimage — the sacred circuit of Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar in Tibet.
Kailash Manasarovar is not a tourist destination — it is a spiritual experience unlike any other on earth. The sacred mountain and lake sit at over 15,000 feet in the Tibetan Autonomous Region, and the journey to reach them passes through some of the most dramatic terrain in Asia.
Mount Kailash — The Abode of Shiva
Rising to 21,778 feet, Mount Kailash is considered sacred by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon practitioners alike. The 52-km parikrama (circumambulation) around its base takes three days and crosses the Dolma La pass at 18,600 feet.
Manasarovar — The Mind Lake
Manasarovar is the world's highest freshwater lake at 15,060 feet. Hindus believe a dip in its waters washes away a lifetime of sins. The emerald green water reflects Kailash to the south on clear mornings.
The Route from India
The Indian government runs an official Kailash Manasarovar Yatra through Uttarakhand (Lipulekh Pass route) and through Nepal (Kathmandu route). The journey takes three to four weeks and requires advance registration.
Practical Notes
The yatra season runs from June to September. Altitude sickness is a real risk — acclimatisation stops are essential. Only Indian citizens may use the government yatra; foreign nationals must arrange private tours through Nepal.
