25 Frequently Asked Questions on Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar.

General Information

1. Where is Mount Kailash located?

Mount Kailash is located in Ngari Prefecture of Tibet Autonomous Region of China. The Ngari Prefecture is situated on the western tri-junction points of Nepal, India, and China.

2. What is the religious significance of Mount Kailash?

Mount Kailash is religiously significant to 4 Asian Religions; Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Bon Po. Mount Kailash is considered a sacred site in all these 4 religions and is a must-visit pilgrimage site.

In all four religions, it is believed that circumambulating Mount Kailash clears the sins committed during the lifetime and purifies one’s soul.

3. Why is Mount Kailash considered sacred in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon?

For Hindus Kailash Region is an abode of Lord Shiva. It is believed that Lord Shiva resides within the confines of Kailash with his wife Goddess Parvati and his sons, Lord Ganesh and Kumar. 

For Buddhists, Mount Kailash is known as the mythological Mount Meru and is also central to its cosmology.

For Jains, Mount Kailash is the sacred place where the first Tirthankara achieved Moksha or enlightenment.

For people of the Bon Po faith, Mount Kailash is the abode of Sipaimen, the sky goddess. Also, the mountain was the center of the ancient Bon empire of Zhang Zhung.

4. Why is it forbidden to climb Mount Kailash?

Due to its religious significance and sanctity for people of four major Asian religions Mount Kailash is forbidden to climb. 

Chinese Government officially prohibited climbing Mount Kailash in 2001, citing its religious significance.

5. What is the connection between Mount Kailash and Lord Shiva?

Mount Kailash is considered the abode of Lord Shiva. It is believed that Lord Shiva still lives in Mount Kailash with his Goddess Parvati and his sons God Ganes and God Kumar. 

Hindu mystics believe that Lord Shiva meditates sitting on Lotus Mudra(position) in the Kailash region. 

6. What is the Mansarovar Lake, and why is it sacred?

Mansarovar Lake is a pristine freshwater lake south of Mount Kailash elevated 4,600 meters or 15,100 feet above sea level.

All four religions consider this lake a major pilgrimage site essential that is to cleanse the sins, purify souls, and achieve spiritual liberation. And that is why it is considered sacred.

7. What is the altitude of Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake?

The altitude of Mount Kailash is 6,638 meters or 21,778 feet above sea level.

The altitude of Mansarovar Lake is 4,600 meters or 15,100 feet above sea level.

8. How are Mansarovar Lake and Rakshastal Lake geographically connected?

Mansarovar Lake and Rakshastal Lake are geographically connected by a small river named Ganga Chu. The two lakes are separated by a strip of isthmus that is as wide as 3.8 km or 2.36 miles at its thinnest part.

Lake Mansarovar flows into Rakshastal Lake through the Ganga Chu River.

9. What legends are associated with Mansarovar Lake?

There are numerous legends associated with Mansarovar Lake, however the most popular is a Hindu legend. 

According to Hindu mythology, Lake Mansarovar is a lake created in the consciousness of Lord Bramha. Mansarovar in Sanskrit can be broken down into “Manas”, which means Mind, and “Sarovar”, which means lake. 

So, Mansarovar is believed to be the lake that was created in the mind of Lord Bramha and later manifested on Earth as a site for spiritual cleansing.

10. How does Mount Kailash relate to the concept of Mount Meru?

Mount Kailash is considered an earthly manifestation of Mount Meru, the cosmic axis in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. While Mount Meru is a metaphysical concept that represents the center of the universe, connecting the earthly realm to divine realms, Mount Kailash is seen as a physical counterpart, symbolizing the axis of the world and the spiritual center. Both mountains are revered as sacred, with Kailash embodying the divine energy and cosmic significance attributed to Meru, making it a focal point for spiritual pilgrimage and enlightenment.

Spiritual and Mystical Queries

11. Why is Mount Kailash said to be the axis mundi (center of the world)?

Mount Kailash is considered the axis mundi (center of the world) because it is believed to be the spiritual and cosmic center of the universe in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon. In these traditions Kailash connects the earthly plane to higher dimensions, it is the bridge between the material world and the divine. It is the abode of Lord Shiva in Hinduism, the site of enlightenment in Buddhism, and a place of liberation in Jainism. The mountain’s shape, location, and spiritual significance make it the axis around which the universe revolves.

12. What is the significance of Kailash Parikrama (circumambulation)?

Kailash Parikrama (circumambulation) or Kailash Kora is believed, in all four religions, to cleanse a person of their sins, and purify their souls. It is also thought to aid a person to achieve spiritual liberation (moksha).

13. What is the spiritual importance of bathing in Mansarovar Lake?

Bathing in Mansarovar Lake holds profound spiritual significance in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. It is believed that the lake has the power to cleanse sins and purify the soul, helping individuals attain spiritual liberation or Moksha. Hindus consider it a sacred act to wash away past karma and connect with divine energies, while Buddhists regard it as a path to enlightenment, symbolizing purity and wisdom. For Jains, the lake represents the ultimate truth and spiritual awakening. The act of bathing is not just physical but deeply symbolic, reflecting an alignment with cosmic and divine forces.

14. How is Rakshastal associated with Ravana and Hindu mythology?

Rakashastal Lake, adjacent to Mansarovar Lake, translates to “Lake of Demon”. The lake is considered inauspicious in Hindu mythology. 

According to Hindu mythology, Rakshastal was created by the Lankan Demon King Ravana as a demonstration of his devotion to Lord Shiva who resides on Kailash Parvat. 

Through his act of devotion and meditations, he impressed Lord Shiva and the god granted him superpowers.

He later used his superpowers to burgeon his evil empire and inflict suffering on people all over the world. 

And that is the concise version of Rakshastal’s association with Ravan and Hindu mythology.

Travel and Expenses

15. How can one travel to Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake?

You can travel to Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake by booking a travel package with a licensed and Government-Registered travel agency. 

The licensed and government-registered travel agency can help you acquire the necessary permits and make the best arrangements for your mesmerizing tour of Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake. 

Breakfree Adventures with experience of over 15 years and expertise has been providing explorers an opportunity to travel to Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake. 

With us, you can travel, relish, and soak in the mystique beauty of Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake.

16. What is the best time to visit Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake?

The best time to visit Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake is from May to October, which coincides with late Spring to early Autumn.

The road conditions, temperature, visibility, and travel conditions are auspicious during this time of the year. 

17. What are the permits required for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?

To do the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra you will need two permits. A Chinese Visa and Tibet Travel Permit. 

We help our clients apply for and acquire a Chinese Visa from the Chinese Consulate in Kathmandu. It takes 2 working days to secure the Chinese Visa. However, if you are from 38 countries that China exempts Visa for entry and travel under the “Unilateral Visa Free Policy” then you will not need a visa, but the stay should not last longer than 30 days with the purpose of no other than business, tourism, family visits, exchange visits, and transit purposes.

Tibet Travel Permit, also known as Tibet Entry Permit, is a restricted area military permit. Tibet Autonomous Region is a disputed region, so entering and traveling to Tibet requires this special permit. To acquire this permit, you will need to provide us with a scanned copy of your passport at least 21 days before the departure date. The permit is only granted to travelers who have booked an itinerary package with a registered travel agency. 

18. What are the main routes for the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage?

For Kailash Mansarovar Pilgrimage via Nepal, there are two major routes.

The first major route is used mostly for the overland Kailash Mansarovar Pilgrimage tour. The route follows  Kathmandu – Timure – Kerung – Saga – Mansarovar – Darchen – Dirapuk – Zuthulpuk – Saga – Kerung – Kathmandu procession. The overland tour first enters the Tibet Autonomous Region of China via Kerung and drives across the Tibetan Plateau to reach Mansarovar Lake. 

The second route is mostly used for fly-in Kailash Mansarovar Pilgrimage Tour. The route follows Kathmandu-(flight)-Nepalgunj-(flight)Simikot -(flight) -Hilsa – (drive) -Purang-Mansarovar Lake – Darchen – Dirapuk – Zuthulpuk – Purang – Hilsa – (flight) – Simikot – (flight) – Nepalgunj – (flight) – Kathmandu procession.

19. How long does the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra take?

The shortest Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, excluding the Chinese Visa wait time, can be completed in 10 Days. You can check the detailed itinerary of our Kailash Group Tour Package which can be completed in 10 Days.

20. What are the physical fitness requirements for the pilgrimage?

A certain level of physical fitness is essential for the Kailash Pilgrimage Tour to ensure the safe and successful completion.

The circumambulation or Kailash Kora is the most difficult and physically demanding section of the pilgrimage. Pilgrims have to trek in elevations above 5000 meters or 16,404 feet above sea level. For unacclimatized and physically unfit trekkers this increases the chances of altitude sickness and other health hazards. The trek can span for 6-7 hours and traverses through arid and mountainous terrain.

So, physical fitness and stamina that allows an acclimatized individual to trek 6-7 hours, covering 14-15 km or 8-10 miles daily, is essential.

21. What are the costs involved in the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?

The costs involved in the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra are for the Chinese Visa Fee, Tibet Travel Permit, Transportation, Meals, Guides and Staff, and minor miscellaneous subjects and personal expenses. 

22. How do pilgrims complete the 52-kilometer circumambulation of Mount Kailash?

Most pilgrims do the 52-kilometer circumambulation of Mount Kailash in a 3-day trek. The trek starts from Yamdwar and then passes through the checkpoints Dirapuk and  Zuthulpuk, finally concluding at Darchhen. 

For pilgrims who cannot do the trek, they can hire horses that will carry them around Mount Kailash for the 52-kilometer circumambulation.

23. Are there any health risks during the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?

Yes, since Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake are situated at high elevations, there are potential health risks of acquiring altitude sickness. 

If not properly acclimatized then the chances of altitude sickness happening to you is high.

Geographical and Natural Wonders

24. How was Mount Kailash formed geologically?

Mount Kailash was formed around 50–60 million years ago during the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates.  The mountain is composed primarily of crystalline rocks like granite and gneiss and was uplifted and shaped by tectonic forces, glacial activity, and erosion. Its distinct pyramid-like structure, with horizontally stratified layers and sharp ridges, results from differential erosion and weathering that happened over millions of years.

25. Why does Mansarovar Lake have such clear, reflective water?

Mansarovar Lake has such reflective water because of its high-altitude location, glacial meltwater feed, and minimal human interference. The environment near the lake is pristine, free from pollution, and industrial activities. This ensures its natural purity, while the cold temperatures limit algae and organic growth. Furthermore, the calm surface and surrounding mountain scenery create an ideal condition for its striking reflections, making it one of the most stunning freshwater lakes in the world.