Mānasarovara

The lake of the mind · near Kailāsa, Tibet (China)

Lake Mānasarovara lies at high altitude near the foot of Kailāsa and is one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world. Its still blue water, with Kailāsa reflected in it, is one of the great sights of pilgrimage.

Pilgrims bathe in or sprinkle themselves with its icy water, offer prayers on its shore and often walk or drive around it. Beside it lies the saltwater lake Rākṣasa Tāl, associated with Rāvaṇa. The pilgrimage season is roughly June to September; travellers need permits and should allow days to acclimatise to the altitude.

Tradition says the lake was first formed in the mind (manas) of Brahmā, and then made manifest on earth — hence Mānasa-sarovara, “the lake born of the mind”. Hindu poetry describes royal swans (haṃsa) living on its waters, a symbol of the pure soul that can separate truth from illusion.

Tibet (China) · Brahmā · Season ~Jun–Sep · Permits required

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