Mount Kailash
Mount Kailash (Kangrinpoche), situated in the Western region of Tibet, has been considered sacred by Buddhists, Hindus, Jains and Bonpos for thousands of years. For Hindus and Buddhists, it is the Center of the Universe. A pilgrimage tour to Kailash and a kora (trek) around it, is the supreme goal for the faithful. Mt. Kailash is also revered as of four of the great rivers of Asia, the Indus, Bramhaputra (Tsangpo), Karnali (Ganges) and Sutlej, are all fed by the waters of the nearby sacred Lake Mansarovar.

Lake Manasarovar
Sacred Lake Manasarovar (4588m) is located in Western Tibet between Mt. Kailash (6714 m) and the Gurla Mandhata Range (Memo Nani, 7694m). For Hindus, Lake Manasarovar floats beneath the shadow of holy Kailash and was created to show the omnipotence of Brahma’s mind (manas). Tibetans know it as Maphan Tso, ‘the Unconquerable Lake’. For many, this is the holiest lake in Asia.

The ideal time to circle Manasarovar is in late autumn and early spring when the streams and rivers flowing into the lake are low. Some Tibetans prefer to circumambulate the lake in winter when everything is frozen. It is then possible to walk very near to the shoreline. During most of the year, a pilgrim should be prepared to wade across small and large streams.