Kailash Mansarovar

Mount Kailash : Situated at a height of 6,714 meter above sea level in Tibet, Mt. Kailash is locally called Kang Rinpoche or The Precious Jewel of the Snow' and its snow - capped peak against the clear blue sky, justifies its name. Mt. Kailash also known as Mt. Meru. is referred as the navel of the earth. It is believed that Mt. Kailash is the abode of Lord Shiva where he stays with his family including his wife Goddess Parvati and children Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya and the other Shiv Ganas (group of Shiva Devotees) like Nandi and others.

Mansarovar Lake : The word mansarovar is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Manas' which means mind and legend has it that Lord Brahma created this lake from his mind. The circumference of Mansarovar is 88-kms, its depth is 90m and total area is 320-sq-kms. It looks unbelievably fascinating on moonlit nights when an ethereal ambience pervades the atmosphere. The circumference of Rakshas Tal, also known as "Ravan Kund", is 122-kms. A 6-kms long natural channel - "Gangachhu" - connects Manas with Rakshas Tal. Lake mansarovar, at 4558 meter above sea level is also said to be one of the highest fresh water lakes in the world. A journey to Kailash Mansarovar is considered as once in a lifetime opportunity.

• By Air : To Kathmandu and further by road to Lake Mansarovar. Land cruisers then take one to Mansarovar via Lhasa to Mount Kailash.

  9 & 12-day helicopter tours of Kailash for those who are short of time or cannot take the rigours of a grueling high altitude road journey. The tour uses fixed wing aircrafts for the flight from Kathmandu to Nepalganj and from there to Simikot.

• By Road : The Government of India organizes tours to Lake Mansarovar. This is a 26 days trek but you need to book your tickets well in advance, because the number of seats are limited. About 500 people make it from the 6000 that apply each year.

• P.W.D. Inspection Bhavan.
• Tourist Residence House, Dharchula : Ph 05967-222557
• Shivam Hotel, Tahsil Marg, Dharchula : Ph 05967-222806
• Yash Hotel, Dharchula : Ph 05967-222218, 05967-222618
• Shilard Hotel, Dharchula : Ph 05967-222200
• Gurunanak Hotel, Dharchula : Ph 05967-222740
• New Vyas Hotel, Dharchula : Ph 05967-222173

Rakshas Tal : Situated at a height of 4515 nibs. It is divided from Manas by a narrow isthmus. Ravana the ruler of Lanka stood on one foot. performed tapasya and invoked Lord Shiva's blessings. The Tibetans refer to this lake as Hanag Too or the demon lake. The waters of this lake are never drunk. They consider it as inauspicious.

Gouri Kund : While proceeding downwards fror: Dolma - La (Dolma Pass), a steep descent to Good Kund at 5608 nibs, also called the Lake of compassion as referred to in the Shiva Purana. This is the setting for the legend of Parvati and how Sanest: acquired his elephant head bathing in the emerald waters of the kund.

Adi Kailash : Adi Kailash is an ancient holy place in the Himalayan Range, similar to Mount Kailash in Tibet. This abode of Lord Shiva in a remote area is worth to have a Darshan. You can Trek to Adi Kailash in the Himalayan ranges of Kumaon region near the Indo-Tibetan Border in District Pithoragarh.

Gyengtak Gompa & Astpad : The people going to Kailash after the Kailash Parikrama can also visit Gyengtak Gompa and Astpad (6675 mtrs.) on the southern face of Kailash. The devotees heading for the Manas Parikrama rest at Chiu Gompa and Ganga Chhu, the natural channel connecting Manas with Rakas Tal. The place provides a grand view of Manas, Rakas, Kailash and Gurle. On reaching to the last stage of their respective Parikramas the groups come back to Purang enjoying the grand views of Kailash and Rakshas Tal.

Khojarnath Gompa : 25 kms away from Purang is Khojarnath Gompa, on the banks of Karnali. The Markets of Taklasar or Similar Gompa are the favourite shopping places for the people coming for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

• Best Season : May to Oct.
• Summer Weather : 15 to 30°C,
• Winter Weather : -5 to 24°C