Standing tall amidst the Western Himalayan range in Tibet Autonomous Region in China, Mount Kailash is one of the sacred mountain peaks in the world. Along with this, Mansarovar Lake is another holy site where pilgrims visit during their Kailash Yatra. Apart from these pilgrimage sites, devotees can visit other renowned places in and around Kailash Mansarovar during the Yatra. During the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, you traverse through Nepal and can explore the popular attractions of the region. Here, you can find a list of popular places to visit during Kailash Yatra.
15 Best Places to Visit In and Around Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
- Mount Kailash
- Lake Mansarovar
- Yam Dwar
- Pashupatinath Temple
- Gauri Kund
- Tirthapuri
- Om Parvat
- Rakshas Tal
- Muktinath Temple
- Saptarishi Caves
- Nandi Parvat
- Guge Kingdom
- Jal Narayan Vishnu Temple
- Ashtapad
- Damodar Kund
Take a look at the detailed information about the tourist attractions you can explore during Kailash Mansarovar:
Mount Kailash
Mount Kailash is an abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is among the most sacred sites among Hindus where devotees visit every year in a large number. Mount Kailash also holds religious significance for people of other religions including Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, and Bons. Mount Kailash is a 6,638 m high peak, which is restricted to climb due to religious faiths. However, devotees go here to do its circumambulation and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. This is one of the toughest pilgrimage treks and yet undertaken by innumerable people every year.
- Country: China
- Region: Ngari Prefecture, Tibet
Lake Mansarovar
This placid lake is among the revered sites where people take a holy dip to relieve themselves from their sins. Lake Mansarovar is a high-altitude lake, which is situated at an altitude of 4,590 m above sea level. This freshwater lake is situated near the source of major rivers of Asia including Sutlej, Indus, Brahmaputra, and Karnali Rivers. Mansarovar is a Sanskrit word and a combination of two words that is ‘Manas’ means ‘mind’ and ‘Sarovar’ means ‘lake’. It is believed that Lord Brahma picturizes this lake in his mind. It is important among other religions as well.
- Country: China
- Region: Ngari Prefecture, Tibet
Yam Dwar
Situated 15 km from Darchen in Tibet, Yam Dwar is nestled at an altitude of 4,724 m above sea level. The meaning of Yam Dwar, which is a Hindu word, is ‘gateway of the God of Death’. It is the starting point of the circumambulation of Mount Kailash. As per the belief, Yam God himself is guarding the door of the abode of Lord Shiva. One has to cross this place to visit Mount Kailash. As per Hindu mythology, if someone completes the circumambulation of Yam Dwar then that person gets a place in heaven.
- Country: China
- Region: Ngari Prefecture, Tibet
Pashupatinath Temple
Located on the bank of the Bagmati River in Kathmandu, Pashupatinath Temple is a revered Hindu Temple in Nepal. This holy site is thrived by a large number of devotees every year. It is also classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The current temple was constructed in 1692 CE and is the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Pashupatinath Temple is a two-story temple that is designed in Nepali Pagoda-style architecture. The two roofs of the temple are of copper covered with gold.
- Country: Nepal
- Region: Kathmandu
Gauri Kund
Also known as Parvati Sarovar, Gauri Kund is dedicated to Goddess Parvati. This scenic lake is located in the vicinity of Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake. It is believed to be a place where Goddess Parvati acquired Lord Ganesha. While bathing, she formed the image of Lord Ganesha with the help of soap lather she was having on her body. Afterward, she breathed life into it. The water of this holy kund is believed to purify the senses and soul of the person. This is a perfect place to visit during Kailash Yatra and to rejuvenate amidst serene environs.
- Country: China
- Region: Ngari Prefecture, Tibet
Tirthapuri
Tirthapuri is closely associated with Padmasambhava, who is also known as Guru Rimpoche. Along with his consort Yeshe Tsogyel, Guru Rimpoche believed to do meditation here in Vajravarahi Cave is locked in the monastery complex. Tirthapuri Monastery originally belonged to the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism. Tirthapuri hot springs are also famous places to visit near Kailash Mansarovar as they have medicinal properties. Parikrama around the pilgrimage site is also popular among devotees. It takes 1 hour to complete the circumambulation in Tirthapuri.
- Country: China
- Region: Ngari Prefecture, Tibet
Om Parvat
Located on the way to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra near Nabhi Dang camp just below Lipulekh Pass, Om Parvat is another sacred site among Hindus. This holy site is nestled in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. The altitude of the peak of Om Parvat is 5,590 m above sea level. Parvat Lake lies near Om Parvat, which is also a sacred lake.
- Country: India
- Region: Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand
Rakshas Tal
Lying just west to Mansarovar Lake and south of Mount Kailash, Rakshastal Lake is a saltwater lake. The name of the lake literally means ‘lake of the demon’ and is believed to be a place of severe penance for King Ravana, as per Hindu mythology. This endorheic lake is devoid of grassland, wildlife, and marine life. Due to the lifeless surrounding of the lake, Tibetans refer to it as ‘The Ghost Lake’. Nestled at an altitude of 4,575 m above sea level, Rakshas Tal Lake is a deep blue lake that offers distinctive pictures and attracts many tourists.
- Country: China
- Region: Ngari Prefecture, Tibet
Muktinath Temple
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Muktinath Temple is a pagoda-style temple that holds religious importance for Hindus and Buddhists. This sacred site is one of the highest temples in the world, which is situated at an altitude of 3,800 m above sea level. It is among the 108 Divya Desams and the only one located outside India. The term Muktinath is derived from a Sanskrit word, which means ‘God of Salvation or Moksha’. Owing to its location in the remote valley, this temple is visited by a large number of trekkers as well. This is among the best tourist places to visit in Nepal during Kailash Yatra.
- Country: Nepal
- Region: Muktinath
Saptarishi Caves
Dedicated to seven sages of ancient India who were blessed with the heavenly powers, Saptarishi Caves are located at an altitude of approximately 6,000 m above sea level. It is among the popular tourist places to visit during Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. These caves are considered to be an abode of seven rishis who were an ardent devotees of Lord Shiva and live near Mount Kailash. There are 13 well-reserved chortens. Saptarishi Caves are among the religious places located on the way to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
- Country: China
- Region: Ngari Prefecture, Tibet
Nandi Parvat
Lies near Mount Kailash, Nandi Parvat is dedicated to the most ardent and loved devotee of Lord Shiva named Nandi. This is among the most revered peaks of the region and among Hindus. Nandi was a bull and a sacred vehicle of Lord Shiva. He was also the gatekeeper and guardian of Mount Kailash. The divinity of Nandi Parvat is beyond description and it holds spiritual significance among the devotees of Lord Shiva. During Kailash Parikrama, you will get across Nandi Parvat which is the best place in and around Mount Kailash.
- Country: China
- Region: Ngari Prefecture, Tibet
Guge Kingdom
Belonging to the ancient dynastic kingdom and located in the westernmost region in Tibet, Guge Kingdom rarely sees tourists. This is an offbeat destination around Mount Kailash where you can witness the breathtaking beauty and scenic landscape. This is a perfect place for adventure lovers and it will not disappoint the thrill-seeker in you. Here, you will see ruins of an ancient kingdom, and clay caves in the mountains. Along with this, you can see some of the renowned monasteries of ancient time including Tholing and Tsaparang Gompas. The moon-like landscapes of stone forests and muddy mountains will leave you spellbound.
- Country: China
- Region: Tholing, Tibet
Jal Narayan Vishnu Temple
Also known as Budhanilkantha Temple, Jal Narayan Vishnu Temple is another pious place to visit during Mount Kailash Yatra. The temple comprises the sleeping Lord Vishnu sculpture, which is also the tallest idol of all time of the length of 5 meters. The idol of the Lord Vishnu is sculpted from a single block of black basalt hailing from an unidentified origin. It is believed that the sculpture of Lord Vishnu was brought to Kathmandu in the 17th Century under the reign of Vishnugupta.
- Country: Nepal
- Region: Kathmandu
Ashtapad
Located in Darchen in the Purang County of Tibet Autonomous Region, Ashtapad is a holy site in Jainism. It is believed to be the birthplace of Jainism. It also holds religious significance among Hindus as well. Ashtapad means ‘eight steps’, which exists as an array of eight mountain peaks. Rishabhnath is a prominent figure in Jainism and is believed to attain salvation here. Every year, a large number of devotees visit Ashtapad Tirth from different religions and faiths.
- Country: China
- Region: Purang County, Tibet
Damodar Kund
Damodar Kund is a holy lake situated in the Upper Mustang Region of Nepal. Nestled in the lap of the mighty Himalayas, Damodar Kund lies at an altitude of 4,980 m above sea level. The pristine water of the sacred lake is believed to wipe off your sins. Encompassed by Annapurna Himalayas and the gigantic Damodar Himalayas, this sacred lake is the source of the Kaligandaki River. This is a perfect place to soak in the serenity and rejuvenate amidst the tranquil environs. You can trek and reach there by helicopter.
Conclusion
Now, you have the list of the best places to visit in and around Kailash Mansarovar. You can easily plan your Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and add these places in your itinerary. These are some of the pious and revered destinations, which you should visit during the trip. Kailash Yatra opens for a few months every year and requires a lot of formalities to complete. So, it is advisable to book the Kailash Mansarovar tour in advance to save yourself from last-minute hassle. Contact us for more information and book a tour with us! We provide assistance from the start to the end of the tour to make your tour enjoyable.
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