Lake Manasarovar, Sacred lake in Ngari Prefecture, Tibet, China
Lake Manasarovar sits in western Tibet near Mount Kailash and is surrounded by snowcapped peaks. The water mirrors the sky and nearby mountains, and the shores are dotted with simple temples and rest spots.
The lake appears in ancient Hindu and Buddhist texts, and pilgrims have visited it for centuries. Monasteries along the shore were built over time to host spiritual travelers and support their rituals.
The lake holds spiritual importance for Buddhists and Hindus, and believers walk around its shores on pilgrimages lasting several days. Visitors see prayer flags fluttering in the wind and meet worshippers at the temple shrines along the lakeshore.
The lake sits above 4,500 meters, and visitors should take time to adjust to the thin air. Warm clothing and sun protection are necessary, as weather can shift quickly and the sun shines intensely.
A narrow channel called Ganga-chu sometimes connects Lake Manasarovar to the salty Lake Rakshastal nearby. Local residents view this connection as a spiritual sign symbolizing the unity of life and death.
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