Lake Manasarovar Climate

Manasarovar Lake is 35 kilometers east of Burang CountyNgari region, Tibet, south of Mount Kailash. The natural scenery around the lake is very beautiful. 

Geography

Manasarovar is the most transparent freshwater lake and the second largest natural freshwater lake in China. It means "undefeated, victorious" in Tibetan Language, known as "Holy Lake." It is located between the main peaks of the Gangdise Mountains-Mount Kailash and Namunani Peak of Himalayas, in Burang County of Tibet Autonomous region. The lake is in the shape of pear, the north is wide and the south is narrow, the long axis is 26 kilometers long and the short axis is 21 kilometers long. The lake is 4588 meters above sea level. The average water depth is 46 meters, and the maximum water depth is 81.8 meters, covering an area of 412 square kilometers. The lake is blue and clear, with a transparency of 14 meters.

Climate and Weather of Lake Manasarovar

Kailash Mansarovar has a cold and dry climate, which is typical to this region of Tibet. Like most areas of Tibet, the Kailash Manasarovar have a large temperature difference between daytime and night. The climate is mild and pleasant from May to August. The average temperature in Summer is around 15℃, which is ideal for outdoor activities, such as going to kora and visiting nearby temples. Heavy rainfall from July to August makes it harder to pass through the rugged path in this area. From September to November, rainfall is less and the average temperature drops to 10℃. December to April in the following year has the coldest days in the whole year. Winter temperatures range from 5℃ to minus 15℃, and the surrounding areas of Mount Kailash are often covered by snow and ice and Lake Manasarovar often freezes at this time, making it dangerous to get there. During these periods, sharp temperature reduction can often occur.

Best Time to Visit Lake Manasarovar

The best time is from April to October, especially April to June and September to October with more sunny days and warmer weather, while there is a rainy period in July and August. Even so, you should pay attention to the weather before you go and during your visit. Remember that do not expose your skin, or you'll be vulnerable to intense sun burns during the daytime.

Also, Don't miss the Saga Dawa Festival hold on April 15 in the Tibetan Calendar, which usually falls on May or June of Solar Calendar. It is one of the holiest festivals of Tibetan Buddhists. During the festival, Tibetans will gather together in this area of Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar to celebrate the most important annual festival there.

Read more: Best Time to Visit Kailash Mansarovar in Tibet

Travel Tips

1. Lake Manasarovar tour is always related to Mount Kailash. From November to March, there are no visitors going to the Lake Manasarovar and Mount Kailash. During this time, Kailash Manasarovar is mainly sharp wind and icy cold. The heavy snow blocks most of the road, making any trip to the Kailash Manasarovar to be threatened. So it's not a wise choice to visit this area in these months.

2. Local Tibetan prayers believe that circumambulating Mount Kailash in the year of the Horse and Lake Manasarovar in the year of the sheep can accumulate more merits and virtues than in other years.

3. When visiting Mount Kailash, tourists should not only prepare their Tibet Travel permit, but also apply for the Alien's Travel Permit issued by the local public security bureau. And other permits like border pass and military permit are needed when you go to some "unopened area", specific situations you can ask the travel agency. Besides, the procedures of obtaining Alien's Travel Permit may be different from other countries for Indians. How to Get Tibet Travel Permit, Successful Application Tips

4. You should bring much more things, including warm clothes (even in summer), tents, sleeping bags, waterproof mattresses, some high-calorie foods like chocolate, water, some medicines like cold medicines and Rhodiola, etc. Because accommodation conditions and food supplies at Lake Manasarovar are very limited.