We all know the Sacred Bull, Nandi, as the loyal, sacred carrier of Lord Shiva himself. It is believed that he exists in the guise of a hill, Nandi, near Mount Kailash, the holy abode of Lord Shiva. One of the most revered peaks, the Nandi Parvat also called Nandi Parbat, holds immense religious significance, wrapped with mythology and divinity. Tallest amongst all its neighbors, the Nandi Parbat is famous for its iconic bull shape, with its sides pointing towards different cardinal directions, making the symbol of “bull,” that is the Vahan Nandi. The Kailash Manasarovar Yatra is incomplete without a visit to the Nandi Parvat.

Where is Nandi Parvat Located?

Nandi Parvat stands as the gatekeeper of the path towards the holy abode of Lord Shiva, Mount Kailash. It is nestled just below the celestial steps of Mount Kailash’s south face. To its east lies two small yet beautiful lakes, a Buddha statue, and a Shiva Linga temple. The Saptarishi Caves also lies in close proximity to the Nandi Parvat location.

The Enchanting Mythology around Nandi Parvat

The Nandi Parvat gets its name from the legend of the sacred carrier bull – Nandi. According to Hindu mythology, Kashyapa and Surabhi’s son, Nandi, was destined to live only till the age of 8 years. On receiving this news, Nandi started worshipping Lord Shiva in the hopes of reversing his fate. Being impressed with the little boy’s dedication, Lord Shiva gave him a necklace and a magic bell that transformed Nandi into half-bull and half-human. The Lord also honored Nandi by declaring him as his Vahana or vehicle. Nandi soon became the provider of boons, a symbol of courage, faith, justice, and the protector of Dharma.

The Nandi Parvat location sits aptly with its name. It is believed that Lord Shiva is in deep meditation up at Mount Kailash. Being so far away, He cannot hear the common man’s prayer. Nandi acts as a messenger who passes all the messages to his Lord and protects his Lord’s gates. Situated in the foreground of Kailash, the Nandi Parbat is regarded as the “Gatekeeper.” Ardent devotees of Lord Shiva from all around the world perform the Nandi Parbat kora on their way up for the Kailash Manasarovar yatra.

The Nandi Parvat Kora

On their journey to witness the heavenly abode of Lord Shiva Mount Kailash, Devotees must pass through the process of Nandi Parvat inner kora. The kora site speaks of high divinity as it has various spiritual sites of gods and goddesses, along with the trekking or Nandi Inner Kora way.

The Nandi Parvat inner kora is generally done on the third day of the whole Kailash Yatra. There are high passes Nandi La and Khandosalgam La that bridges the gap between Mt. Kailash and Nandi Parvat. Devotees pass through these passes before they are finally returning to Darchen, the base point of the whole Kailash Parikrama.

Places to Visit Near Nandi Parbat

While the main attraction of the Nandi Parvat visit is to perform the Kailash Manasarovar parikrama, there are several places to visit during the yatra. Here are some of the most fascinating places to visit:

Lake Manasarovar: A part of the Kailash parikrama yatra, Lake Manasarovar is a holy lake near Nandi Parvat. Devotees believe that a dip in its holy water can wash off all the sins in one’s life. The lake is clipped at an altitude of 4,590 m above mean sea level in the far western Tibet’s Ngari Prefecture. Fed by the Kailash Glaciers, the lake has remained a popular pilgrimage site for thousands of years.

Yam Dwar: Like the Nandi Parvat, Yam Dwar is also an entry point of the holy abode. Located at Tarboche, Yam Dwar is also the starting point of the Kailash parikrama when you do the Outer Cora of Mount Kailash.

Rakshasa Tal: Near the Nandi Parvat lies the Rakshas Tal, popularly known as the “lake of the Demon.” It is located to the west of Mansarovar Lake, at an altitude of about 4, 752 meters. Its north-western tip is the originating point of the River Sutlej.

Saptarishi Caves: Close to the Nandi Parvat lies the Saptarishi caves, consisting of 13 Chortens. The aces are believed to be the residence of 7 Rishis, all of whom were ardent devotees of Lord Shiva. The caves lie at a height of 6, 000 meters altitude.

Best Time to Visit Nandi Parvat

The best time to visit the Nandi Parvat is from May to September. During this time, the weather remains calm and the sky clear, offering you a stunning view. During this time, you can also enjoy the Saga Dawa Festival, a Tibetan Buddhist Festival. You can also visit The Nandi Parvat around July and August. Though this is the monsoon time in Tibet, and your yatra will be accompanied by a little bit of fog and drizzle. The rain and fog do add to the glory of the scenic view of the region.

Safety Measures While Visiting Nandi Parvat

The Nandi Parvat trip is advised to those who are medically fit at the height of and have prior trekking experience. The region is quite rugged and situated at a high altitude. So, here are a few safety tips for you:

• Rest after every 15 minutes of trekking to Nandi Parbat.
• Drink lots of hot water.
• Do not talk much while trekking.
• Carry dry foods, first aid kits, and general medicines.
• Eat food that is rich in carbohydrates to avoid altitude sickness.
• Wear comfortable footwear fit for trekking.
• Wear your mask and carry sanitizers.
• Carry COVID-19 negative report and vaccination certificates.
• Maintain social distancing.
• Avoid consuming alcohol or smoking cigarettes during the trek to avoid dehydration.

FAQs for Nandi Parvat Travel

Q1. Can you carry or eat non-veg food during Nandi Parvat Trek?
A: Nandi Parvat is a holy territory for the Hindus, Buddhists, Jain, and many other religions. Thus, it is best to not carry or eat non-veg food during the Nandi Parvat trek.

Q2. Can you skip Nandi Parvat on Kailash Manasarovar yatra?
A: Since Nandi Parvat lies at the starting point of the Kailash yatra, you technically cannot ignore the Nandi Parvat. However, you can avoid the kora rituals.

Q3. Is Nandi Parvat Kora a part of Kailash Parikrama?
A: Yes, the Nandi inner kora is a part of the Kailash parikrama’s inner kora rituals.

Q1. Is the Nandi Parvat trek is challenging?
A: The Nandi Parvat trek can be challenging for a few travelers since you will have to trek through rugged mountain passes. This can be challenging. You should be ready both mentally and physically to embark on this journey.

Lake Manasarovar or Mansarovar, situated in Tibet (China), stretching to the north of Mount Kailash, is the very surreal and mesmerizing Manasarovar Lake. This lake is associated with the divinity and religiosity of many pilgrims. Mount Kailash, popularly known as the heavenly abode of Lord Shiva, enhances the significance and spiritual beauty of the Mansarovar Lake. It is considered holy for the Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists. The pristine holy water of the Lake attracts lakhs of pilgrims and tourists every year.

Peek Into the Manasarovar Lake History

The history of Kailash Manasarovar lies in the Hindu and Buddhist script. Accordingly, to their scripture, many ancient monasteries and caves exist, where the holy sages reside around Mount Kailash. It is assumed in history that the Lake Manasarovar was formed by Lord Brahma, who built it to make an ideal area for his sons, who could bathe there after their return from the whole trek of the sacred land. On the other hand, the Buddhists believe that the mother of the legendary Buddha took a bath in this lake until the holy water purified her body.

Best Time to Visit Mansarovar Lake

The best time to visit Manasarovar Lake is Summer till the end of the rainy season, which is from May to September. This is the peak time for most pilgrims and tourists to visit the place. The weather during this time exudes a spiritual charm. As the snow remains absent during this time make navigating around most of the trails becomes easier.

How to Reach Manasarovar Lake

You can travel to Lake Mansarovar by flight flying from the Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow, situated 437 km away from Kailash Mansarovar. On Arrival at Lucknow, you will travel to Nepalgunj, a small town in Nepal. From here, you will again take another flight to the hill town of Simikot. From Simikot, you can either trek or take a helicopter ride up to reach the village Hilsa, located at the border of Tibet. Hilsa lies at a distance of 60 km from Mansarovar. After your immigration at the border, you will be free to enter Tibet to reach Lake Manasarovar.

You can also reach Manasarovar via Uttarakhand after crossing Lipulekh Pass. Lake Manasarovar sits near the border of the Pithoragarh district. However, as a tourist, you cannot cross any Indian border entry to Tibet unless you are part of The Indian Government organized Kailash Manasarovar Tour. You can also enter Tibet via Sikkim, but the journey is long due to the distance. Again, you need to be part of the Government India Tour to cross this border as well.

Traveling from Kathmandu is another popular and easiest way to reach Lake Manasarovar. You can enter Tibet via Land borders like Timure. You can also fly to Lhasa from Kathmandu to start your journey.

Location of Manasarovar Lake

Mansarovar Lake is situated approximately 100 km north of India’s border with China. Clipped at the southern foot of Mount Kailash, the Kailash Manasarovar Lake is about 50 kilometers to the northwest of Nepal, and 100 kilometers east of the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The Lake is situated in Burang County, the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China, and stretches up to 88 kilometers with a depth of 330 feet. It lies approximately 4, 590 meters / 15, 060 ft above sea level.

Other Places to Visit Around Manasarovar Lake

Though traveling to the Manasarovar Lake itself can be a rejuvenating experience with its spirituality and pristine water, there are other places and religious hubs that you can explore when visiting the lake.

Gauri Kund: among the many tourists attractions here is Gauri Kund, also known as Parvati Sarovar. The place is infused with mythological stories and religious significance. This lake is also called the Lake of Compassion.

Rakshas Tal: Also known as the Ravan Taal, the name Rakshas comes from the name “Lake of Demons.” This lake was said to be the thriving place of Rakshas, the demon. This lake is also famous for being the largest saltwater lake in Tibet. Exploring the Rakshas Tal is a must for all tourists and travelers.

Kailash Parikrama: Mount Kailash holds an extraordinary spiritual significance for Hindus. It is known to be the residing place of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. According to scriptures, circumambulating around the mountain can expiate you from all sins. It takes 3 days to complete the parikrama.

Yam Dwar: The Yam Dwar or Yama Dwar, the starting point of Kailash Parikrama, is known as the gateway to heaven. It is said that once you cross through this gate you will be in the abode of God.

Kuber Kund: Another holy lake near Mansarovar Lake, the Kuber Kund is a part of the Inner Kora Parikrama.

Best Places to Eat Around Manasarovar Lake

with only a few guest houses available nearby, Lake Mansarovar does not offer any other eateries nearby. Food options can only be gotten from your tour operator’s kitchen or these guest houses. During the peak season, few locals put basic food stalls that offer some local foods or snacks.

Nearby Places like Dharchen and Taklakot have many restaurants to eat at. You will have coffee shops, bakeries, and many local restaurants in these places.

Important Places to Shop Near Lake Manasarovar

A trip is incomplete without bringing a few souvenirs back home. However, there are no established shops near Mansarovar Lake. But a few can be found in nearby places like Darchen and Taklakot. Street shopping is possible at these places, where you can buy handicrafts, prayer flags, local fragrance herbs, Incense sticks, and many more. There are a few proper shopping malls as well.

Where to Stay Near Mansarovar Lake

As a good trip is incomplete without a comfortable stay, you must choose a hotel near Mansarovar Lake. You will find a few basic guests house accommodations available near Manasarovar that will give you the ultimate comfort and a great experience. among them, there are around 10 to 12 multi-share basis guest houses near the lake.

However, you can find better hotels in Darchen and Taklakot like the ones below mentioned

• Taklakot Hotel.
• Jinyan’an Hotel.
• Dianxin Hotel.
• Pulan North Sichuan Hotel.
• Hotel Himalaya.
• Mansarovar Guest House.
• Darchen Hotel.

You can find good restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries in these hotels.

Safety

Even though pilgrims are enthusiastic about traveling to Mansarovar Lake, you should follow the COVID-19 protocols. You must get vaccinated first and observe social distance as much as you can. Wear your mask at all times and keep sanitizing your hands.

Things to Keep in Mind When Traveling to Lake Manasarovar

When you are traveling to Mansarovar Lake, there are a few things to keep in mind.

• You cannot cross the India Tibet border if you are not a part of the India Kailash Manasarovar Tour by the India Government.
• You can cross the border of Nepal and Tibet only if you have proper permits.
• The route to Lake Manasarovar via Nepal is easy and affordable as compared to India Government organized tour. It does not have many restrictions as well.
• There’s no age restriction if you want to visit Lake Manasarovar via Nepal.
• Make sure to carry your safety kit during the tour, even if the organizers provide aid.
• Pack suitable and specific clothes as per guidelines.
• Keep yourself hydrated while mountain climbing.
• Avoid smoking or drinking alcohol during mountain climbing.
• Eat light foods that are rich in carbohydrates.
• If you plan on going shopping, do not miss the opportunity to go street shopping. You will be delighted to see the local and unique stuff they offer.

FAQs for Travelling to Lake Manasarovar

1. What is unique about Mansarovar Lake?
The Mansarovar Lake, situated at an altitude of 15, 060 ft, is famous for being the highest freshwater body in the world. Apart from that, it is known for its spiritual significance that attracts visitors all around the year.

2. Can you swim in the lake?
Many pilgrims and tourists are known to swim in the lake and drink its water, considering it holy. Tibetans, however, do not swim nor drink its water. However, there is a ban on swimming in the lake since 2018.

3. What is the fact about Mansarovar Lake?
One exciting fact about Mansarovar Lake is that it was first created by Lord Brahma and then built on earth.

4. Is Kailash Mansarovar the center of the earth?
The two beautiful lakes in Mount Kailash, the Mansarovar Lake and the Rakshas Lake, lie at the bottom of Kailash. This mountain is considered the Axis Mundi, also known as the cosmic axis, world axis, world pillar, or the world tree. Therefore, many believe it to be the center of the world.

5. What is Mansarovar Lake called in China?
The lake is called “Mapam Yumtso” in the local Tibetan language. The name means Invincible or undefeatable lake.

6. What rivers originate from Lake Manasarovar?
4 major rivers Karnali, Sutlej, Indus, and Brahmaputra originate from this holy lake.

7. Is Lake Manasarovar parikrama possible?
Yes, the Mansarovar parikrama is possible, but, due to the presence of mountains, the full parikrama cannot be completed. Generally, most people do the parikrama in a vehicle.