How to Get to Lake Manasarovar from Lhasa
This article is about the transportation between Lake Manasarovar and Lhasa. Lake Manasarovar is one of the most important scenic spots in Western Ngari. Manasarovar Lake is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Tibet and an amazing scenic spot in the remote areas of Burang County. Kailash and Manasarovar are important sites of Hinduism and Buddhism. Most pilgrims visit these two sites. Before soaking in Lake Manasaovar or having a drink, they perform the Koran around Mount Kailash to avoid their sins. For tourists, the lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in the region, famous for its sweet purified water and amazing location.
Lake Manasarovar (玛旁雍措), located in Ngari Prefecture in western Tibet, is one of the most sacred lakes in Tibetan Buddhism and Hinduism. Situated at an altitude of 4,590 meters (15,060 feet), it is revered as a spiritual destination and a must-visit for pilgrims and travelers seeking a unique Tibetan experience.
Traveling to Lake Manasarovar from Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, is an exciting journey, as it takes you through some of Tibet’s most stunning landscapes, including remote plateaus, high mountain ranges, and picturesque valleys.
Modes of Transportation to Lake Manasarovar
1. By Road (Driving)
The most common way to travel from Lhasa to Lake Manasarovar is by road. The journey involves crossing through Shigatse and Saga, before reaching the Lake Manasarovar area. While the drive can take a few days, it offers an incredible opportunity to witness Tibet’s natural beauty, including its high-altitude deserts, snow-capped peaks, and sacred sites.
Route Overview:
- Distance: Approximately 1,500 km (930 miles) from Lhasa to Lake Manasarovar.
- Travel Duration: The journey usually takes 5-7 days, depending on weather conditions, the route taken, and the stops made for acclimatization and sightseeing.
- Recommended Route:
- Lhasa → Shigatse → Lhatse → Saga → Lake Manasarovar.
Key Stops Along the Way:
- Shigatse: The second-largest city in Tibet and a major stop on the way to Lake Manasarovar. You can visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama.
- Lhatse: A small town on the route that provides a good place for a rest and to acclimatize.
- Saga: The last large town before reaching Lake Manasarovar. This is where you’ll likely spend the night before continuing your journey to the lake.
Road Conditions:
- The road is mostly paved, but the terrain can be challenging, with stretches that are winding and prone to landslides, especially during the rainy season.
- You will pass through high-altitude passes, so it’s important to take your time, stay hydrated, and allow yourself to acclimatize to the changing elevations.
Travel Tips for Road Trip:
- Acclimatization: The journey takes you through areas with high altitudes, so it’s essential to acclimatize gradually to avoid altitude sickness. Spend a night or two in Shigatse or Saga to adjust.
- Fuel: Gas stations are limited along the route, so it’s important to fill up whenever you get the chance, especially in remote areas like Saga.
- Accommodation: While towns like Shigatse and Saga have hotels, accommodations around Lake Manasarovar are more basic and mostly cater to pilgrims.
2. By Train and Road Combination
While there is no direct train service from Lhasa to Lake Manasarovar, a combination of train and road can be taken to reach the lake. This option is useful if you prefer to travel by train for part of your journey to Shigatse or Saga and then switch to a vehicle to cover the rest of the way. Although there are railways to Tibet, there are no railways connecting Lake Manasarovar and anywhere else. The nearest railway station to Lake Manasarovar is Shigatse in southwestern Tibet, nearly 900 kilometers from here. The train from Lhasa to Shigatse is possible, but from there you need to drive south to Lake Manasarovar. If you want to know more information about the train schedules and booking, please transfer to Lhasa – Shigatse Railway.
Route Overview:
-
Lhasa to Shigatse by Train:
- Distance: Approximately 260 km (160 miles).
- The Lhasa–Shigatse Railway is a modern train route that offers a comfortable and scenic way to travel between the two cities.
- Train Duration: About 4-5 hours.
-
Shigatse to Lake Manasarovar by Road:
- After arriving in Shigatse, you can continue your journey to Lake Manasarovar by road, following the same route mentioned above.
- Travel time from Shigatse to Lake Manasarovar by road is around 4-5 days.
3. By Bus (Group Tour)
If you’re traveling as part of a tour group, you can join a bus tour that goes from Lhasa to Lake Manasarovar. Many tour operators in Tibet offer packages that include transportation, accommodation, and guiding services. This is a good option if you prefer a more structured and less independent trip.
Bus Tour Details:
- Duration: Usually takes around 7-10 days for the entire journey, depending on the tour itinerary.
- Transportation: The buses are generally comfortable but may not have the same flexibility as driving your own vehicle.
- Group Tour Stops: These tours typically follow a similar route (Lhasa → Shigatse → Saga → Lake Manasarovar) and include sightseeing at notable places like Tashilhunpo Monastery, Palkhor Monastery, and Lake Yamdrok.
There is no direct coach from Lhasa to Lake Manasarovar, but you can take the bus which running from Lhasa Beijiao Coach Station to Burang County. It costs CNY 602. You need get off at Holzer Township, and take the local coach which get to the Jiwu Temple.
Lhasa Beijiao Coach Station
Add: Chengguan District, Lhasa
Tel: 0891-6922104
Tips
- The above information is for reference, if any change is based on actual information.
- If you wan to book ticket, please contact us. Email: contact@MysteriousTibet.com; Tel: +86-871-63511469.
4. By Private Car or Jeep
For a more personalized experience, you can opt for a private car or jeep rental from Lhasa. This provides more flexibility and comfort compared to a bus and allows you to stop and explore at your own pace.
- Rental Options: Private car rentals are available through travel agencies or tour operators in Lhasa. You can also arrange a driver and guide for a more tailored experience.
- Cost: Private vehicles tend to be more expensive than buses or group tours, but they offer a higher level of comfort and privacy.
5. By Flight
There is no direct flight to get to Lake Manasarovar from Lhasa. From Lhasa Gonggar International Airport to Ngari Gunsa Airport, we can reach Manasarovar Lake from the Tibetan capital. These flights take about two hours to reach the small airport outside Shiquan River, which is about 1097 kilometers. However, the Shiquan River is located more than 280 kilometers northwest of Lake Manasarovar. The distance to the lake must be completed by car, which may take a whole day’s driving time.
If you want to know more information about the flight schedules and booking, please transfer to Lhasa-Ngari Flights.
5. Best Time to Visit Lake Manasarovar
The best time to travel to Lake Manasarovar is from May to October, as the weather is relatively warmer and roads are more accessible during these months. Winter (November to March) can be challenging due to heavy snow and freezing temperatures, which can block roads and make the journey difficult.
Travel Tips:
- Altitude Sickness: Lake Manasarovar is located at a high altitude, and the journey from Lhasa to the lake involves passing through even higher altitudes. Make sure to acclimatize properly by taking it slow, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding strenuous activities at high altitudes.
- Permits: A Tibet Travel Permit is required to travel to Lake Manasarovar, and it is typically included in most Tibet tour packages. You will also need special permits to visit Mount Kailash (Kailash Kora) if you plan to circle the mountain.
- Packing: Bring warm clothing, as temperatures can be very cold, especially at night. Also, pack essentials like sunscreen, medications, water, and snacks.
- Respect Local Customs: Lake Manasarovar is sacred to both Tibetan Buddhists and Hindus. Show respect for local religious practices and customs when visiting the lake.
Getting to Lake Manasarovar from Lhasa is an adventure that offers both a challenging and rewarding experience. Whether you choose to drive, join a group tour, or take a combination of train and road, the journey will expose you to the unique landscapes and spiritual atmosphere of Tibet. Be prepared for high-altitude travel and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
