The holy Mansarovar or Mansa-Sarovar is the holiest, the most fascinating, the most inspiring, the most famous of all the lakes in the world and the most ancient that civilization has known. It is majestically calm and dignified, like a bluish green emerald or a pure turquoise set between two mighty and equally majestic silver mountains - the Kailash in the North, the Gurla Mandhata in the South, between the sister lake Rakshat Tal and Ravana Hrada towards the West and some hills towards the East.

The world's youngest mountain chain - the Himalayas, which also have the world's highest mountain peak Mt. Everest-prominently mark the northernmost skyline of India and figure in the history and mythology of the country.

To the Hindus, the Himalayas are central to their cosmology. The peaks are the petals of the Golden Lotus which lord Vishnu created as a first step in the formation of the universe. On one of these peaks - Mount Kailash, sits Shiva in a state of perpetual meditation, generating the spiritual force that sustains the cosmos.

Mount Kailash is situated in Tibet where it is given the dignified title of 'Kang Rampoche' meaning 
'Precious Jewel'. Near Mount Kailash, during the geological shift in the initial stages of the formation of the Himalayan mountain chain four rivers arose from the area, flowing in four different directions : the Indus flowed north, the Karnali south, the Yarlung Tsangpo flowed east and Sutlej traveled west.

Near Mount Kailash, considered as the adobe of Lord Shiva and Parvati, lies a vast lake called Mansarovar, said to have been created by Brahma - the creator.

YATRA INFORMATION : 

Kailash Mansarovar has been revered by people since time immemorial. Some of the passes of Uttranchal Himalayas leading to Kailash Mansarovar, in the Kumaon region, are Lipulekh passes, Lampiya dhrua, Nuwe Dhura, Lowe Dhura, Unta Dhura, Jayanti and Kungri Bingri. Kumaon is also referred to as Manaskhand which has many legends are attached to the unusual lake and the mountain, one such prevalent tale talks about the lake, according to it - any person who bathes in the sanctified water of Mansarovar shall go to the 'Paradise of Brahma' after death and the one who drinks its water shall go to the 'Heaven of Shiva' and shall be released from the sins of a hundred births. 865 kms. from Delhi, the sacred centre for pilgrimage is a 53 Kms. walk around the Kailash (6675 mts.) which according to the Hindu Puranas and the Buddish text is identified as the centre of the universe. Its highest point is Polmapass at 19,000 ft. Mansarovar is situated at a height of 14930 ft (4530 mtrs) with a circumference of 90 kms., depth of 90 mts., area of 320 Sq. Kms. Mansarovar is attached to Rakashtal with a natural canal at a height of 14900 ft. (4515 mtrs). The circumference of Rakashtal is 22 kms from the corner of which originates the Satluj river. One can reach Kailash Mansarovar via Dharchula -Tawaghat-Lipulekh Darma and Johar Valleys.

ENROUTE MANSAROVAR :

Delhi to Bageshwar via Moradabad, Rampur, Haldwani, Kathgodam, Bhowali and Almora one also crosses the Yamuna, Ganga, Ramganga W. and Kosi on the way. The sunrise and the sunset give a spectacular view in a clear sky.

On the way to Kailash Mansarovar the tea estate at Chaukori via Kanda-Vijaypur Kotmanyu provide an impressive view of the majestic Himalayas. After an ardous track via Didihat, Ogla-Jaulibi and along the Gori river you reach Dharchula, also crossing Gomti, Saryu, Ramganga E and Gori.

19 Kms. from Dharchula, is Tawaghat where one can view the confluence of the roaming Dhauli E and Kali rivers. A trip to serene Chhiplakot peaks, lakes and glaciers is possible via Khela Villege.

Further lies an arduous trail towards Sosa along the Kali which is not advisable while climbing uphill. The villages of Khela, Palpala and Nakuri are very close to the spot destroyed by the land slides in 1977, 1978 and 1980. NHPC has launched several projects to facilitate the people visiting this area. This region is famous for its Kandali festival, held once in twelve years and is celebrated with great fervour.

Narayan Ashram, established by Narayan Swami in 1936, is an astonishing place. This ashram in idylic surroundings and surrounded by a multitude of flowers. The serene atmosphere, the inspiring discourses, the library, meditation room and Samadhi-Sthal provide solace to the yatris.

From Tawalghat a 17 km trek leads to Mangti and a further 4 km trek leads to Gala (2440 mtrs) where accommodation can be arranged in cottages and camps. 

Budhi (2740 mts.) is 16 kms. from Gala, which serves as a resting spot. There are numerous springs and waterfalls on either side of the river. One can have a splendid view of the Adi-Nampa range of Nepal

Appeal to Pilgrims :

1) While trekking walk towards the hill, not to the drop side. Don't withdraw towards drop-side to give way to any person or horse/pony.

2) The yatra (Journey) time is from morning to noon. So you are advised to start early and reach next camp by noon. Wet clothes, due to rain or sweat, should be changed and make your arrangements for next day's yatra.

3) The arrangements for horses and porters are to be done in the very beginning at Tawaghat. It is not possible to get them in the middle of a yatra.

4) Trek according to the route. Don't experiment with shortcuts or untrodden ways.

5) During your trek by cautious, yet confident. Take special care in difficult terrain and watch out for landslides, falling rocks/boulders, cloudbursts and the Kali river flowing alongside. You should trek as a team, taking care of your other team-members and warning each other of potential hazards.

6) Use only water of safe springs for drinking. Fill your water bottles at the camp. On the wayside, tea shops give provide a refreshing break relief.

7) During selection itself pilgrims is are advised to procure good quality trekking shoe/walking-sticks, raincoats, polythenes and Rucksacks to carry their belongings. Goggles, woolens, mufflers, hats, jackets/wind-cheaters, couple of pairs of socks, cameras, transistor radios and general medicines should be a part of their personal kit. Notebooks and pens can also prove handy.

8) The weight of your luggage should be upto 25 kgs. Extra weight will be charged for.

9) From Delhi to Lipulekh and back from Lipulekh to Delhi there are good arrangements by Skylark Group but Skylark Group is not responsible for any accident. If a yatri (Pilgrim) doesn't attend after selection, money will not be refunded.

10) The lodging facilities on the way, are in snow-huts, tin-sheds or tents in some places. Warm beddings are adequately provided. All these facilities are arranged in Tibet also. 

11) Meals provided during Yatra : Onion-less food-rice, dal, chapatis, vegetables, pickles, puri, parantha, pakori, vegetable soup, sweets, Rasna, tea, Bournvita, and local green vegetables. 

12) In case of illness, one may have to stop the yatra midway and return, but money is not refunded. In emergencies, a helicopter can also be arranged, on payment and depending on availability.

13) Rucksack, water bottle, jacket or sleeping bags can be hired from 

14) Photography is not prohibited in India and Tibet so a sufficient stock of film rolls is advisable. Exposed films can be deposited at Kalapani or at Lipulek