Can You Visit Manasarovar Lake in Winter?
Situated between the world-famous Mount Kailash and lofty Mount Naimona'nyi, the highest peak in Ngari Prefecture, is one of the Three Sacred Lakes in Tibet, Manasarovar Lake. Despite being such a beautiful and holy lake, Manasarovar Lake will deter tourists from visiting in many ways for a winter visit.
Some Sections of the Mount Kailash Scenic Area Are Closed in Winter
The combination of the sacred Manasarovar Lake and the holy Mount Kailash is rooted in the connection of the long-standing geography and culture. So both of them have become inseparable cultural symbols. Since you are planning to visit Manasarovar Lake, Mount Kailash cannot be missed either. Around November every year, the official of the Mount Kailash Scenic Area will announce that the section from the Qugu Monastery checkpoint to the Zongdui exit will be under closed management and not open to the public. This means that circumambulation of Mount Kailash is no longer accessible during this period. The closure of the scenic area also means the withdrawal of a large number of supply points and merchants. Manasarovar Lake' beauty remains in winter, but you have to face supply shortages and increased safety risks due to the unpredictable weather.
What to Know about Climate And Weather of Manasarovar Lake in Winter?
The average daily maximum temperature of Manasarovar Lake in winter is approximately -5℃ to 5℃, while the average daily minimum temperature ranges from -12℃ to -20℃. The most typical climatic features of winter here are large temperature differences between day and night, extremely low temperatures, strong winds and dry air. As a result, altitude sickness is also very likely to be aggravated here.
Why Winter Group Tours to Ngari Prefecture Disappear in Winter?
Except from November to April, various group tours to Ngari Prefecture are frequently launched throughout the year, allowing budget-conscious tourists to visit the remote Mount Kailash and Manasarovar Lake at a relatively affordable price. However, this kind of economical group tour is absent in winter. In winter, the road conditions in Ngari Prefecture add an extra layer of uncertainty and adventure. No one can predict when the roads might be temporarily closed due to heavy snow. This affects the pace of all travel agencies and also disrupts the travel plans of every tourist. In addition, many high-quality hotels and restaurants in Ngari Prefecture close down in winter, and none of travel agencies can guarantee that the travel quality of tourists will be satisfactory. Finally, all of these above-mentioned factors have ultimately led to a significant reduction in the number of tourists in the Ngari region during winter. Faced with rising costs and safety concerns for tourists, group tours to Ngari will temporarily withdraw from the market during winter. For tourists who are very eager to visit Manasarovar Lake in winter, choosing a high-end private customized tour, equipped with the most professional tour guides and drivers, as well as the best transportation vehicles, is the only way. What comes along with it is an inevitably high cost. Moreover, only a few travel agencies are willing to take on such a heavy task.
Conclusion
Manasarovar Lake Is Friendly to Tourists All Year Round Except Winter. The best time to visit it is from April to October, and by the end of April, the Mount Kailash Pilgrimage is almost open.
It's best not to let the low temperature of winter overshadow your enjoyment of visiting Ngari Prefecture. While the sun is shining now and winter is still far away, why not start to think about your travel plans right now?
Related Articles & Posts
39 Comment ON "Can You Visit Manasarovar Lake in Winter?"
Asked by Jacob Keis** from N/A
Train booking
We are a group of 15 (perhaps 17) who need to take the June 8th 15:27 train from Xining to Lhasa. We need to book this soon so prompt reply would be helpful. We are getting our permits from an agent and should have them in 6-8 days.
Asked by Nirm** from Australia
Hi, I’m interested in doing the Mount Kailash tour. I only have holidays from 20/09 to 4/10 this year. Do you have a tour that includes these dates? How much would the tour be? Are the flights, visas, passes and permits included in your prices? Thank you kindly. Regards, Nirmala (Nationality: Australian Group Size: 1 person Arrival Date: 20/09/26) Nationality: Australian Group Size: 1 person Arrival Date: 20/09/26
Asked by An** from N/A
Best time to travel for the Linka festival
Hey, I'm looking to travel to the Linka festival with my partner. When is the best time to go this year? Thanks!
Asked by Goldliam Soo** from N/A
lm from nyc in the usa how much is your 13 day Mt Kai lash tour in September or June
Hi, lm from nyc in the usa how much is your 13 day Mt Kai lash tour in September or June? And approximately how much would would the airfare be round trip? Thank you
Asked by Liliana Me** from Macau
plan a 7-8days trip for me and my boyfriend in April
Hi! I would like to plan a 7-8days trip for me and my boyfriend in April (3rd to 10th ideally) to Nepal, Tibet, and, if possible, Bhutan. Do you think it would be doable? Based on what I read, there are some places/things to do to consider: Nepal: Everest Base Camp trek and the Annapurna Circuit, ancient temples, sacred sites like Lumbini, Kathmandu, Tibet: The Potala Palace in Lhasa and the Jokhang Temple. eventually the holy Mount Kailash or the high-altitude plains. Bhutan: Thimphu, Paro, and the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery. To take part in cultural traditions, yoga, meditation... Of course I am open to any recommendations you could make. For your reference, we are both based in Asia: him, in Bangkok and myself in Macau. Thank you so much for the information you could provide and, if possible, an estimated budget for your offer.
Asked by Ke** from Singapore
Cycling Tour to Mt Kailash
Hi , we are planning a Cycling Trip once Tibet opens for Tourism. The plan is we shall arrive to Kathmandu , travel to the border and enter via Kerung. Can you pls send a day to day Itinerary starting from Kerung - Lake Manasarovar - Darchen - Asthapath. We shall go around Kailash on foot and resume Cycling back to Kerung. We are a Group of 6-8 persons. Thanks Pls send ur reply to Kevin
Asked by Debo** from USA
Please can you tell me the prices and dates for the Tibet Luxury Tour.
Also, could you please provide a detailed itinerary - I want to see how many hours are spent on buses/vehicles. Thank you! Deborah
Asked by S** from HongKong
Tibet Tour from HK
May I know if holding Mainland Travel Permit for HK Residents. is it also need to get the visa permit to Tibet and what is the procedure if need to apply? Thank you
Asked by Na** from USA
Is Kailash Mansarovar Trip open for Indian Passport Holder?
Is it open for Indian Passport Holder?
Asked by A** from Singapore
Enquiry on private tour
We are planning a trip from Hong Kong to Tibet during the 12th to 21st of April. We want a private tour that covers all the scenic places as well as the EBC. Please advise an itinerary along with the cost breakdown. Thanks.