The Practice of Walking Around Tibet's Holy Lakes

Walking around Tibet's holy lakes is a deeply spiritual practice for Tibetan Buddhists, which is called kora. The core idea is to accumulate merit (good karma) and pray for wishes, like health for family or peace. Unlike a regular hike, every step here has meaning. These lakes—think Namtso Lake, Yamdrok Lake, and Manasarovar Lake—are Tibet's most sacred lakes. Locals believe the water is a gift from deities, so the kora is a way to honor both their faith and nature. You'll see pilgrims carrying prayer flags or mani stones; they hang the flags on rocks or pile the stones to add to the sacred energy. And if you see someone prostrating the whole way—that's a more intense form of devotion. As a visitor, you can stick to a short walk; the key is to respect whatever way people choose to practice.

Where to Do the Kora: Our Top Holy Lake Picks

Wondering where you can experience this for yourself? Here's a quick guide to some of the most accessible and rewarding kora experiences for your Tibet tour, categorized by difficulty to help you plan your Tibet travel adventure.

Beginner-Friendly: Yamdrok Lake

Famous for its stunning, turquoise waters, Yamdrok Lake (4,441m) is a fantastic place for first-timer. The terrain around the main viewpoints is relatively gentle and the altitude is more manageable, making it perfect for a short, mindful walk. You can combine this with incredible photo opportunities of the lake set against snow-capped mountains. It's a highlight on many Lhasa to Everest Base Camp itineraries.

Intermediate Level: Namtso Lake's Tashi Peninsula

For those with a bit more trekking stamina, the kora around Namtso Lake (4,718 m) on the Tashi Peninsula is recommended. A 1–2 hour walk rewards you with eye-opening views of one of Tibet's highest lakes. You'll pass by massive mani stone mounds and fluttery prayer flag forests, often sharing the path with local Tibetan pilgrims.

The Deep Dive: Manasarovar Lake

As one of the world's most revered lakes (sacred to Buddhists, Hindus, and Jains), Manasarovar Lake (4,588m) offers a profound pilgrimage. The full kora is a multi-day, 50+ km commitment for seasoned travelers, passing by ancient monasteries and sacred springs. This is for the true adventure seeker looking for a life-changing journey.

How to Truly Experience the Kora around Sacred Lakes

Start by watching the little things: notice how pilgrims spin their prayer wheels at a steady pace, or listen for the soft "Om Mani Padme Hum" (the six-syllable mantra) they murmur. Look at the mani stones—each one has hand-carved prayers, some hundreds of years old. Want to join in gently? Ask your guide to help you hang a prayer flag, and it's a simple way to add your own good wishes. Afterward, take a minute to sit by the lake: feel the wind, listen to the water, and soak in how peaceful it is. That's the memory you'll take home.

Conclusion

We'll pair you with a local guide who knows the best routes and can share stories about the lakes' history. No need to stress about altitude, permits, or transport—we take care of all that.