
Lake Mansarovar, a high-altitude freshwater lake in the Himalayas at 4,590 meters (15,060 ft), is considered sacred by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and followers of Bon. Its crystal-clear waters and serene surroundings attract numerous pilgrims. Hindus believe the lake originated from Lord Brahma’s mind, while Buddhists see it as the birthplace of Padmasambhava. All religions regard it as a place for purification and spiritual growth.
Many pilgrims see visiting Lake Mansarovar as a deeply meaningful spiritual journey. They participate in the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, which includes a pilgrimage around the lake and the sacred Mount Kailash. Devout followers do this to seek blessings and achieve spiritual liberation. The journey can be tough, involving high altitudes and difficult paths, but many believe the rewards are great. Bathing in the holy waters of the lake, walking around its shores, and meditating on its calm beauty are seen as important acts of spiritual devotion.
Camping and Accommodation options around Lake Mansarovar
Although the Kailash Charan Sparsh Man Sarovar tour is among the easy tours in Nepal, there are some factors that are important for tourists to consider. One of these factors is accommodation, where the tourists rest and rejuvenate after a long day of trek. Tourists can stay in different types of accommodation during the tour, so let’s get into them.
Luxury Hotels
Luxury Hotels are available in a few towns or cities like Darchen, Kathmandu, etc. One of the best hotels for trekkers is the Himalayan Kailash Hotel. It offers clean rooms, private bathrooms, hot showers, and a restaurant known for its tea. Chinese and Western dishes are also available. Another good choice is the Chengdu Grand Hotel. While older and less luxurious than the Himalayan Kailash Hotel, it provides affordable rooms with basic amenities, including simple accommodations and everyday meals. The luxury hotel costs around $500 to $1000 per day.
Lodges
Lodges are another mode of accommodation during this iconic Kailash Tour. The lodges are cheaper than luxury hotels and have limited services, making them ideal for any budget-friendly options. Lodges are the most popular option for accommodation during the Kailash Mansarovar Tour. Often during the Kailash yatra, the tourists are from middle-class families looking to enjoy their time with their children, so most of them prefer to stay in lodges. The cost to stay in lodges is about $150 per day.
Guest Houses
Guest houses are a popular option for staying during the Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Tour. They are smaller than hotels and offer a more personal experience. You can find guest houses in small villages along the trail, providing basic amenities. Key locations like Kerung, Mansarovar, Dirapuk, and Dzuthulpuk have guest houses and lodges for pilgrims and trekkers. Local villagers run these guest houses, which helps you connect with them and experience their culture and traditions. They offer cozy beds, blankets, shared bathrooms, and hot showers. Guest houses usually operate a dormitory system, where multiple trekkers share large rooms. This setup allows you to meet other travelers and share your experiences during the journey.
Camping
There is one more method of accommodation for this tour package, and that is camping. When there was a lack of hotels, lodges, etc, tourists used to carry tents for camping in the barren lands, and this method is still in practice. Camping is one of the fun ways of staying overnight, as tourists often light a bonfire around the camp and make dinner, sing, dance, play games, and tell stories to entertain before going to their respective camp for bed. However, camping is only fun and possible during the summer, spring, and autumn seasons, and it is tough during the monsoon and winter seasons.