At an altitude of 4,588 meters above sea level, the 400-square-kilometer Lake Manasarova (玛旁雍措, Ma Pang Yong Cuo) is one of the fresh water lakes of highest elevation in the world. It is located about 30 kilometers to the south of the Mount Kailash. The holiest lake regarded by Buddhists, Manasarova also has many precious treasures at the bottom.

Its name, which means unbeatable, was from 11^th century when a religious war fought between orthodox Tibetan Buddhism and Bon religious sect. The former won and saw it as a lake that unbeatable forever. There are many monasteries and temple built along the lake, but only eight have still been left today.

According to ancient Indian and Buddhist views on the universe, Indus, Ganges, Sutlej and Brahmaputra Rivers, which are flowing through the Indian soil, originated from the holy lake in Tibet. But in fact, only the Sutjet is from the Lake Manasarova, and actually the other rivers’ heads are not very far from here.

Buddhism believers think that the crystal-clear water in the Lake Manasarova is a great gift from the Heaven. The holy water can clean people’s hearts. Therefore, the area along with the Mount Kailash altogether a holy land regarded by Buddhism, Hinduism and Bon. It is the true paradise on our planet.

Once upon a time Brahma the God applied His spiritual power to form the Lake Manasarova. This was because His children wanted a place to have a bath after they had practiced asceticism in the holy mountain. So, today people who have Hinduism faith like to have bath in the lake. However, local Tibetans will just pay respect to the lake but not to swim or have a bath, the water is cold even during the warmest season and it is quite windy all the time. Some of the tourists at home and abroad may like to wash in the cold water to cleanse their weary souls. Additionally, some old religious books describe Lake Manasarova’s water is like pearls, it can cleanse all the sin in people’s bodies and souls. All the Tibetan here will tell you that the water not only drinkable but also so sweet.

Jiwu Monastery (即乌寺) is seen up the hill, where near the Lake Manasarova. It is said that Master Lianhuasheng practiced meditation in a cave inside the monastery. Although Jiwu Monastery is small with just a few small Tibetan style Buddhist dormitories, the architectural layout is very akin to the gigantic Potala Palace in Lhasa. If you not want to roam around the lake, you may climb up the hill and have a bird eyes’ view of the whole, azure blue Lake Manasarova. You can also see flying birds of unknown species and meet face to face with local pious monks.

Hot spring is just beside the Jiwu Monastery. The locals made it become a swimming pool, but the water has a smell of sulphur.