The History of Kailash Mansarovar
A Sacred Mountain and Lake
Long, long ago, in the high mountains of the Himalayas, there was a special place called Kailash Mansarovar. This place has two main parts: Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar.
Mount Kailash
Mount Kailash is a tall, beautiful mountain that looks like a giant pyramid made of rock and ice. It is very special for many people. Hindus believe it is the home of Lord Shiva, a powerful and kind god. Buddhists think it is a place where their important teacher, Buddha, went on a journey. Jains say it is the place where their first teacher, Rishabhadeva, got freedom. And for the people of Tibet, it is a sacred place where their gods live.
Lake Mansarovar
Next to the mountain is Lake Mansarovar, a large and beautiful lake. Its water is so clear that it looks like a mirror. People believe that taking a bath in this lake can wash away their sins and make them pure. The name “Mansarovar” comes from two words: “Manas,” which means mind, and “Sarovar,” which means lake. So, it is called the Lake of the Mind.
Legends and Stories
There are many old stories about Kailash Mansarovar. One story says that a long time ago, a king dreamed about a perfect, clear lake. He searched for it and finally found Lake Mansarovar. Another story tells about a big battle between gods and demons that happened on Mount Kailash. The gods won and made the mountain holy.
Pilgrimage and Adventure
For thousands of years, people have been visiting Kailash Mansarovar to pray and find peace. This journey is called a pilgrimage. It is not easy to get there because the mountains and lakes are very high up and the weather can be very cold. But people from all over the world come because they believe it is worth the effort.
A Place of Peace
Today, Kailash Mansarovar is not just a holy place; it is also a symbol of peace and unity. It shows how people of different religions can come together to respect and honor something special. Even if the journey is hard, the beauty and peace of Kailash Mansarovar make it a place everyone dreams of visiting one day.
Weather in Kailash Mansarovar
As we know, Mount Kailash stands at 6638 meters. It is regarded as a holy mountain and is worshipped by Buddhists, Jains, Hindus, and Bon devotees. Nearby there is also a Lake Mansarovar. It is situated at about 4590 meters. It is regarded as the freshwater which is believed to purify the soul. They are regarded as the holy place.
Many people visit Kailash Mansarovar and enjoy the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra every year. You may also be confused about the best time to visit Kailash Mansarovar. It depends upon the weather conditions and the interest of the person. You should know about the weather in Kailash Mansarovar before traveling. It is one of the important factors for a safe and memorable journey. We suggest you know the following weather details about Kailash Mansarovar before starting your journey.
| Month | Average Day Temperature (°C) | Average Night Temperature (°C) | Rainfall (mm) | Average Humidity (%) | Weather Conditions |
| January | -5°C to -15°C | -20°C to -10°C | 42 | 20 | Extremely cold, heavy snowfall |
| February | -5°C to -15°C | -20°C to -10°C | 27 | 20 | Extremely cold, heavy snowfall |
| March | 0°C to 10°C | –10°C to 0°C | 40 | 25 | Snow begins to melt |
| April | 5°C to 15°C | -5°C to 5°C | 24 | 30 | Cold, clearer skies |
| May | 10°C to 20°C | 0°C to 10°C | 21 | 40 | Mild, pleasant |
| June | 15°C to 25°C | 5°C to 15°C | 32 | 50 | Mild, pleasant |
| July | 20°C to 30°C | 10°C to 20°C | 107 | 60 | Rainy, lush, and green |
| August | 20°C to 30°C | 10°C to 20°C | 119 | 60 | Rainy, lush, and green |
| September | 15°C to 25°C | 5°C to 15°C | 54 | 50 | Mild, clear skies |
| October | 10°C to 20°C | 0°C to 10°C | 24 | 40 | Cold, clear skies |
| November | 5°C to 15°C | 5°C to 5°C | 6 | 30 | Very cold, increasing snow |
| December | 0°C to 10°C | -10°C to 0°C | 16 | 25 | Extremely cold, heavy snowfall |
This table provides an overview of the weather conditions, rainfalls, and temperatures at Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar throughout the year.
Above chart is the graphical representation of weather in Kailash Mansarovar. In this chart, the blue segments represents the Rainfall (mm) and the orange segment represents the Humidity (%) in the month. It shows about the average night temperature, average day temperature, rainfall and humidity of that area in particular month.
Notes:
- The data are generated by analyzing different meteorological sites. The actual data can vary a bit.
- Humidity levels are relatively low except during the monsoon season
So, if you are still confused about “what is the best time to visit Kailash Mansarovar?”. Here is a detailed idea about the best time in terms of weather, festive season, or year.
Best time to visit Kailash Mansarovar in terms of Weather.
The temperature in the Kailash Mansarovar region changes dramatically according to season. It is due to high altitude. Among the four seasons, most people love to visit Kailash Mansarovar in Spring and Autumn. They are from May to June and September to October. This time the weather is clear with stable conditions and amazing views. However, due to high elevation, visitors must be aware of the risks of altitude sickness. They must take the appropriate measures to acclimatize.
Here is a full detailed guide on weather and temperature so that you can plan for Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar Yatra.
Spring (April to June)
In spring, the weather in Kailash Mansarovar is pleasant and mild. The temperature can range from 5°C to 10°C. The snow starts melting at this time. The skies will be clearer with amazing views of Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. But, be alert at night because it can still be cold at higher altitudes.
Spring is one of the popular times for pilgrims and trekkers. There may be a crowd in the peak season. Not only the crowd but also the permit and accommodation costs may increase. It may also require more time to prepare the documents. Proper preparation and early booking can help tackle such delays and problems.
Summer (July to August)
In summer, the weather in Kailash Mansarovar is generally warmer. This time is also regarded as the monsoon season. At this time, this region receives less rainfall than other parts of the country. It is regarded as the best time to visit Kailash Mansarovar. There is green beautiful scenery due to the monsoon rain. It will also be less crowded and more peaceful as less number of pilgrims or trekkers will visit.
But, even if there is less rainfall, you must be careful about the muddy and slippery route. There might be landslides in many places of Nepal. Due to cloudy skies, it will be difficult to see the amazing view of Mount Kailash too. You might also be bothered by insects. The warm and wet conditions can lead to an increase in insects like mosquitoes. You can travel by carefully planning the trip.
Autumn (September to October)
Autumn is also a good time to visit Kailash Mansarovar. It offers clear skies and beautiful scenery. At this time, the weather is stable but it will be cold rapidly. The temperature may vary during day time from 5°C to 15°C but can drop below 0°C at night time. This time is the beginning of the winter season. In this season, you can also get the opportunity to see different festivals on your way.
But in autumn, the days become shorter. So, it can limit the daylight to trekkers. You can go on the trip by doing proper planning. You should prepare for colder nights and shorter days.
Winter (Late October to March)
Winter is the least crowded season for visiting Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. During this season, the weather in Kailash Mansarovar is extremely cold. The temperature might go below -15°C. There will be heavy snowfall. The peaks are covered with snow and the lake Mansarovar will also get freeze.
Due to extreme snowfall, the trekking routes may be blocked and can be inaccessible. The cold wind and low temperature will make it hard to walk. The Yatra will be more dangerous at this time. So, the yatra is closed during this period due to weather conditions. This time is more challenging so it is not much recommended. If you are planning to trek in winter, you should do proper planning.
Best time to visit Kailash Mansarovar: During Saga Dawa Festival (萨噶达瓦节)
The Saga Dawa Festival is one of the most important religious events in Tibetan Buddhism. It celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha. All of these are believed to have happened on the same day. During this festival, many Buddhists go to Mount Kailash in Tibet. Walking around Mount Kailash is considered highly auspicious on this day. People also engage in charitable activities like donating to monasteries and giving food or money to poor people. Some people also free captive animals. One of the main rituals during Saga Dawa is the raising of a large prayer flag pole at Mount Kailash. This event attracts many pilgrims and is a highlight of the festival.
The Saga Dawa festival was held on 23rd May 2024. In 2025, the Saga Dawa Festival will be held on June 11. The date varies each year. It is based on the Tibetan lunar calendar. But it mostly falls in May or June.
Mount Kailash Mansarovar yatra during the Saga Dawa festival allows you to see and enjoy the traditional activities. The activities include chanting, worshipping, dancing, and praying.
It’s not necessary that you visit Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar during the festive season. It depends upon your choice.
Best time to visit Kailash Mansarovar in terms of Year
In Tibetan culture, the Horse Year and the Goat Year are considered particularly auspicious for pilgrims to visit Mount Kailash. These years are based on the Tibetan lunar calendar. These special years come once every 12 years in the Tibetan calendar. Many devotees plan their trips to coincide with these auspicious times. It is said to have Kailash Kora during the Horse year and Mansarovar Kora during the Goat year. It is believed that you will get a blessing 12 times more powerful than what you receive in other years.
Previously, 2014 was Horse year and 2015 was Goat year. Now, 2026 will be the next Horse year and 2027 will be the next Goat year.
However, this is only a Tibetan tradition. Visitors from around the world can visit Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake whenever they are ready.
Conclusion
In conclusion, May to June and September to October are the ideal times of year to visit Kailash Mansarovar. The best weather is experienced during these times of the year. It has clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and amazing scenery. The journey or yatra can be difficult because of the high altitudes and risk of altitude sickness. However, you can enjoy it with proper planning and acclimatization.
Hence, Mount Kailash attracts people not only because of favorable weather conditions but also because of the festival. To celebrate the Saga Dawa Festival, pilgrims from all over Tibet and Asia travel to Tibet in May and June each year. People also travel to Kailash Mansarovar during the Horse year and Goat year because people believe these years as auspicious years.
So, these times offer the best situation for an amazing trek to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar.
