Rakshastal lies along the road between Purang and Manasarovar, so pilgrims on the Hilsa route see it on arrival. Overland groups reach it with a short drive from Chiu. The lake is about 4,575 m and covers roughly 250 sq km, with a few rust-coloured islands and almost no vegetation on its shores. On calm days the reflection of Kailash lies in the water.
In Hindu tradition this is where Ravana performed penance to please Shiva, and it is considered inauspicious for bathing or offerings. Tibetans call it Lhanag Tso, the dark lake of poison. Pilgrims stop to see it, take photographs and continue; the contrast with the life around Manasarovar is the point of the visit.
Wind picks up strongly in the afternoon, so carry a warm jacket even if the sun is out. The road verges are soft; stay where the driver parks and walk to the shore on firm ground. The stop takes an hour or so, and it fits neatly into the transfer day.
Good for
- Photographers
- Pilgrims
- Families
- Groups
Questions travellers ask
Why do pilgrims not bathe in Rakshastal?
Rakshastal is associated with Ravana's penance and is considered inauspicious for rituals in Hindu tradition. Its water is also saline. Pilgrims view it, photograph Kailash across it and move on to Manasarovar for the snan and puja. No offerings are made at Rakshastal by most groups.
How far is Rakshastal from Lake Manasarovar?
The two lakes are separated by a narrow ridge only a few kilometres wide and linked by the Ganga Chhu channel. From Chiu Gompa it is a drive of about 15–30 minutes to a Rakshastal viewpoint, and the Purang–Manasarovar road runs along its eastern shore.
Is Rakshastal higher or lower than Manasarovar?
Rakshastal is slightly lower, at about 4,575 m, compared with about 4,590 m for Manasarovar. When Manasarovar is full, water flows west through the Ganga Chhu into Rakshastal, which has no outflow of its own and is therefore salty.
