Kailash Mansarovar Yatra FAQs

Rakshas Tal got its name because of the belief that the Demon (Rakshas) King Ravana constructed the Lake. Due to both Mythological and Scientific reasons, Rakshastal is believed to be inauspicious.  People avoid taking dips or collecting water from it, unlike the Mansarovar lake, which is situated only 500 meters away from Rakshastal. According to the mythological story, it is believed that the crescent shape of Rakshastal symbolises darkness and is filled with negativity, which even affected Ravana's mind was affected by the negativity which made Ravana dare to ask the wife of Lord Shiva for a blessing from Lord Shiva. Science says it is the saline level of the lake that makes the water unsuitable for humans to interact with, and is also the reason no aquatic life is found in the lake.

The literal meaning of Rakshastal is The Lake of Devil or The Lake of Demon. It is located to the west of Lake Mansarovar. It is a saltwater lake carrying a high amount of negativity. Rakshastal has four islands, namely Dola, Lachato, Topserma, and Dosharba.

The demon king Ravana meditated and worshipped Lord Shiva here. Ravana wanted Lord Shiva to shift to Lanka, but Lord Shiva denied this and said he wouldn’t leave Kailash. Thus, it is said that Ravana recited the Shiva Tandav Stotram here to impress Lord Shiva.  The Chinese authority has barricaded the area of Rakshastal; you can spot the lake at a distance.

According to Hindu mythology, the Rakshastal is associated with the demon king Ravana. Rakshastal is considered to be a poisonous lake, and going for a dip in it can have a highly negative impact. Taking a dip in Rakshastal can be fatal and may result in health-related issues.

You will reach Rakshastal on Day 5 of the 11-day heli route itinerary and on Day 7 of the 14-day overland route itinerary. You will be spending about 10 to 15 minutes at Rakshastal, which is sufficient as no ritual is performed there; we only take a glimpse of the place and enjoy the view. One can notice the difference between the good (Lake Mansarovar) and the bad (Rakshastal) here. People often feel a negative aura surrounding the Rakshas Tal, so they do not prefer stopping by for too long.