Tirthpuri

Rakshas Tal: The Mysterious Crescent-Shaped Salt Lake of Tibet

Tirthapuri, located in Western Tibet, is a renowned pilgrimage site alongside Lake Manasarovar and Mount Kailash. Situated north of Mount Kailash on the northern bank of the Sutlej River, it is accessible within a couple of hours' drive from Darchen. The site is notable for its natural hot springs, geysers, and a monastery, making it a significant spiritual and natural attraction for pilgrims and visitors alike.

The following are the key features and significance of Tirthapuri:

Pilgrimage Closing: Following Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar as the most important pilgrimage sites in the region, Tirthpuri is often visited for cleansing rituals after the main kora.

Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava): It is believed that Padmasambhava and Yeshe Tsogyel meditated here during his lifetime.

Hot spring & Healing: It is known for its steaming, mineral-rich hot springs, which pilgrims use for bathing, believing they have healing properties.

Bhasmasur Parvat: The white, powdery, and red soil around the springs represents the ashes of the demon Bhasmasur, according to Hindu tradition.

Key Rituals: There is a Karma-testing hole (a rocky hole where pilgrims pull out stones to check their karma) and a cremation site on site.

Monastery: There is a rock in the Tirthpuri Monastery that contains the footprints of Padmasambhava.

Location: Situated in the Ngari Prefecture of the Tibet Autonomous Region, it is roughly 65km west of Darchen and 9km south of Mincer.