Lake Namtso

Lake Namtso, also called Heavenly Lake, is at the border of Lhasa and Nagqu in central Tibet. It is the second largest lake in China, also the largest in Tibet. The lake resembles the shape of rectangle, 70 kilometers long and 30 kilometers wide with a total area of over 1920 square kilometers. It is the highest lake in the world, with an altitude of 4,718 meters. Namtso in Tibetan means holy, so the lake is one of the three holiest lakes in Tibet and a site of frequent pilgrimages for Tibetan Buddhism.

The pure blue lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and vast grassland dotted with yak herds and local nomads. Visitors come here for its stunning beauty and religious relations. Every one to here will be shocked by the great work by the nature and feel the soul is purified as a part of the holy world.

Religious Significance

At the end of twelfth century, famous monks of Tibetan Buddhism practiced doctrines of tantra and pioneered the way of circling around the lake to worship the God at the year of Sheep in Tibetan Lunar Calendar. The pilgrims believe that all Buddha, Bodhisattvas and Gods of Law will gather on the lake to hold lectures on the lake in the year of sheep. Therefore, the effort of chanting scriptures while circling around the lake at this period is more than thousand times in ordinary days.

The bank of the lake is covered with Mani stones since every pilgrim passing by will leave one. Every year, pilgrims of Tibetan Buddhism from Tibet, Sichuan, Qinghai and Gansu come from a long journey to pay a pilgrim to the lake in order to purify their souls. The highest lake on earth isolated from the modern civilization with its original natural ecology, is the shrine of pilgrims.

Highlights of the Lake

Everyone to Lake Namtso wonders if their soul was purified by the pure water of the lake. The deep blue sky and the pure blue lake blend into a harmonious whole. The magnificent snow-capped peaks flicker in the sunshine while the vast grassland disappears in the far distance like a green carpet.

Buddhists says the peninsulas in the lake are the five incarnations of Buddha and every pilgrim to the holy lake will worship them piously. Several small monasteries, some hermit caves and rocks with grotesque can be found on the peninsulas. In the caves, visitors can see murals of animals, flowers, clouds and words. Besides, the vast grassland adds more features for the tour to Lake Namtso.

June to September is the best time to visit Lake Namtso since the snow and coldness will stop people from the plateau. Tibet Travel permit is required and tourists should be aware of the high attitude sickness since the altitude here is 1,000 meters higher than Lhasa. The most convenient way to Lake Namtso for individual travelers is taking a bus from a local travel agency.