Tibet is an outdoor paradise in the hearts of many travelers. Beyond its towering snow-capped mountains, what captivates people most about Tibet are its deep, serene lakes. In Tibetan, the word pronounced “cuo” (also spelled “cuo”),Today, let’s count down Tibet’s top five “cuo” and take a look at those breathtaking Tibetan lake vistas.
Lake Manasarovar
Lake Manasarovar is one of Tibet’s three sacred lakes. Its Tibetan name means “Invincible Turquoise Lake,” and it is also one of the highest freshwater lakes in Tibet. The surrounding natural scenery is incredibly beautiful, and the lake water is extremely clear. Many religious scriptures and legends have described Lake Manasarovar as the dwelling place of the Dragon King’s palace. The eminent Tang Dynasty monk Xuanzang also mentioned Lake Manasarovar in his work “Great Tang Records of the Western Regions,” referring to it as the “Western Heavenly Jade Pool.” In Indian mythology, Lake Manasarovar was formed by the mind of Shiva (the Hindu chief deity), as it is the place where Shiva and his wife, Parvati (the daughter of the Himalayas), along with the goddess Uma, bathe—thus, the lake water is considered holy.
Transportation:You can only get there by hiring a private car. Alternatively, you can take a bus to Purang County, get off at Hor Township, and then hitch a ride to Jiwu Temple from the township.
Lake Yamdrok
In Tibetan,““Yam””means “above”;““Dro””means “pasture”;““Yong””means “turquoise”;“and “Cuo””means “lake.” Put together,it translates to““the turquoise lake of the upper pasture.””This is the literal meaning of Yamdrok, but in the eyes of Tibetans, Yamdrok is regarded as“a turquoise earring scattered by a goddess.”Lake Yamdrokfeatures picturesque scenery, like a scene from a fairyland. It is a unique natural scenic area that combines highland lakes, snow-capped mountains, islands, pastures, hot springs, wildlife, and temples. The area is also surrounded by year-round snow-capped peaks, the highest of which exceed7000meters in elevation. The lake, snow peaks, and blue sky blend seamlessly, making it a truly enchanting sight.
Transportation:Hire a private car from Lhasa, or take abook a private car in Saba, or takeBuses from Gyantse or Nanggarze County,both pass by Yamdrok Lake
Namtso
Namtso means“Heavenly Lake”in Tibetan. Located in the southeastern part of the northern Tibetan Plateau, north of the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains,The waters of Namtso Lake are replenished by the melting snow and ice of the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains, with numerous streams of various sizes flowing into the lake along its shores. The lake water is crystal clear and the surface exhibits a sky-blue hue, blending seamlessly with the sky. For hundreds of years, countless Buddhist devotees have come to Namtso piously—not for sightseeing, but to circumambulate the lake. Namtso is regarded as a sacred site of body, speech, and mind. Those who walk around the lake can gain profound knowledge and boundless merit, shed bad habits and suffering, and ultimately attain enlightenment.
Transportation:Take the bus from the Lhasa Eastern Suburb Passenger Transport Station from Lhasa to Damxung,30yuan/per person, then find a taxi in Damxung to Namtso. A one-day round trip costs about500yuan/by car.
Lake Dangreyongco
Lake Dangreyongco is the largest sacred lake revered by Tibet’s oldest Bon religion followers and is also the third-largest lake in Tibet. Dangreyongco is a large lake stretching from north to south, shaped like the sole of a shoe, surrounded by mountains on three sides, and together with Mount Targo, it is regarded as a divine sacred site by Bon followers.A large lake surrounded by mountains on three sides, revered as a sacred site of the gods by Bon followers, along with Mount Darugo. Before the fifth century,the Tibetan Plateauwas home to an ancient, highly developed civilization known as theZhangzhung Kingdom. At its peak, the Zhangzhung Kingdom spanned from the western region, including today’sNgari Prefectureand Mount Kailash((Upper Zhangzhung),)through central Ngari and Shenzha area in northern Tibet((Middle Zhangzhung),)to the eastern region including today’s Dêngqên in Chamdo((Lower Zhangzhung),)boasting extremely vast territories and serving as the earliest center of civilization on the Tibetan Plateau. Among these, the center of Middle Zhangzhung was located near Mount Targo and Lake Dangreyongco. Even today, visitors can still seeThe ruins of the ancient Guge Kingdom palace.
Transportation:You can hire a vehicle from Nyima County in Nagqu Prefecture to get there.
Lake Rakshastal
In the hearts of the Tibetan people, “Lake Rakshastal” is the soul lake of the goddess Palden Lhamo, the “Goddess of Auspiciousness.” Lake Rakshastal is a high-altitude freshwater lake, covering an area of approximately1square kilometers, with a surface elevation of over5000meters. It is oval-shaped, resembling a mirror surrounded by mountains, and the lake remains frozen for about7months each year. In summer, when the ice melts, the lake may be calm and clear as a mirror one moment, and the next, waves may rise without wind, clouds may gather densely, and strange sounds may emerge, along with various mysterious phenomena.Legend has it that the sacred lake has the divine power to predict the past, present, and“future”lives of individuals. It can reveal the destiny of every pilgrim who comes to worship the holy lake. As long as you gaze into the lake with devotion, the sacred lake will show the pilgrim various visions of the future.
Transportation:Generally, only hired vehicles are available, and due to the low number of tourists, it is difficult to find someone to share the ride.
Every place is so beautiful—go to Tibet in 2016 !
Tibet Travel Tips:
1Tibet has a high altitude, thin air, severe oxygen deficiency, and harsh climate. Those suffering from colds, high blood pressure, heart or lung diseases, coughing, or fever are advised not to go.
2The food and accommodation conditions in Tibet are relatively basic. Therefore, it’s advisable to bring some dry food such as biscuits, glucose, and dehydrated meals for emergencies, and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
3During your trip, do not enter temples without permission; once inside, do not smoke. It's okay to look at items inside the temple, but do not touch Buddha statues, scriptures, or take photos without authorization. Some places prohibit walking counterclockwise.
4When entering the tents or homes of Tibetan people, do not step on the doorstep with your feet, and do not spit in front of others.
5In Tibetan areas, you may occasionally see cattle and sheep roaming the countryside with red, yellow, or green cloth markers. Do not drive them away, harm them, or disturb them—they are offerings to the gods. Also, never show disrespect to eagles or vultures, as they are sacred birds to Tibetans.
6When Tibetans stick out their tongues, it is a sign of respect, not mockery; pressing palms together is a polite gesture.
7When circumambulating temples, stupas, prayer flags, mani piles, or during kora (circumambulation), always walk in a strict clockwise direction.
8Some Vajrayana areas are off-limits to women. If politely asked not to enter, please understand and cooperate.
9Offering a khata (silk scarf) is an important Tibetan custom to show respect to the gods or honored guests. When offered a khata, simply lower your head and allow the Tibetan friend to place it around your neck. It’s best to return the gesture with a palms-together bow. Remember not to throw the khata away casually.
10Tibetans care deeply about wildlife. Try not to talk about hunting or eating wild animals; avoid discussing eating donkey, horse, or dog meat. In some areas, eating fish is also prohibited.
11Do not purchase any products made from wild animal fur, antlers of wild Tibetan antelope, skulls of wild yaks, etc., in Tibet.
12Do not dump waste into rivers, lakes, or other bodies of water, and do not litter. Carry your trash back with you when in the wilderness.
13The climate in Tibet is long in winter and short in summer, with distinct seasons only in some parts of southeastern Tibet. July to September is the best travel season, with pleasant temperatures and many festivals.
14The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau receives intense direct sunlight, and ultraviolet rays are very strong, which can cause varying degrees of damage to the optic nerve. Bring radiation-proof sunglasses and sun hats, and it’s best to apply sunscreen. Men should also use sunblock.
2The food and accommodation conditions in Tibet are relatively basic. Therefore, it’s advisable to bring some dry food such as biscuits, glucose, and dehydrated meals for emergencies, and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
3During your trip, do not enter temples without permission; once inside, do not smoke. It's okay to look at items inside the temple, but do not touch Buddha statues, scriptures, or take photos without authorization. Some places prohibit walking counterclockwise.
4When entering the tents or homes of Tibetan people, do not step on the doorstep with your feet, and do not spit in front of others.
5In Tibetan areas, you may occasionally see cattle and sheep roaming the countryside with red, yellow, or green cloth markers. Do not drive them away, harm them, or disturb them—they are offerings to the gods. Also, never show disrespect to eagles or vultures, as they are sacred birds to Tibetans.
6When Tibetans stick out their tongues, it is a sign of respect, not mockery; pressing palms together is a polite gesture.
7When circumambulating temples, stupas, prayer flags, mani piles, or during kora (circumambulation), always walk in a strict clockwise direction.
8Some Vajrayana areas are off-limits to women. If politely asked not to enter, please understand and cooperate.
9Offering a khata (silk scarf) is an important Tibetan custom to show respect to the gods or honored guests. When offered a khata, simply lower your head and allow the Tibetan friend to place it around your neck. It’s best to return the gesture with a palms-together bow. Remember not to throw the khata away casually.
10Tibetans care deeply about wildlife. Try not to talk about hunting or eating wild animals; avoid discussing eating donkey, horse, or dog meat. In some areas, eating fish is also prohibited.
11Do not purchase any products made from wild animal fur, antlers of wild Tibetan antelope, skulls of wild yaks, etc., in Tibet.
12Do not dump waste into rivers, lakes, or other bodies of water, and do not litter. Carry your trash back with you when in the wilderness.
13The climate in Tibet is long in winter and short in summer, with distinct seasons only in some parts of southeastern Tibet. July to September is the best travel season, with pleasant temperatures and many festivals.
14The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau receives intense direct sunlight, and ultraviolet rays are very strong, which can cause varying degrees of damage to the optic nerve. Bring radiation-proof sunglasses and sun hats, and it’s best to apply sunscreen. Men should also use sunblock.