Tibet is an outdoor paradise in the hearts of many travelers. Apart from its towering snow-capped mountains, what captivates people most about Tibet is its deep, serene lakes. In Tibetan, the word pronounced as “cuo”(also spelled “cuo”)),Today, let’s count the Five Great “Lakes” of Tibet and admire those breathtaking Tibetan lakescapes together.
Lake Manasarovar
Lake Manasarovar is one of Tibet’s Three Holy Lakes. Its Tibetan name means “Unconquerable Jade Lake,” and it is also one of the highest-altitude freshwater lakes in Tibet. The surrounding natural scenery is incredibly beautiful, and the water is extremely clear. Many religious scriptures and legends describe Lake Manasarovar as the dwelling place of the Dragon King’s palace. The eminent Tang Dynasty monk Xuanzang also wrote about it in his “Great Tang Records of the Western Regions,” referring to it as the “Western Paradise Jade Pool.” In Hindu mythology, Lake Manasarovar was formed by the mind of Shiva (the supreme god of Hinduism), as it is the place where Shiva and his wife, the goddess Uma—daughter of the Himalayas—bathe, making the lake’s waters sacred.
Transportation:You can only get there by hiring a private car. Alternatively, take a bus to Purang County, get off at Hor Township, and then hitch a ride to Jiwu Monastery within the township.
Lake Yamdrok
In Tibetan,““Yam””means “above”;““Dro””means “pasture”;““Yong””means “jade”;“and “Cuo””means “lake.” Together,it translates to““Jade Lake on the High Pasture.””This is the literal interpretation of Yamdrok. However, in the hearts of Tibetans, Yamdrok is seen as“a turquoise earring scattered by a goddess.”The scenery of Yamdrok is picturesque, like stepping into a fairyland. It is a unique natural scenic area that combines plateau lakes, snow-capped mountains, islands, pastures, hot springs, wildlife, temples, and more. The area is also surrounded by year-round snow-capped peaks, the highest of which reach overThe scenery is picturesque, as if in a fairyland on earth. Yamdrok Lake is a unique natural scenic area that combines various landscapes such as plateau lakes, snow-capped mountains, islands, pastures, hot springs, wildlife, and temples. The surrounding area also features snow-capped mountains and glaciers that remain frozen year-round, with the highest reaching an altitude of7000meters above sea level. The integration of lakes, snow peaks, and blue skies is truly enchanting.
Transportation:Hire a private car from Lhasa, or takeCharter a car to Saga, or takeBuses from Gyantse or Nanggarze County,all 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 varying sizes flowing into the lake along its shores. The lake water is crystal clear, and the surface takes on a sky-blue hue, blending seamlessly with the sky. For hundreds of years, countless Buddhist devotees have come to Namtso with deep reverence—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 are believed to gain profound knowledge and boundless merit, while letting go of bad habits and suffering, ultimately attaining enlightenment.
Transportation:Take a bus from the Eastern Suburb Bus Station in Lhasa to Damxung,30yuan/per person, then find a taxi in Damxung to take you to Namtso. A one-day round trip costs about500yuan/by car.
Dangreyongco Lake
Dangreyongco Lake is the largest sacred lake revered by Tibet’s ancient Bon religion, and also the third-largest lake in Tibet. Shaped like the sole of a shoe and extending from north to south, thisvast lake is surrounded by mountains on three sides and, together with Mount Daru, is regarded as a divine sacred site by Bon followers. Before the fifth century,the Tibetan Plateauwas home to a highly advanced ancientKingdom of Shangshung. At its peak, the Kingdom of Shangshung spanned vast territories: its western reaches extended to Mount Kailash in today’sNgari Prefecture(Upper Shangshung),(its central region covered areas such as Nyima and Shenzha across the northern Tibetan Plateau)(Middle Shangshung),(and its eastern boundary reached present-day Dingqing in Chamdo)(Lower Shangshung).(With an extremely expansive domain, it was the earliest center of civilization on the Tibetan Plateau. Among these, the center of Middle Shangshung was located near Mount Daguo and Dangreyongco Lake. Even today, visitors can still see), the territory was extremely vast, serving as the earliest civilization center on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Among this, the heart of Central Xiangxiong was located near Mount Daguo and Lake Dangreyongco. To this day, visitors can still see hereThe ruins of the ancient Xiangxiong Kingdom’s palace.
Transportation:You can hire a private car from Nyima County in the Nagqu region to get there.
Lake Yamdrok
In the hearts of the Tibetan people, “Lake Yamdrok” is the soul lake of the goddess Palden Lhamo, the “Goddess of Fortune.” Lake Yamdrok 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 embraced by surrounding mountains. The lake remains frozen for about7months each year. In summer, once thawed, the lake is sometimes calm and crystal clear, while other times it becomes windswept and cloud-covered, occasionally emitting strange sounds and displaying various miraculous phenomena.Legend has it that this sacred lake has the divine power to predict the past, present, and“future”lives of individuals. It can reveal each pilgrim’s destiny as long as they gaze into its waters with devotion. The holy lake will then show various visions of the future to the worshippers.
Transportation:In most cases, you can only hire a private car, and since there are few tourists, it is hard to find someone to share the ride.
Every place is so beautiful — go to Tibet in 2016!
Travel Tips for Tibet:
1Tibet is at a high altitude with thin air, severe oxygen deficiency, and harsh weather. Those suffering from colds, hypertension, heart or lung diseases, or symptoms like coughing and fever should not visit.
2Food and accommodation conditions in Tibet are relatively basic. It’s advisable to bring some dry food such as biscuits, glucose, dehydrated meals, etc., for emergencies. Eat more 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 never touch Buddha statues, scriptures, or take photos without permission. In some areas, do not walk counterclockwise.
4When entering a Tibetan tent or home, do not step on the threshold with your feet, and do not spit in front of others.
5In Tibetan areas, you may occasionally see cattle and sheep marked with red, yellow, or green cloth roaming the fields. Do not drive them away, harm them, or disturb them — they are offerings for worship. Also, never disrespect eagles or vultures, which are sacred birds to Tibetans.
6When Tibetans stick out their tongues, it is a sign of respect, not mockery; pressing palms together is a form of greeting.
7When circumambulating temples, stupas, prayer flags, mani stones, or spinning prayer wheels, always move in a strict clockwise direction.
8Some Vajrayana (Tantric) sites are off-limits to women. If politely refused entry, please understand and cooperate.
9Presenting a khata (silk scarf) is an important Tibetan gesture of respect or welcome to honored guests. When offered one, simply lower your head to allow it to be placed around your neck. Returning the gesture with palms pressed together is appreciated. Never discard a khata carelessly.
10Tibetans deeply cherish wildlife. Try not to discuss topics related to hunting or eating wild animals, including donkey, horse, or dog meat, which are taboo in some areas. In certain regions, fish are also not eaten.
11Do not buy any products made from wild animal fur, such as Tibetan antelope horns or wild yak skulls, in Tibet.
12Do not dump waste into rivers, lakes, or any bodies of water, and avoid littering. Take all trash back with you in the wilderness.
13Tibet has a long winter and short summer, with distinct seasons only in parts of southeastern Tibet. The best travel period is from July to September, when temperatures are mild and many festivals take place.
14The Tibetan Plateau receives intense direct sunlight with very strong ultraviolet rays, which can damage the optic nerve to varying degrees. Bring UV-protective sunglasses and sun hats, and apply sunscreen. Men should also use sunblock.
2Food and accommodation conditions in Tibet are relatively basic. It’s advisable to bring some dry food such as biscuits, glucose, dehydrated meals, etc., for emergencies. Eat more 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 never touch Buddha statues, scriptures, or take photos without permission. In some areas, do not walk counterclockwise.
4When entering a Tibetan tent or home, do not step on the threshold with your feet, and do not spit in front of others.
5In Tibetan areas, you may occasionally see cattle and sheep marked with red, yellow, or green cloth roaming the fields. Do not drive them away, harm them, or disturb them — they are offerings for worship. Also, never disrespect eagles or vultures, which are sacred birds to Tibetans.
6When Tibetans stick out their tongues, it is a sign of respect, not mockery; pressing palms together is a form of greeting.
7When circumambulating temples, stupas, prayer flags, mani stones, or spinning prayer wheels, always move in a strict clockwise direction.
8Some Vajrayana (Tantric) sites are off-limits to women. If politely refused entry, please understand and cooperate.
9Presenting a khata (silk scarf) is an important Tibetan gesture of respect or welcome to honored guests. When offered one, simply lower your head to allow it to be placed around your neck. Returning the gesture with palms pressed together is appreciated. Never discard a khata carelessly.
10Tibetans deeply cherish wildlife. Try not to discuss topics related to hunting or eating wild animals, including donkey, horse, or dog meat, which are taboo in some areas. In certain regions, fish are also not eaten.
11Do not buy any products made from wild animal fur, such as Tibetan antelope horns or wild yak skulls, in Tibet.
12Do not dump waste into rivers, lakes, or any bodies of water, and avoid littering. Take all trash back with you in the wilderness.
13Tibet has a long winter and short summer, with distinct seasons only in parts of southeastern Tibet. The best travel period is from July to September, when temperatures are mild and many festivals take place.
14The Tibetan Plateau receives intense direct sunlight with very strong ultraviolet rays, which can damage the optic nerve to varying degrees. Bring UV-protective sunglasses and sun hats, and apply sunscreen. Men should also use sunblock.