Namtso Lake

Namtso Lake, the first sacred lake of the ancient Bon religion of Zhang Zhung, is one of the "Three Sacred Lakes" in Tibet. In Mongolian, it is called "Tengger Nor" (or "Tengger Sea"); in Tibetan, its full name is "Namtso Pumo," meaning the Prosperous Heavenly Lake (or Heavenly Lake, Spiritual Lake, or Sacred Lake); both names mean "Heavenly Lake." ⛰【Travel Guide】 📍Detailed Address: Namtso is located between Damxung County in Lhasa and Baingoin County in Nagqu. 🚗Transportation Guide: Namtso is 190 kilometers north of Lhasa. The first stop by car is Damxung County, 162 kilometers from Lhasa, and then it's another 40 kilometers to the lake area, passing through the Nagenla Mountain Pass at an altitude of 5150 meters. 🕙Opening Hours: 06:00~18:00 💰Ticket Price: 210.00 (180 yuan for the ticket + 40 yuan for the shuttle bus) 🌟Highlights: 1. Palms Stone: Also known as Parents Stone, it is said to be the incarnation of Father Nyenchen Tanglha Mountain and Mother Namtso Goddess, symbolizing their unwavering love. 2. Five islands in the lake stand amidst the vast expanse of blue waves. Buddhists believe they are the incarnations of the Five Dhyani Buddhas. Those who come to the sacred lake to worship and offer incense do so with utmost devotion. 3. The Namtso basin includes glaciers, alpine permafrost, seasonal snow, lakes, alpine meadows, and wetlands. 📌Tips: 1. There is a local Tibetan yogurt with a long-standing reputation for being delicious, a must-try authentic Tibetan dish. 2. Many travelers choose to stay overnight by the lake to witness the beauty of Namtso at dawn and dusk. There are earthen houses available for accommodation, which can house up to nine people; you can also stay at the local military post or in the earthen enclosures where Tibetans reside. 3. Circumambulation Route: Start from Lhasa to Namtso Tashi Peninsula, then circumambulate Tashi Island and Medicine King Mountain (Tashi Island must be circumambulated an odd number of times; Tibetan custom is to circumambulate Tashi Island 13 times, and then circumambulate Medicine King Mountain according to your age, the number of times corresponding to your age, in a clockwise direction). At the East Tashi Bathing Gate, you can wash your face, offer treasures to Namtso, and present khatas.