Lhamo La-tso is one of the holy lakes in Tibet. While due to the far distance away from the downtown area, Lhamo La-tso is known by fewer people. Like a gorgeous pearl hidden in the deep valley, Lhamo La-tso is endowed with many legendary stories. In the Tibetan language, Lhamo means Goddess, and La means lake. In Tibetan, it means the soul lake of the Goddess.
With a high altitude above 400 meters, Lhamo La-tso is surrounded by high grand mountains in Gyaca County. The distance between the county and the lake is about 65 kilometers. The area of the Lhamo La-tso Lake is about 2 square kilometers, and the shape of the lake is like a horse’s hoof.
Religious Significance
According to traditional Tibetan Buddhism, Lhamo La-tso is endowed with magic power, which can indicate the reincarnation of the Living Buddha. Whenever the Dalai Lama or Panchen Lama passes away, before looking for the reincarnated soul boy (the reincarnated heir of the Living Buddha), the senior monks must go to the holy lake Lhamo La-tso to observe the lake, in order to determine the direction and principles of their search through the visions of the holy lake.
The lake is also a mirror for Buddhist believers to explore their own destinies. Buddhist believers hold the view that they can see their past and upcoming lives on the surface of the lake. To show piety, people do not speak during the pilgrimage. Even if you are not a Buddhist believer, you can go to the holy lake to seek the vision. It is said that when different people worship the lake, they see different visions. Some can see their past and some can see their future in the reflection of the lake. That’s why you can see a great number of pilgrims around the lake.
How to Visit Lhamo La-tso?
It takes 4.5 hours for travelers to get to Lhamo La-tso from Lhasa by car. Additionally, you can take a train from Lhasa to Gyaca Railway Station for 2 hours and then take a car in the last 55km for 1.5 hours.
On the way to the sacred Lhamo La-tso Lake, you will see Chokorgye Monastery, which was once considered a place full of miracles. Most parts of the Monastery are now destroyed, but people can still feel its former glory and bustle.
Your car can only be driven at the parking lot at a certain high altitude of about 5,000 meters. After parking the car, you have to ascend to a little hill about 350 meters high, as a specific observation point. Never belittle the 350 meters high based on the altitude of 5,000m. Actually, it is very hard for normal travelers to take a small step due to the lower oxygen content. The road condition is very poor, and this narrow and slippy road was shaped by the weathering of mountains. Besides that, the angle of the slope is about sixty or seventy. Therefore, it is a great challenge for travelers to conquer this tough road with the influence of high altitude sickness. Please be careful as it's a possibility that you may fall from the mountain. Usually, travelers take 30 min to 1 hour to get to the top of the hill.
When you stand in front of this holy lake, you will know that every effort on the way is worthwhile. With the mild wind breezing on your face, bright sunlight scattering on the water's surface, and white snow mountains surrounding by, Lhamo La-tso allures every traveler’s heart.
Travel Tips
- The best time for travelers to visit Lhamo La-tso is from May to October. You’d better avoid getting to the Lhamo La-tso in winter in case the road may be blocked by the heavy snow.
- Due to the high altitude of Lhamo La-tso, it is recommended to prepare some altitude sickness medicines and portable oxygen in advance in case of emergency.
- The temperature at Lhamo La-tso is relatively low, so it is recommended to wear warm clothes and bring hats, gloves, etc.
- In this sacred place, please do not make loud noises and do not use drones for aerial photography.
Conclusion
Although the holy Lhamo La-tso is thought highly of by Tibetan Buddhists, especially those who are looking for the reincarnation of the Living Buddha. But due to the high altitude, remote location, inconvenient transportation, etc, Lhamo La-tso keeps a mysterious veil from the public. Only a few travelers reach this holy site.
Lhasa-Tsetang-Chökorgye-Lhamo Latso-Lhasa
See mysterious monasteries, alpine landscapes, and charming villages. The highlight is Lhamo Latso, an oracle lake.
Email response within 0.5~24 hours.