Worship Tibet IV: Closest to the Heaven—Lake Namtso

In the previous articles of Tibet series, we have talked about three most popular attractions in Tibet. But do you know there is another famous attraction? Lake Namtso, the highest saltwater lake in the world, which is talked about in the chapter.

                                                              Chapter Four


               Closest to the Heaven—Lake Namtso

Lake Namtso, meaning “Heaven Lake” in the Tibetan language, is often described as being next to Heaven because of its lofty altitude, stunning beauty, pure blue water, and spiritual associations.--Snow-capped mountains and open grassland, dotted with yak herds and local nomads, surround the crystal clear waters of Lake Namtso, making it one of the most beautiful places in Tibet. 

Lake Namtso

Located northwest of Lhasa in Nagqu Prefecture, Lake Namtso is the highest salt lake in the world, with an elevation of almost three miles, or 4,718 meters. The lake also ranks the second largest salt lake in China, covering a vast area of over 1,900 square kilometers, or about 757 square miles. It is over 70 kilometers long, reaches a width of 30 kilometers and is 35 meters at its deepest point. 

The Striking Beauty of Lake Namtso

The scenery at Namtso is beautiful and magnificent. Mt. Nyainqentanglha standing to the southeast of the lake, soars to a height of over 7, 100 meters (23, 294 ft) above sea level, and is snow-capped throughout the year. The lake's northern side is bounded by gently undulating hills that form this part of the continental plateau. Melted ice and snow from the surrounding mountains are the major source of the pure and clean waters of this placid lake which has a typical emerald hue due to the high mineral content. 

Mt. Nyainqentanglha

Encircled by vast grasslands, the lake resembles a huge mirror. The lakeside plain provides a natural pasture where herdsmen graze their cattle and sheep. Here too is an abundance of wildlife that includes birds, ducks, bears, yaks, donkeys, blue sheep, foxes, river deer and Himalayan marmots, while the lake teems with fishes and is a source of precious medicinal materials. Numerous mani stones and colorful prayer flags can be seen all around the shore and these add another touch of brilliance to the scenery. 

The azure blue sky dotted with white clouds, the greenish lake water, and white snow, swathes of green grasses, red mani stone piles, multicolored flowers enhance the beauty of the area and together with the lively animals form a picturesque view of nature. 

It is small wonder that visitors had been to the lake say that they enjoy spiritual refreshment and a heart gladdening feeling when they stand beside Namtso.  

Lake Namtso--Holy Lake

There are four monasteries at the four compass points of Lake Namtso, and on the walls of these monasteries there are many rocky Buddhist artifacts carved out by nature. Lake Namtso is said to be the mother of Nyainqêntanglha Peak. 

Sunrise of Lake Namtso

At the end of the twelfth century, eminent monks of the Tibetan Kagyu school of Buddhism came to Namtso to practice their religion. They considered that this lake was the seat of Chakrasamvara of Esoteric Buddhism and they pioneered the practice of circumambulation around the lake. Later, Buddhists came to believe that during each Year of the Sheep in the Tibetan calendar, Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and Vajras assemble at this place. 

They also believe that during these auspicious occasions the chanting of scriptures and making a circumambulation of the lake is equal to doing them ten thousand times at other times. So each April to June in the Year of the Sheep, numerous pilgrims trek many miles from all over Tibet and other provinces, such as Qinghai, Gansu, Sichuan and Yunnan as well as from India and Nepal. It takes twenty to thirty days to circumambulate the lake just once so today most of the people walk around an islet of the lake instead. 

During the Year of the Sheep, believers would come in large numbers at the end of winter, walking over the lake's frozen surface and carrying their food with them. They would spend the summer at Lake Namtso unable to return again until the water froze the following winter. Worshipers believed that if one walked around the lake once during the Year of the Sheep, he and his family would be blessed with good health, safety, knowledge and other virtues. --Though the practice of walking across the frozen lake is no longer permitted by the Chinese government, modern believers can worship at the Tashi Dor temple, which is built on the southeast corner of Lake Namtso. 

Travel Tips for Lake Namtso

Scenery of Lake Namtso

Traveling to Lake Namtso may require visitors to endure rough weather and high altitude but once they arrive there and take in its pristine beauty, the trip is a worthy and unforgettable experience. 

The best season for visiting Lake Namtso is summer, from May to September. However, visitors should come prepared at all times for wet weather, snow, and cold winds. October often brings heavy snowstorms and treacherous road conditions. 

There are tours available to Namtso from Lhasa or tourists can hire a taxi or mini bus from Lhasa, which is about a four-hour drive. 

Do you want a spiritual refreshment right now?—along these days, the quiet of mind is the most needed thing of modern people. If you are stressed, if you are disappointed, if you are searching for a pure world, then come to Lake Namtso to feel the natural world here to calm everything down and then be a stronger person to face the difficulties in life with strengths.—I believe, everything will be seen easy as you enjoy yourself in nature.