Tibet's 9 holy lakes
Photo shows Lake Nams-to, photo from People's Daily.
Lake Nams-to, meaning a "heavenly lake" in the Tibetan language, is situated between Damxung County and Bange County, 240 km away from Lhasa, capital of Tibet. The lake, covering an area of 1,940 sq km, lies at an altitude of 4,718 meters. It is the largest salt water lake in Tibet and the second largest salt water lake in China.
Photo shows Lake Basumco, photo from People's Daily.
Lake Basumco, meaning "a lake below three mountains" in the Tibetan language, is the largest fresh water barrier lake in eastern Tibet. It is a famous holy lake for the Rnying-ma-ba School (Red School) of Tibetan Buddhism. Located in Cuogao Township, Gongbo'gyamda County, southeastern Tibet, the lake stands at an altitude of 3,538 meters above sea level. It has a maximum depth of 166 meters.
Photo shows Lake Tangra Yumco, photo from People's Daily.
Lake Tangra Yumco, the largest holy lake worshipped by ancient Bonpo of Tibetan Buddhism, is the third largest lake in Tibet. It is located in Xainza County, Nagqu Prefecture, northern Tibet. Lying at an average altitude of 4,600 meters, the lake covers an area of 1,400 sq km, with 70 km in length and 20 km in width.
Photo shows Lake Lhanagco, photo from People's Daily.
Lake Lhanagco, lying at an altitude of 4,573 meters above sea level, is located in Purang County, Ngari Prefecture, western Tibet. Since the lake water is too salty to drink and there are scarce plants around the lake, it is also known as the "ghost lake".
Photo shows Lake Manasarovar, photo from People's Daily.
Lake Manasarovar, meaning "an invincible lake of jade" in the Tibetan language, is one of the highest fresh water lakes in the world. Lying at an altitude of 4,588 meters above sea level, the lake covers an area of 400 sq km, with the circumstance of 90 km.
Lake Lhamo Lhatso, lying at an altitude of 5,000 meters above sea level, is located among the mountains in Gyacha County, Shannan Prefecture, southeastern Tibet. As a fresh water lake, it covers an area of one sq km. Although the lake is small in terms of area, it plays a vital role in the reincarnation system of Tibetan Buddhism. In search of the reincarnated soul boys of the Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama, senior lamas are required to go there to observe the lake for hints.
Photo shows Lake Yamdrok, photo from People's Daily.
Lake Yamdrok, located in Nanggarze County, Shannan Prefecture, southeastern Tibet, is 4,441 meters above sea level. It covers an area of 630 sq km, with a maximum depth of 60 meters. As a barrier lake on the plateau, it is known as the most beautiful lake in the world.
Photo shows Lake Yamdrok, photo from People's Daily.
Selincuo Lake located in Northern Tibet Autonomous Region and covering an area of 1,800 sq. km, is the second largest saltwater lake, second only to Namtso Lake. Lying at the junction of three counties, it can be seen from afar, a beautiful vast waterscape surrounded by golden grasslands of the Tibetan plateaus and snow capped mountains under clear skies. The natural sights here are absolutely breathtaking and after sunset the deep blue waters melt into one with the shadows of looming mountains, creating an air of mystery and intrigue.
Photo shows Lake Palgon, photo from People's Daily.
Lake Palgon, meaning a "shining, and long and narrow lake" in the Tibetan language, is located in the Ngari Prefecture, western Tibet. Lying at an altitude of 4,241 meters above sea level, it covers an area of 604 sq km, with two thirds of its water surface inside China's territory and the rest in Kashmir.
