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Nakchu Region -- Heavenly Lake Namtso --
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Heavenly Lake Namtso :
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In Nov. 14, 2005, Namtso Lake in the Tibet Autonomous Region was selected
as one of the five most beautiful lakes in China by Chinese National
Geography magazine. Namtso Lake's touching beauty should not be missed by
any traveler who visits Tibet. Its purity and solemnness are symbols of
Qinghai-Tibet Platean. In Tibetan, Namtso means 'Heavenly Lake.' It is
considered one of the three holy lakes in Tibet. Namtso is famous for its
high altitude (4720 meters (about 3 miles)), vast area (1961 square
kilometers (about 757 square miles) and beautiful scenery.
Being the second largest saltwater lake in China only after Qinghai Lake,
Namtso Lake is the biggest lake throughout Tibet. Meanwhile, it is the
highest altitude saltwater lake in the world. The water here is a
storybook crystal-clear blue. Clear skies join the surface of the lake in
the distance, creating an integrated, scenic vista. Soul of every visitor
who has ever been here seems to be cleansed by the pure lake water.
Namtso Lake maintains its levels from rainfall and melted snow flowing
from high mountains. Five islands stand in the waters of the lake, among
which the largest one is Liangduo island. In addition another five
bylands stretch into the lake from different directions. Zhaxi byland is
the largest in area of these five. A great many bizarre stone peaks can
be found on this byland. Some of them are like trunks; some look like
human beings; some resemble trees. Various kinds of vivid shapes can
easily arouse your imagination. At the same time there are many quiet
grottos which are masterpieces of nature. Some grottos are narrow and
long like subways; some are full of stalactites; still, others are like
louvers. Queer rocks, steep peaks, natural stone ladders and other
landform wonders on Zhaxi byland present visitors a picture filled with
mystery and enchantment.
Summer is the best time for Namtso Lake. Wild yaks, hares and other wild
animals leisurely look for food along the expansive lake shores;
countless migratory birds fly here to lay eggs and feed their young;
sometimes lovely fishes in the lake jump out of the lake water, enjoying
the warmth of the sunshine; sheep and cows herds are like flowing white
blanks on the green grassland which can stretch as far as your eyes can
see; the dulcet songs of Gauchos resound through the valleys. This time
of the year Namtso Lake is full of life and activity. Therefore it is no
wonder Tibetans take Namtso Lake the symbol of goodliness and happiness.
Really Namtso Lake is a blessing from nature.
Besides the beautiful scenery in Namtso, it is also a famous sacred
Buddhist place. There is a Zhaxi Temple in Zhaxi byland. In every Tibetan
year of sheep, thousands of Buddhism adherents will come here to worship.
As a rule, they will walk clockwise along the Namtso Lake in order to
receive the blessing of the gods.
Getting there: There are no direct buses to Namtso Lake. The best way is
to hire a taxi or a mini bus from Lhasa.
Note: The sea level is 1100 meters (about 1203 yards) higher than that of
Lhasa, therefore please bring lots of water and don't over-exert yourself.
Admission Fee: CNY 80
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