Heavenly Lake - Namtso - By: Grace Fan

Situated in the vast prairie of north of Tibet, Namsto is the second largest saltwater lake next to Qinghai Lake in China. On the south of Namsto is located Nyainqentanglha Mountains and on the north and northwest is the gentle rolling Northern Tibetan Plateau. Namsto has the meaning of “Heavenly Lake” in Tibetan language. Namsto is renowned for its high altitude and natural scenery. Occupying an area of 1,920 square kilometers, Namsto is the largest lake and also one of three sacred lakes in Tibet. The melted snow from Nyainqentanglha Mountains is the primary resource to the lake. The water is crystal-clear blue. Clear and blue sky reflects on the surface of lake in the distance, creating an integrated, scenic vista.

Namsto is like a large precious mirror besetting on Northern Tibet Grassland. The founder of Tibetan Buddhism once studied Dharma beside the lake in the Year of Sheep in Tibetan calendar. Every 12 years, thousands of believers flock here and walk around the lake. So Namsto become a sacred lake in the mind of Tibetan.

With luscious grass and sweet water, the grassland around the lake becomes the paradise for sheep and yaks. When roaming around Namsto, herds of sheep and yaks come into sight. Here also is a natural habitat for rare water birds like swans, egrets and sand birds. Namsto is rich in scaleless fish. Some wild animals like fox and black bears habit around the area of lake.

The most outstanding scenic spots in the area of Namsto include Receiving Guest Stone, Folding Palms Stone and Good and Evil Cave. Receiving Guest Stone is regarded as the Door God. According to the legend, Namsto was a goddess who took control of the wealth of Northern Tibet. So business men must come here praying for successful business. The Folding Palms Stone is considered as the symbol of the faithful love. According to Tibetan Buddhism’s rule, whenever you are do the kindness or wrongdoings, God must know. If some make the kindness, she or he must get through the Good and Evil Cave. But if you do the wrongdoings, you cannot get through the cave.

If you want to visit Namsto, you must come before the wet season from June to September. In October or November, the mountains are closed up with heavy snow.

About the Author

Grace Fan is an English editor of China Tours Operator certified by China National Tourism Administration which provides the full range of tour service such as Beijing tour package, Shanghai tour package, Yangtze River Cruise, etc. If you are interested in more information on China destinations, you can also visit China Tour Online.

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