Namtso , known as the " Heavenly Lake " is the largest salt water lake in Tibet . Some 4990 meters above sea level, it is situated at the edge of the severely-weathered chang thang plateau to the north of Lhasa . The loop walk across the Nyanchen Thang-la Mountains to the pebbled shores of Namsto takes 7 or 8 days.
Nam-tso lake is the highest lake in Tibet and the magnificent pool perfectly embodies its place near the heavens. Its waters beautifully mirror the color of the sky, deepening from a pure, clear turquoise during the day to a sapphire bleu at dusk. Reached by crossing the Largen-la pass, this, the second largest salt lake in China , rests on the green and brown plains of Tibet , amid the guarding peaks of the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains . Here, where the influence of man and his machines is diminished to the drone of a jeep engine, the waves and placidity of Nam-tso revel in their holiness. Due to its juxtaposition with mountains and plains, Nam-tso is visually inspiring at any time of the day. The natural changes in light can alone shift the shades of the magical colors of earth and water from pink, to brown, to purple.
Although just sitting lakeside is impressive enough , it is best to view the vastness of Nam-tso, whose sacred waters are known for their healing properties, by circumambulation the kora. The walk which begins at the Tashi Dor Monastery and continues in a clock wise direction, can be completed within an hour, and gives you views of the prayers flag, stupas, surrounding mountains, and the lake, of course. At the end of the kora is a prayer wall made from thousands of mani rocks hand caved with Buddhist mantras. Just pass the wall, on the right side, you can climb up the hill for a great view of the sunset or sunrise. The Tashi Dor Monastery also offers a tranquil place from which to view the lake and its backdrop of mountains. The Monastery also has a cave chapel. Before coming to Nam-tso, it's a good idea to acclimatize for a few days in Lhasa . |
Tibet
