Lhamo Latso Lake

A Brief Introduction to Lhamo Latso Lake

Lhamo Latso Lake is quite a mysterious lake. In Tibetan, "Lhamo" means a fairy maiden or a goddess and "La" means a "life-spirit". So in Tibetan, the name of Lhamo Latso means an auspicious lake with life-spirit. It is situated on an elevation of more than 5,000 meters, covering an area of only about 2 square kilometers. Lhamo Latso Lake is called the "Oracle Lake" or "Holy Lake" in Tibet.

Importance of Lhamo Latso Lake

Lhamo Latso Lake is an alpine lake encircled by high mountains. Forming a shape of a hoof, the lake is well known to be the most attractive lake in Tibet for its miraculous potentiality of prediction. The search of reincarnations of the successive Dalai Lamas and Panchen Lamas must be finally directed by the mirage reflected in the Holy Lake on Precise Buddhist rites conducted by high-ranking lamas. It is said that the pilgrims can see peculiar mirages depicting their future fortune as long as they piously stare at the lake and pray in silence in some Buddhist rites. Therefore, every year the holy Lhama Latso Lake attracts numerous Buddhist believers who want to know where their fortune would lead.

Attractions of Lhamo Latso Lake

The Lhamo Latso Lake is in the shape of a hoof, just like a mirror surrounded by the mountains. The sceneries here are quite beautiful and tranquil. There are altogether 7 months' ice period. In winter, the lake is covered with a thick layer of white ice and sometimes with snows, giving you a secluded beautiful sight. After the ice thaws, particularly in summer, the surface of the Lhamo Latso Lake is sometimes calm like a mirror and sometimes generates waves even if there is no wind with mysterious sound produced in the water. It is really miraculous.

Best Time for Lhamo Latso Lake

The best time for visiting the Lhamo Latso Lake is from March to May of each year. During this period, the locals will swarm toward the village of Chokorgyel for cordyceps collection and increase the chances of convenient hitchhiking.