Sacred Lakes of Tibet 2025

While travelling in Tibet, you will find spectacular natural creations, such as the sacred lakes. The most popular are Lake Manasarovar, Lake Yambrok, and Lake Namtso. Manasarovar is the Mother of the Holy Lakes. This gorgeous lake is located more than 2,000 km from Lhasa, and it is quite hard to get to. The lake can be found at the elevation of 4,500 m, and its surface has a perimeter of 90 km and depth of 77 m. It is the holiest lake, and its clear and sweet water can wash off all sorrow and evil, according to local believers.

Close to the west side of the lake, you can find another water reservoir. Lake Rakshastal is considered to be the devil's lake. It has the shape of the crescent moon, and its water is bitter and astringent. But Tibetans worship this lake as well.

Yamdrok Lake is located high in the mountains and provides some of the most breathtaking views in Tibet. Nestled between the snow capped peaks at the height of 4,441 metres above sea level, this beautiful lake opens to incredible scenery. The length of the lake from east to west is 130 km. The total area of the lake is 638 square km, while the deepest point is 60 m. The lake is surrounded by Tibetan villages and fields, where yaks are often seen. The road to the lake is closed from November until March, due to heavy snow and ice. June-August is the rainy season in this part of Tibet, not the best time to travel. October is usually marked by first snowfalls.

Lake Namtso is translated as "Heavenly Lake." It is the largest salt lake in Tibet and also the highest salt lake in the world. You can find it at an elevation of 4,718 m. The total area of the lake is 1,940 km2, it is 70 km long, and 30 km wide.

We recommend visiting the lakes in April–June and September when the roads are open, there is not too much rain or snow to