# Lhamo La-tso (拉姆拉错)

Shannan, Tibet Autonomous Region · Southwest, China · Guidebook rating: 5/5
Canonical: https://cnatrip.com/en/places/lhamo-la-tso
Language: en

## Key facts

- **Admission:** ¥50
- **Opening hours:** Open all day (all year 2026; the road may be closed by ice and snow in winter)
- **Time needed:** 1–2 hours
- **Address:** Cuijiu Township, Gyaca County, Shannan City, Tibet Autonomous Region
- **Getting there:** First take a bus from Lhasa Long-Distance Bus Station to Tsedang, a 4-hour journey. From Tsedang to Gyaca, the bus costs ¥80 per person and takes 7 hours. Lhamo La-tso lake is 40–50 km from Gyaca County town; to reach the sacred lake, hire a horse or walk from Qiongguojie.
- **Good for:** Temples, Nature

## About Lhamo La-tso

“Lhamo La-tso” means “Lake of the Goddess's Soul”. The lake is not large, but it holds a special place in the hearts of Tibetans. Between the 4th and 6th Tibetan months each year, many people come here to make pilgrimages and enjoy the view. To reach the lake, you must climb a hill of 200–300 metres; the summit is very windy and hung with prayer flags. Seen from the top, Lhamo La-tso resembles a gourd, round at both ends and slightly narrower in the middle.

## Tips from the guidebook

- Qiongguojie Temple
- Qiongguojie Temple was built in 1509 by the 2nd Dalai Lama, Gendun Gyatso, and was expanded by the 5th Dalai Lama. It is grand in scale and rich in sacred sites, and lies on the required route to the Lhamo La-tso sacred lake, where visitors can stay overnight. From here, the trek or horse ride to the lake takes 4–5 hours.

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Source: China Self-Guided Travel 2025 (《中国自助游》, Tianjin Science & Technology Press, Aug 2024), p. 607. Prices, hours and transport details are as printed in the August 2024 edition and may have changed. Always confirm with the venue before you travel.
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