Namtso
or the heavenly lake lies 190 km north-west of Lhasa
at an elevation of 4718 metres above the sea level,
70 kilometers in lenghth, 30 kilometers in width and
1940 square kilometers in size. It is located 60 kilometers
northwest of Dangxiong County. It is both the highest
and biggest salt water lake in the world.
Meaning Heavenly Lake in Tibetan, Namtso is respected
as one of the four holiest lakes and the seat of Paramasukha
Chakrasamvara by Buddhist pilgrims. Buddhists believe
Buddha's, Bodhisattvas and Vajras will assemble to hold
religious meeting at Namtso in the year of sheep on
Tibetan calendar. Circumambulation around the lake at
the right moment equals 100 thousand times of that in
normal years. Hence thousands of pilgrims from every
corner in the 5th & 6th month of the Tibetan calendar
each year, many Buddhists come to the lakeside on pilgrimage
to pay homage and pray. Deep tracks are worn into the
lakeshore due to this activity. In history, monasteries
stood like trees in a forest around Lake Namtso attracting
large numbers of pilgrims with eminent monks in Buddhist
temples developing body and character and extending
Buddhism. On the four sides of the lake stand four monasteries,
which have Buddhist meanings.
The
Gyanma Valley is a broad agricultural tributary of the
Kyi Chu River, located to the east of Lhasa. Barley
fields sprawl across this valley floor which is splendid
with small villages, settlements and temples, including
the shrine commemorating the birthplace of Emperor Song
Tsen Gampo. It costs 4 days walk from Gyama to Samye
and is one of the finest treks in central Tibet. After
visiting Samye monastery, we will trek across Yarlung
Tsangpo River and drive to Tsetang. The next day morning
we will go to Lhasa from where we will continue our
journey to Tashido near Namtso Lake and camp there for
one night. From Namtso Lake, it is a 3 days trek to
Damshung via Kong-La, which is an unforgettable route.
