Beautiful Places On Earth

I always dream of going to Tibet. I think skies elsewhere are no bluer than the one in Tibet. This is simply because Tibet is considered the highest region on earth. One of many beautiful places in Tibet is the Namtso Lake.

In Tibetan language, ‘Namtso’ means ‘heavenly lake’. At an elevation of 4,718 meters, Namtso Lake is the highest salt water lake in China and in the world. The lake is also China’s second largest salt water lake after the Qinghai Lake. Being one of the 3 sacred lakes in Tibet, Namtso Lake is a place respected by the Tibetan people. The lake covers an area of 1,920 square kilometers. At the southeastern corner of the lake stand the Tashi Dor Monastery and several hermit caves. These hermit caves have been the destination for spiritual retreat of Tibetan pilgrims for centuries. It is possible to walk over the lake’s frozen surface at the end of winter each year.

Namtso Lake is a deep lake. The lake water is limpid and clear. The surface of Namtso Lake appears in deep blue color. A road to the Namtso Lake was completed in 2005, enabling easy access from Lhasa to the lake and the development of tourism around the lake. So, who are joining me to Tibet next year?

The beauty of Namtso Lake in Tibet

Often I hear other saying that in south-west of Sichuan lies the last Shangri-La on earth – Daocheng Yading. In Tibetan language, Daocheng means open land at the valley mouth. It is located at the southwest edge of Sichuan Province, in the Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, in the southern part of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

People always associate Daocheng and Yading together. Yading is actually one of the scenic areas within the Daocheng County. Yading was first discovered in 1928 by United States botanist, Joseph Locke. Its photographs were first published in National Geographic Magazine in 1931.

Yading is Tibetan’s holy land. It is renowned for the 3 holy peaks – the Chenrezig, the Jampayang and the Chenadorje, which were named after 3 Bodhisattvas. In the Buddhist concept, a Bodhisattva means “enlightenment-being” or “wisdom-being”. With its vast Tibetan culture and impressive landscapes, Yading is a paradise for both photographers and trekkers. Just look at the photo gallery of Yading below.

Yading – The Last Shangri-La

Not enough to convince you of the beauty of Yading? Let’s watch another clip picturing a trek through the 3 peaks of Chenrezig, Jampayang and Chenadorje.

3 Sacred Peaks of Yading

When is the best time to go? I would say April to May and October to November every year. Click here to get your trip planner.