Lhamoi Lhatso Lake, located in Gyaca County, means “lake of the Holy Mother’s soul” in Tibetan. It coversa an area of about 1 sq km. It is believed to be the home of the soul of Pelden Lhamo, a Goddess of Fortune. This is the so-called “oracle lake” in which visions are sought by those searching for the reincarnations of the Dalai Lama, Panchen Lama and other incarnate lamas. Pelden L0hamo is also regarded as the protector of the Dalai Lama and the Gelug Sect, as well as that of Lhasa City. The Dalai Lama would pay homage to this lake in a year which happened to be the year of his birth within the twelve-year zodiac cycle. Buddhist disciples are all the more eager to go on pilgrimages, in the belief that they will be able to see the reflections of their current life and future life in the lake.
The place for paying homage to the holy lake is a ridge far away from the lake-the spot where tourists can gather to view the special water. From the ridge, which is 5,100m above sea level, there’s a bird’s-eye view of the holy lake surrounded by jagged ridges and peaks. It is a rare sights for tourists.
You can tour the Chokhorgyal Monastery on the way to the Lhamol Lahtso Lake (about 3 hours’ walking distance from the holy lake). Located in Tsagyu Township of Gyaca, the monastery was built by the 2nd Dalai Lama. In the past, the successive Dalai Lamas paid homage to the holy lake before they took over administration upon coming of age and in the year of their birth within the twelve-year zodiac cycle. Chokhorgyal Monastery was their temporary residence on such occasions.
Tips: Tourists may drive directly from their inns in Gyaca to Chokhorgyal Monastery, which provides food and lodging.