Lhamoyangcuo Lake

The sacred lake at the foot of Songzanlin Monastery takes about 40 minutes to circle, its surface reflecting the magnificent temple, a landmark of Shangri-La. It's said that photographers on the nearby hillside take advantage of the morning mist to capture this fairy-like scene.

Songzanlin Monastery faces Ramyangtso Lake, and the biggest attraction of this lake is the reflection of the monastery. In winter, parts of the lake freeze over, but the ice usually melts by noon or afternoon. When there is no wind, you can take clear photos of the reflection.

Lhamoyangcuo Lake, meaning "Holy Mother Soul Lake" in Tibetan, is located opposite Songzanlin Monastery. It is renowned in the divine realm as the resting place of the soul of the renowned goddess Baiden Lhamo. Located directly in front of the monastery's main gate, the lake is not very large, but the overall scenery is quite stunning. A wooden path circumnavigates the lake, offering numerous photo opportunities and capturing Songzanlin Monastery from various angles. Reflected in the lake, the temple nestles against the water, nestled against the mountain, and against the backdrop of the blue sky, creating a picture-perfect scene. Along the way, you'll encounter cattle, sheep, vast grasslands, forests, lakes, rapeseed fields, and rice paddies. The scenery is truly picturesque. A variety of waterfowl live in the lake year-round, and can be seen everywhere.

The winter sunrise at Lhamoyangcuo is magnificent. The Soul Lake of Bandan Lhamo

There are two places to take reflection photos: one from the front and one from the side. The front view is more spectacular.

Lhamoyangcuo Lake, meaning "Holy Mother Soul Lake" in Tibetan, is located across from Songzanlin Monastery. It's renowned among the gods as the lake where the soul of the renowned goddess Baiden Lhamo resides. Although small, the lake boasts exceptionally beautiful scenery, with Ganden Songzanlin Monastery visible through its crystal-clear waters.

This lake is a local goddess lake and has a very sacred meaning. If you have time, it is highly recommended to walk around the lake, which is about 2 kilometers. Note that only on the other side of the lake can you see the whole Lamei Co Lake and the panoramic view of Songzanlin Temple, which is also the best photo spot.

Opposite the temple, there is a quiet and mysterious feeling. It takes about 1.5 hours to circle the lake. We walked halfway to the center of the lake and then turned back the same way.

There is a perfect photo spot in the middle of the lake. In the reflection of the lake, Songzanlin Temple nestles against the mountain and water, against the blue sky, like a painting, with all the coloring and composition just right.

You can hike around Ramyangcuo Lake. The plank road is very well built, and 1/3 of it is a floating bridge. You must be careful where you step... Everyone must finish the walk. There are several photography spots, as well as calves and pigs raised in the temple.

You can take pictures of the reflection of Songzanlin Temple on the plank road in the lake. Ramyangcuo Lake is an ecological lake with many water birds.

The Mani piles in the lake are called "Bengdeng," where monks chant sutras for the deceased during sky burials. Normally, no one is allowed on the island. The sky burial platform is located on the opposite hillside. When a sky burial takes place there, monks row small boats to the island and sit in a circle around the Mani piles to pray for the deceased's souls. It's said that people can see their past lives in the lake.

This is a sacred lake in Tibet, located right in front of the Songzanlin Monastery. It is home to flocks of free-range birds. A walk around the lake is a must, as the view of the Songzanlin Monastery from afar is truly magnificent.

On the hillside by the lake, you can often see some calves grazing or just staring blankly. They must be yaks. There are also some ducks in Ramyangcuo Lake.

In front of Songzanlin Monastery, a stroll around the lake offers a unique perspective of the temple. Legend has it that Lhamoyang Co Lake was formed when a celestial goddess's dressing mirror fell to Earth. On clear days, the water is as clear as a mirror, reflecting the mountains and lake. You can even see the temple reflected in the lake. A dense forest nestles on a hill near the lake, housing a celestial burial platform.

Ramyangcuo Lake is located in the Songzanlin Temple scenic area. After entering the scenic area, you can take an eco-friendly vehicle and get off halfway. If the weather conditions are good, you can see the panoramic view of the Songzanlin Temple with its reflection on the water surface on the walking path by the lake.

Lhamoyangcuo, meaning "Lake of the Celestial Soul," is said to be the home of the soul of the goddess Bandan Lhamo, the protector of the three realms. Located at the foot of Foping Mountain in Shangri-La, the lake is fed by underground springs at its edge and within the lake, as well as surface water during the rainy season. Like the Napahai Nature Reserve, it is a seasonal lake and plateau wetland. During the rainy season, the lake's surface area reaches 180,000 square meters. The lake, located at an altitude of 3,282 meters, boasts a variety of plateau wetland plants, such as water plantain and sedge leaf algae, as well as rare birds such as the little grebe and the ruddy shelduck. To the east of the lake lies Conggulong, to the north lies Songzanlin Temple, to the west lies Xiaojiezi Village and the Shengshen Mountain, and to the south lies a sky burial site. Whenever there are major religious activities or when eminent monks make important decisions, monks and believers will go to the lakeside to chant scriptures and pray. In addition to tourists, local believers often come here in groups in the early morning, after dinner or on holidays to circle the holy lake in a clockwise direction along the plank road, or release animals into the lake, or go to the hill by the lake to burn incense and pray.

Ramyangcuo Lake is not big, but it is very famous in Tibet.

At the edge of Lhamoyangcuo Lake, you can see many newlyweds in their finest attire, taking traditional Tibetan wedding photos. The vibrant ethnic attire, paired with the nearby lake and grasslands and the distant Songzanlin Monastery, is truly stunning, leaving those studio wedding photos a distant sight.

As a special plateau wetland in the Songzanlin Temple scenic area, Ramyangcuo Lake has lush aquatic plants and has become a paradise for plateau waterfowl.

Surrounding Lhamoyangcuo Lake are numerous cultural attractions. To the north lies Ganden Songzanlin Monastery, showcasing Tibetan Buddhist culture; to the east and northwest lie Conggulong Village and Xiaojiezi Village, showcasing the culture of the Ancient Tea-Horse Road; to the west lies the Mt. Qushengshen, where you can see the smoke from incense burning and prayer flags; and to the south lies the sky burial ground, embodying Shangri-La's traditional religious atmosphere of "harmony between man and nature."



The calm lake reflects the image of Songzanlin Temple, and our mood is as beautiful and peaceful as the scenery before us.

Ramyangcuo Lake is just outside the temple gate. There is a plank road along the lake. I walked around the lake in the rain and the scenery was really nice.

This lake can be said to be a real swamp, and thanks to natural and human efforts, its ecology is very good.

A clockwise walk around the lake took about 40 minutes. Stopping and taking photos along the way took another hour. The weather that day was the best we'd seen in recent days, with blue skies, white clouds, lush green mountains and clear waters, resembling a painting. This lake is renowned in the divine realm as the resting place of the goddess Baiden Lhamo. When the water is calm, the Songzanlin Temple on the opposite bank is reflected in the water.

Various water birds live in the lake all year round. Black-necked cranes, yellow ducks and other water birds can be seen everywhere. When the weather is clear, the water surface is like a mirror, which is beautiful.

Ramyangcuo Lake is the best place to take photos of Songzanlin Monastery.

Walking along the wooden boardwalk by the lake, I could hear the faint sound of chanting coming from the temple. A woman in Tibetan clothing kindly told me we were walking the wrong way and should be walking clockwise. After only a short walk, the temple was reflected in the lake, a truly beautiful sight.

It is said that this is the best place to see Ganden Songzanlin Monastery.

It's about 2 km around the lake. There are cows grazing quietly by the lake, and there are also a variety of small wild flowers. The view of Ganden Songzanlin Monastery from a distance is even more spectacular.

I really think this lake is quite pleasant. There are tourists and local residents who come here for picnics on weekends. A whole family comes to the lake to enjoy the breeze and the scenery.

After listening to the lama's explanation of Songzanlin Temple, we took a detour to the lake to take a panoramic photo. This is a great angle to take pictures of Songzanlin Temple. With the blue sky and white clouds, and the reflection in the lake, even a mobile phone can take a great picture.

Ramyangcuo Lake is a wetland with many plankton, aquatic plants and animals living in it.

You can also walk around clockwise

There are many best photo spots to take pictures of Songzanlin Temple.

There are very few people entering the lake area, making the originally tranquil Ramyang Co even more peaceful and tranquil. Walking on the path paved with wooden planks, you will feel relaxed and at ease.

Although I only heard a few words from the guide about Lhamoyangcuo Lake, I did learn that monks gather during festivals and religious ceremonies, and that monks would chant sutras and walk quietly around the lake, which could be considered a circumambulation. Although it wasn't yet dark, the last bus back to the scenic area's main gate was less than half an hour away, which theoretically wouldn't be enough time to hike around the lake. The entire circumnavigation took about 40 minutes.

Behind the hillside is the sky burial platform, but it is surrounded by a fence and cannot be entered.

The scenery is not particularly shocking, but rather peaceful, and is more of a place of spiritual and religious sustenance.

The mountains in the distance were shrouded in a soft, milky white haze. A mist had risen over Ramyangtso Lake. Thick clouds settled on the lake, forming the mist. This milky mist, swirling away on the wind, resembled a spring tide of melting snow, curling up into the sky like the wisps of smoke from an incense burner.

Because it was winter, the water level of Ramyangcuo Lake was reduced, so the scenery was not very beautiful. I almost finished seeing it after an hour of walking.

The temple architecture embodies the essence of Tibetan religious culture. The buildings are magnificent, with colorful gilded copper tiles, palace eaves with precious horns and beast kisses, and the Zhacang Hall is spacious and magnificent.

Lhamoyangcuo Lake, meaning "Lake of the Heavenly Maiden's Wishful Desire," is located opposite Songzanlin Monastery. Legend has it that this is the lake where the soul of the goddess Bandan Lhamo resides. The lake is small and home to a variety of water birds.

It is the small lake at the entrance of Songzanlin Temple, full of free-range pigs and ducks.

2015.4.14 Located next to Songzanlin Temple, the scenery is beautiful.

It rained on our first day, and again the next day! What bad luck! The photos we took are all blurred! I can only borrow photos taken by local friends for promotional purposes! There are still many hidden gems, which I'll upload when I have time!

The lake in front of Songzanlin Temple is very windy, but the scenery is beautiful.

It is a lake outside Songzanlin Temple with a sky burial platform on the lakeside. Maybe it was late autumn when I went there, so it was not very beautiful!

After visiting Songzanlin Temple, if you have nothing to do, you can walk around the lake. Remember to go at noon, the weather is clear and the view is better.



After a circle, you can climb up the slope to see the Songzanlin Temple opposite.

It's very beautiful, and you can feel a kind of tranquil beauty in the sunshine.

It used to be a barley field, but now it has been transformed into a lake.

Leaving Songzanlin Monastery, the outer edge leads to the plank road leading to Lhamoyangcuo Lake, offering many excellent vantage points for viewing the monastery. Lhamoyangcuo Lake, though small in size, is renowned in Tibet for its exceptionally beautiful scenery. A variety of waterfowl, including black-necked cranes and yellow ducks, can be seen throughout the year.

It was quite pleasant to walk around the lake. The feeling of the wetland was very strong and very original.

Songzanlin Monastery has an observation deck offering panoramic views of the temple. Starting from the temple, walk along the artificial plank road across Lhamoyangcuo Lake, which takes about 30 minutes to return. The lake is said to contain the relics of a high monk buried in the sky, and is revered by Tibetans as a sacred lake. Its clear, mirror-like waters reflect the temple. It's said that believers viewing the lake simultaneously see different visions, and some even see their past and present lives reflected in the reflections on the lakebed.

Ramyangcuo Lake, which means "Holy Mother Soul Lake" in Tibetan, is located opposite Songzanlin Monastery. It is very famous in the world of gods because it is the soul lake of the famous goddess Baiden Ram.

It is located opposite the Songzanlin Temple. Fortunately, it was a sunny day and we could see the reflection of the Songzanlin Temple in the lake.

Ramyang Co Lake, also known as the Goddess Soul Lake, is located in front of Ganden Songzanlin Monastery. Tickets are included in the Songzanlin Scenic Area and cost 115 yuan for adults. We bought student tickets for 75 yuan. From the ancient city, you can take bus No. 3 to the ticket office, then take the scenic area's sightseeing bus, which is included in the ticket price. We visited in early April, when the scenery isn't at its best and the grass hasn't started to grow yet, but the different views were quite nice. I recommend visiting the lake after visiting Songzanlin Monastery. Walking along the plank path through the lake is truly amazing; we walked around it, stopping here and there, and it took about an hour. It's said that some believers can even see their past lives reflected in the lake's bottom. Be pious and see if you can see it.

It says online that it's free, but it's not. The minibus driver let you off before the final stop, and then the local security guard said that Ramyangcuo Lake is connected to Songtsen Gampo Monastery, so you have to buy a ticket! I told him that Ramyangcuo Lake is free for independent travelers, but he said no, you have to pay! Anyway, it's really a waste of money. If you want to see the scenery of the lake, think carefully.

A place that many people tend to overlook. Personally, I think the best place to see the whole view of Songzanlin Temple is from the plank road of Ramyang Co Lake. There are few people there, so it is suitable for a leisurely stroll.

The scenery is beautiful, the ecology is pristine, and everything is peaceful and tranquil. In the center of the lake, you can see a "Mani pile" where people pray and bless. The Tibetan people, with their devout faith, maintain the prosperity and beauty of their family and nation. Sit on a bench by the lake and watch the black ducks swimming by and the piglets running around, happily living together. This is Shangri-La: less noise, less chaos, more peace, more leisure.

Ramyangcuo Lake is located within the Songzanlin Monastery scenic area, directly opposite the temple. The lake is not very large, allowing for a panoramic view of its entirety. The local government has even built a circumferential plank road around the lake for easy access. A complete circuit takes about an hour, with stops and starts. The lake is home to a diverse array of aquatic life and waterfowl. There are two ways to enjoy the lake: one is to admire it from close up. If the weather is clear and windless, the lake's surface is like a mirror, and the entire Songzanlin Monastery is reflected in the water. This is a truly stunning experience, as if you're seeing two temples, one real and the other real. Another way to view the lake is from afar. Standing on the highest steps of Songzanlin Monastery, you can gaze upon Ramyangcuo Lake, where the water is as clear as a mirror and the reflection of the lake and mountains creates a tranquil and beautiful scene.

Standing at Songzanlin Temple, you can see the Ramyangtso Lake directly below.

It is said that when we are devout here by the lake, we can see our past lives.

The scenery around the lake is very beautiful. There are not many people visiting here, and they come in groups of three or two to relax and enjoy themselves. There are large areas of water plants and wetlands around the lake, and various water birds live in the lake.

Despite its small size, Lhamoyangcuo Lake is renowned in Tibet for its exceptional beauty. A variety of waterfowl live here year-round, including black-necked cranes and yellow ducks. Standing atop the main Zhacang Hall, Lhamoyangcuo Lake offers a glimpse into nature. On clear days, the waters are as clear as a mirror, reflecting the surrounding mountains. Sometimes, however, clouds gather, and waves rise without wind, creating strange sounds and creating a variety of wondrous sights.

It was drizzling, and the feeling was average. Some ducks in the lake seemed more spiritual. If you have enough time, you can go around the lake.

The whole view of Ramyangtso from the top of Songzanlin Monastery is very beautiful.

This lake faces Songzanlin Monastery. After visiting the temple, walk directly down the outer walls to Yangcuo Lake, where you can spot numerous water birds, ducks, and even mandarin ducks. Along the lakeside path, you can see the mountains in the distance, shimmering in the golden glow of the sunset. Be careful when walking here; the snow on the ground can easily lead you into the lake. The water is incredibly cold, so be sure to wear non-slip shoes. Also, as this is halfway up the mountain, warm clothing is essential.

A good place to watch the reflection of Songzan Temple, the reeds are also beautiful

There is a guardrail at the entrance of Ramyangcuo Lake that only allows pedestrians to pass through. Bicycles cannot be ridden in. We later met a few people who carried their bicycles in and rode them but turned back halfway because the plank road is actually only 2/3 of the way there, and the other 1/2 of the distance is a gravel road, so friends who go by bicycle should remember to park their bikes outside.

The plank road on Ramyangcuo Lake is arguably the best place for photography, offering a panoramic view of the Songzanlin Temple opposite.

A leisurely walk around the lake takes about 30 minutes. There are several photo ops along the way, and the scenery inside and around the lake is stunning. About a third of the way up, I looked up and saw locals working, wild ducks, blue skies, white clouds, mountains, temples, and the sun. The beauty is beyond words.

It might not be the right season yet, so there wasn't much water and the flowers weren't in bloom. But taking photos of Songzanlin Temple from the plank road by the lake is a must-see! A full walk around the plank road takes about half an hour to an hour.

The total length of the Ramyangcuo Lake circumference is 2,110 meters, and the hiking time is about 40 minutes. Most of the paths are wooden plank roads.

Personally, I think if you have enough time, you should walk around the lake and appreciate the beauty of Songzanlin Temple from different angles.

Lhamoyangcuo Lake, located in front of Songzanlin Monastery, is renowned in the divine realm as the resting place of the goddess Baiden Lhamo. Despite its small size, Lhamoyangcuo is renowned in Tibet for its exceptionally beautiful scenery. A variety of waterfowl, including black-necked cranes and yellow ducks, can be seen throughout the year.

Opposite the Songzanlin Temple, it is said that you can take a panoramic view of the Songzanlin Temple by the lake, but I was too busy to go there.

It is clear and tranquil, a good place to cultivate one's character.

At the entrance of Songzanlin Temple, the lake is not big, but the scenery is nice. You can also see it from the highest point of Songzanlin Temple. Sitting by the lake, you feel very peaceful.

The Ramyangcuo Lake outside the temple is quite beautiful. If it is June, the scenery will definitely be more beautiful.

The lake outside Songzanlin Temple has beautiful scenery and is quite large. We walked around the lake and took a lot of photos. It is worth recommending.

Next to the temple is Lhamoyangcuo Lake, which looks quite ordinary from a distance. But after walking the 40-minute wooden plank path around the lake, the beauty is truly there, right before your eyes and all around you. The combination of yellow and green creates a stunning autumn scene in every photo.

The surface of Ram Lacuo Lake is over 4,000 meters above sea level, and the viewing platform is 5,400 meters above sea level. It's a long way from the parking lot to the viewing platform, estimated to be about 300 to 400 steps. Because of the high altitude, everyone had to rest every few steps, which was quite arduous. But when the mirror-like lake came into view, everything else melted away, leaving only the lake itself, magical and enchanting.

This is the sacred lake in front of Songzanlin Temple. It is said that you can see your past and present lives here. . .

It is said that the "Sacred Lake" in front of Songzanlin Temple can help you see your past lives in the lake, but I didn't dare to go there, haha!

We visited before the rainy season, so the water level was relatively low. This lake is also sacred, with a large mani pile in the center that's off-limits to the public. There's a plank path around the lake, allowing you to walk clockwise around it for blessings. However, the circuit seems a bit long, about 2 kilometers. In Buddhism, backtracking is forbidden, so if you get stuck midway and have to go back the same way, it's a real hassle.

I heard that this lake is not to be touched because it contains the relics of a great monk. If you visit, please respect their culture! And respect yourself!

There's a legend about Ramyangtso Lake: the lake was once severely damaged, and a high monk once predicted that it would slowly return to its former state. Stay tuned.

We walked around the lake on the plank road, which was a sign of our respect for the gods. There were many animals living in the lake, and three cute little yellow ducks were busy eating fish and shrimp in the water, their butts sticking up high, playing hide-and-seek.

Ramyangtso Lake, though small, is renowned for its Tibetan name, "Holy Mother Soul Lake." The lakeside scenery is exceptionally beautiful, and visitors are sparsely populated, often strolling in groups of two or three. The lakeside is dotted with extensive aquatic plants and wetlands, home to a variety of waterfowl. We spotted black-necked cranes and yellow ducks frolicking in the water, creating a delightful spectacle.

You must walk around the lake to find the best spot to take panoramic photos of Songzanlin Temple. The autumn colors are rich and beautiful!

Outside the gate of Ganden Songzanlin Monastery, there is a small lake called Ramyangcuo Lake. A wooden plank road has been built along the lake and two east and west viewing platforms have been built, from which you can appreciate the Songzanlin Monastery from different angles.