Lamu Yangcuo Lake (拉姆央措湖), known in Tibetan as “The Holy Mother’s Soul Lake,” is a captivating and spiritually significant body of water located at the entrance of Ganden Sumtseling Monastery in Shangri-La City. This lake is renowned in Tibetan mythology as the soul lake of the goddess Bathan Lhamo, making it a revered site in the spiritual realm. Despite its modest size, Lamu Yangcuo Lake is renowned throughout the Tibetan region for its stunning beauty. The lake offers picturesque views and is home to a variety of waterfowl throughout the year. Visitors can spot black-necked cranes, yellow ducks, and numerous other bird species, making it a paradise for bird watchers.
From the rooftop of the Zhacang Hall in the monastery, the lake appears as a natural projection of Buddha, reflecting the harmonious relationship between nature and spirituality. On clear days, the lake’s water is crystal clear, mirroring the surrounding mountains in a serene tableau. However, the lake also exhibits a mystical character; under overcast skies, it can become turbulent, producing unique sounds and phenomena. Devotees believe that when they gaze into the lake, they each see different visions, some even claiming to glimpse reflections of their past and future lives within its depths.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Lamu Yangcuo Lake
- Attractions near Lamu Yangcuo Lake
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 hour |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 9.00 – 18.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0887-8222455 |
Location and Transportation
Lamu Yangcuo Lake is located at the entrance of Ganden Sumtseling Monastery in Shangri-La City, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. To get there, you can take the No. 3 bus from Shangri-La County, which stops at the monastery and costs 1 yuan. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from Shangri-La County, with the fare being around 20 yuan.
Highlights of Lamu Yangcuo Lake
Spiritual Significance and Manis
Central to the lake’s spiritual landscape are the Mani stones, known as “Bungdeng” in Tibetan. These stones hold deep religious significance and work in tandem with the mountain opposite the lake. The platform on the mountain is designated for sky burials for the monks of the monastery. During these ceremonies, monks gather at the Mani stones on the small island within the lake to conduct prayers and rites for the deceased, ensuring their souls are guided to the afterlife. Consequently, the island is generally off-limits to visitors to maintain its sanctity.
The Mythical Mountain of Dongqusheng
To the southwest of Lamu Yangcuo Lake stands a unique mountain called “Dongqusheng,” resembling a giant turtle. “Dong” means conch in Tibetan, and legend has it that a pair of naturally occurring white conch shells, considered sacred treasures of the Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, were found at the mountain’s base. These conches are also used as ritual instruments in Buddhist practices. “Qusheng” means giant turtle, and the mountain is believed to be the sacred domain of a turtle-headed guardian deity under Bathan Lhamo’s command.
A perennial stream flows from the mountain’s belly, providing pure, uncontaminated water year-round. On the first and fifteenth days of the lunar month or during significant religious ceremonies, monks and locals collect this water for use in offerings and purification rituals, highlighting its importance in local religious practices.
