Lhamo Lhatso Trekking
Do you want to see your past, present or future? Tibetans believe Lhamo Lhatso can show you. This small sacred lake in Gyatsa County, Lhoka (Shannan), is known as the “oracle lake”. Pilgrims believe visions appear on its surface.
Sacred oracle lake: for centuries, high lamas have come to Lhamo Lhatso to seek visions, including signs to help find the next Dalai Lama. The lake is believed to be the home of Palden Lhamo, the protector goddess of Tibet.
1. Getting to Lhamo Lhatso
| Starting point | Tsedang, the main town of Lhoka |
| Drive | about 4–5 hours from Tsedang to Chokhorgyel Monastery and the trailhead |
| Walk to the viewpoint | 2–3 hours up from the trailhead |
| Overnight | at Chokhorgyel or in Gyatsa town |
There is no public transport. Foreign visitors travel with a guide and a vehicle booked through a licensed Tibet travel agency.
2. Best Time to Visit
The best months are June to September. July and August are the main pilgrim season. From November to April the area is cold, snowy and usually not reachable. Even in summer, the weather at 5,300 m changes fast, so bring warm layers, a windproof jacket and rain gear.
3. The Trek Itself
From the road end, you walk up a steep, rocky path, climbing from around 4,700 m to over 5,300 m. At the top, prayer flags mark the ridge from which pilgrims look down on the lake.
- Difficulty: moderate to hard, mainly because of the altitude
- Time: 2–3 hours up, 1.5–2 hours down
- Path: rocky and loose in places; trekking poles help
- At the top: prayer flags and stone cairns at the sacred viewpoint
4. Altitude & Health Warnings
At over 5,300 m, the viewpoint is one of the highest places you can walk to in central Tibet. You must be well acclimatised. Spend at least three or four days in Lhasa or Tsedang first, and don’t go if you have any signs of altitude sickness.
Warning: altitude sickness at 5,300 m can be life-threatening. Never push on with a severe headache, confusion or breathlessness. Turn back and go down.
5. Permits Required
- Tibet Travel Permit
- Alien’s Travel Permit for Lhoka
- other permits if required for this area in the year you travel
You must travel with a licensed guide. Whether foreign visitors can go to Lhamo Lhatso changes from year to year, so ask us before you plan.
6. Practical Packing Tips
- a warm insulated jacket and a windproof layer
- high-factor sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
- trekking poles
- at least two litres of water and energy snacks
- a small first aid kit (your guide carries oxygen)
We answer within 12 hours, Monday to Saturday.