Tangra Yum Tso: The Premier Holy Lake of Yungdrung Bon in Tibet
Tangra Yum Tso, also known as Dangra Yumtso, lies in Nagchu's Nyima County. This breathtaking lake stretches over 836 square kilometers with surface elevations reaching over 4,600 meters. What truly astonishes visitors isn't just its size but its incredible depth of 230 meters, ranking it among China's deepest lakes. The water displays shifting shades of blue that transform with the sunlight.
The lake sits at what might be called the "southern gateway" to the Tibetan Northern Wilderness. While not in the prohibited core zone of the wilderness area, it's surrounded by its characteristic landscapes—barren mountains exceeding 5,500 meters on three sides, with lakeshore plains stretching northwestward into the Changtang wilderness.
This unique positioning means Tangra Yum Tso offers both the raw feel of untouched wilderness and the accessibility provided by villages like Wenbu South Village, where residents maintain a semi-agricultural, semi-pastoral lifestyle rarely seen in Tibet's harsh climate.

Where Ancient Civilization Meets Eternal Wilderness
This region was once the heart of the Zhangzhung Kingdom, and Tangra Yum Tso served as its political and religious center. Around the lake, you can still find castle ruins from the Zhangzhung period, including remnants of an ancient capital near Wenbu South Village. Deeper into the wilderness area, rock paintings and tomb clusters matching the style of these lakeside ruins confirm that the lake and wilderness were once part of the same cultural sphere.

The Bon religion further connects them. Pilgrimage routes around Tangra Yum Tso extend into the wilderness edges, where scattered sacred mountains form a spiritual map with the holy lake. This transforms the wilderness from mere emptiness into a "spiritual space" carrying ancient beliefs.
What truly sets Tangra Yum Tso apart from more famous Buddhist lakes like Namtso or Manasarovar is its profound role as the "largest holy lake" in the Yungdrung Bon faith, and Yungdrung Bon is Tibet's indigenous religion, predating the arrival of Buddhism.

Conclusion
The drive from Nyima County to Tangra Yum Tso takes approximately two hours on gravel roads. The landscape unfolds as mostly empty grassland with occasional abandoned herders' tents, offering a tangible taste of the Northern Wilderness experience. This route provides what many deep travelers seek—not the extreme isolation of the wilderness core, but a "raw wildness" distinct from typical tourist spots. Given the fragile ecosystem, significant temperature variations, and limited signal coverage in these areas, proper planning is crucial.


35 Comment ON "Tangra Yum Tso: The Premier Holy Lake of Yungdrung Bon in Tibet"
Asked by Liliana Me** from Macau
plan a 7-8days trip for me and my boyfriend in April
Hi! I would like to plan a 7-8days trip for me and my boyfriend in April (3rd to 10th ideally) to Nepal, Tibet, and, if possible, Bhutan. Do you think it would be doable? Based on what I read, there are some places/things to do to consider: Nepal: Everest Base Camp trek and the Annapurna Circuit, ancient temples, sacred sites like Lumbini, Kathmandu, Tibet: The Potala Palace in Lhasa and the Jokhang Temple. eventually the holy Mount Kailash or the high-altitude plains. Bhutan: Thimphu, Paro, and the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery. To take part in cultural traditions, yoga, meditation... Of course I am open to any recommendations you could make. For your reference, we are both based in Asia: him, in Bangkok and myself in Macau. Thank you so much for the information you could provide and, if possible, an estimated budget for your offer.
Asked by Ke** from Singapore
Cycling Tour to Mt Kailash
Hi , we are planning a Cycling Trip once Tibet opens for Tourism. The plan is we shall arrive to Kathmandu , travel to the border and enter via Kerung. Can you pls send a day to day Itinerary starting from Kerung - Lake Manasarovar - Darchen - Asthapath. We shall go around Kailash on foot and resume Cycling back to Kerung. We are a Group of 6-8 persons. Thanks Pls send ur reply to Kevin
Asked by Debo** from USA
Please can you tell me the prices and dates for the Tibet Luxury Tour.
Also, could you please provide a detailed itinerary - I want to see how many hours are spent on buses/vehicles. Thank you! Deborah
Asked by S** from HongKong
Tibet Tour from HK
May I know if holding Mainland Travel Permit for HK Residents. is it also need to get the visa permit to Tibet and what is the procedure if need to apply? Thank you
Asked by Na** from USA
Is Kailash Mansarovar Trip open for Indian Passport Holder?
Is it open for Indian Passport Holder?
Asked by A** from Singapore
Enquiry on private tour
We are planning a trip from Hong Kong to Tibet during the 12th to 21st of April. We want a private tour that covers all the scenic places as well as the EBC. Please advise an itinerary along with the cost breakdown. Thanks.
Asked by Na** from Canada
We would like to take the train from Xining to Lhasa
Asked by Gr** from Canada
The "Tibet Entry Permit" should be apply
Asked by Tam** from Singapore
Sightseeing Potala Palace
Asked by Ka** from Singapore
plan to travel to Mount Kailash