Mangtso (mang-mtsho), nestled within Mangling Township in Mangkang County and 60 kilometers north along National Highway 214, is revered as a sacred female lake, affectionately known as “Ama Mangtso” (Mother Mangtso) by locals and pilgrims alike. Its mother, the sacred lake Yamdrok Tso in Tibet, further underscores its sanctity.
A captivating legend explains Mangtso’s creation. In ancient times, a kind-hearted Mang woman lived here. During a year of drought, when water was scarce, she noticed a white yak drinking from a spring under a flat stone. Upon investigation, she found the stone slightly moved by the yak, revealing a spring flowing continuously.
Attempting to provide water for the thirsty animals of the dry grassland, the Mang woman moved the stone, only for the spring to burst forth, flooding the entire plain. She fled to higher ground, shedding her garments one by one in exhaustion. When she cast her last piece of clothing, an apron, into the water, the miracle happened: the water ceased rising. The lake we see today, shaped like a Tibetan apron, is thus revered as a “sacred lake” by the locals.
Mangtso, the source of the Heiqu, a tributary of the Jinsha River, is a freshwater lake at an elevation of 4,313 meters, covering over 20 square kilometers. It’s a high-altitude plateau lake formed by ancient tectonic subsidence, featuring two islets named “Duique Island” and “Duifang Island” within its green waters. Surrounded by lush grass, diverse bird species, and nestled against a backdrop of overlapping snow-capped mountains, the lake resembles a picturesque scene.
Mangtso holds a profound connection with Tibetan Buddhism, believed to be the soul lake of Dorje Phagmo (Vajravarahi or Dorje Pakmo), a revered deity. Historically, 18 monks lived by the lake, each reciting the Prajñāpāramitā Sūtras daily, completing a set of “One Hundred Thousand Songs of Prajñāpāramitā” together, contributing to the lake’s name and spiritual significance.
Visitor Tips:
- Admission: 20 CNY.
- Transportation: The lake is 90 kilometers from the county town, accessible by rental car for approximately 300 to 400 CNY. On the way, visitors can explore Guonan Monastery and Zhatop Monastery for additional cultural experiences.
- Climate: Mangtso is characterized by a high-altitude temperate semi-humid climate, with lower temperatures in April, average summer and autumn temperatures between 8 to 15.4°C, freezing mornings and evenings, warm afternoons, and snowfall beginning in late October, offering stunning snowscapes.
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