Basic Info
Tibetan Meaning: Yilung = enamoured / captivated; Lhatso = sacred lake → Lake of Enchanted Heart
Location: Manigango Town, Dege County, Northern Kham, beside G317 Sichuan-Tibet North Route; elevation 4040 m, foot of Chola (Que’er) Snow Mountain (6168m)
Dual Site: Famous glacial sacred lake + adjacent hilltop Yulong Lhakhang (Sakya Sect Monastery) amid spruce & cypress forest
Origin & Gesar Legend
The lake’s name roots in Epic of King Gesar. Princess Jomo, Gesar’s beloved consort, lingered here spellbound by pristine alpine scenery and shed sentimental tears that formed the lake. Local Tibetans regard it as a divine holy water, nicknamed Jade Pool of Western Heaven. Formed by ancient glacial erosion, fed by mountain glacier meltwater, covering 6.2 km² with emerald-to-turquoise shifting water hues with sunlight.
Core Highlights
Sacred Circumambulation Kora Trail
3–4hr full lakeside clockwise trek lined with carved mani stones, fluttering prayer flags, scattered small white stupas; devout Khampa pilgrims circle annually for merit.
Yulong Lhakhang Sakya Monastery
Perched on lakeside pine-clad hillside, compact ancient Sakya gompa with crimson walls and gilded roof; preserves local Gesar-related sacred artifacts, quiet remote hermit vibe away from crowds.
Chola Glacier Panorama
Snow-capped Chola peaks & hanging glaciers drop toward the lake, forming classic Kham alpine landscape, top aerial & landscape photography spot.
Travel Details
Access: 12km from Manigango township, direct parking off G317; midway between Garzê Town & Dege County seat
Best visit: June–Oct (emerald lake + wild alpine flowers); Dec–Feb for frozen blue ice scenery
Etiquette: No stepping on mani stones/ prayer flags; always circle lake clockwise per Tibetan custom
Yilung Lhatso, the enchanted sacred glacial lake of northern Kham, nestles beneath snow-capped Chola Mountain beside historic G317. Named for Gesar’s lovestruck consort Jomo who wept its waters into being, its shifting turquoise glacial waters mirror towering glaciers year-round. A small ancient Sakya Yulong Lhakhang clings to forested hills above the shore, while pilgrims trace mani-stone kora paths circling the lake. Blending Gesar folklore, raw alpine wilderness and quiet monastic faith, it remains one of Kham’s most revered hidden holy sites.
