Yeshe Tsogyal Lhatso in Shannan

Yixi Cuojie Lhatso Lake (益西措杰拉措), also known as Cuojie Lhatso Lake (措杰拉措), is located in Cuojie Village, Azha Township, Zanang County (扎囊县阿扎乡措杰村), Shannan City, Tibet, on the northern bank of the Yarlung Tsangpo River. Situated at an altitude of around 3,600 meters and about 10 kilometers from Samye Monastery (桑耶寺), it is a thousand-year-old Nyingma (Red Sect) nunnery and a sacred birthplace associated with Yeshe Tsogyal (益西措杰, the spiritual consort of Padmasambhava). As a quiet and lesser-known pilgrimage destination, it offers a peaceful combination of sacred lake scenery, Buddhist culture, and traditional nunnery life. It can be combined with Samye Monastery (桑耶寺) and Minzhu Ling Monastery (敏珠林寺) as part of a one-day cultural sightseeing route in Shannan.

Best Time to Visit

Best Seasons

The best travel period is from May to October. During this time, the valleys are covered with green vegetation, and the sacred lake becomes clear and sparkling under the sunlight. September to October offers crisp autumn weather, excellent visibility, and beautiful light for photographing the monastery and lakeside scenery. From November to April, visitors are very few, creating a quiet atmosphere ideal for meditation and Buddhist worship. On the 10th, 15th, and other important dates of the Tibetan calendar, more pilgrims arrive, creating a stronger religious atmosphere.

Best Time of Day

The periods from 9:00-11:00 in the morning and 16:30-18:00 in the afternoon provide soft natural light, making them the best times for photographing the lake, monastery, and prayer flags. The site is open all day, and the complete visit usually takes about 1 hour.

Transportation

How to Get There

By Air: Fly to Lhasa Gonggar Airport (拉萨贡嘎机场), rest and acclimatize to the altitude before taking a private vehicle or chartered car to the monastery.

By Train: Take a train or bus from Lhasa to Zetang (泽当, Nêdong District), then transfer via Samye Town (桑耶镇).

By Long-distance Bus: Buses run from Lhasa to Samye Town. After arrival, visitors can take a short drive of about 5 kilometers to reach the nunnery.

Local Transportation

Self-driving or Private Car (Recommended): From Samye Town, the drive takes about 10 minutes. A simple free parking area is available near the village entrance. The route can be combined with Samye Monastery (桑耶寺) and Qingpu Meditation Site (青朴修行地) for a cultural tour.

Inside the Site: The entire visit is completed on foot, including a walk around the sacred lake. There is no sightseeing shuttle bus, but the paths are gentle and not physically demanding.

🌄 Core Attractions

Cuojie Sacred Lake (措杰圣湖)

The Cuojie Sacred Lake is the spiritual center of the monastery and a natural holy lake surrounded by peaceful scenery. According to local tradition, the lake appeared when Yeshe Tsogyal was born, with sacred water emerging from the ground. Pilgrims walk around the lake clockwise for blessings and may collect small amounts of holy water according to local customs.

Sacred Footprint Stone Hall

The Sacred Footprint Stone Hall preserves the handprint and footprint marks believed to have been left by Yeshe Tsogyal during her childhood. It is one of the most important sacred relic sites within the monastery.

Thousand-year Sandalwood Tree

The ancient sandalwood tree is regarded as a miraculous sacred tree. According to legend, it grew where Yeshe Tsogyal’s umbilical cord fell after her birth. Its unusual two-colored branches and legendary history make it one of the monastery’s most unique sights.

Jue Mu Main Hall (觉姆主殿)

The main meditation hall of the Nyingma Buddhist nuns houses statues of Padmasambhava and Yeshe Tsogyal. The interior walls preserve detailed murals depicting the life story and spiritual achievements of the female Buddhist master.

Lakeside Prayer Path

The circular walking path around the sacred lake is decorated with colorful prayer flags. With fewer visitors and a peaceful atmosphere, it is an excellent location for cultural photography and quiet contemplation.

Entrance Fee: There is no fixed entrance ticket. Visitors may make voluntary offerings according to local religious customs.

Accommodation Recommendations

Samye Town Homestays (桑耶镇民宿) — Best Choice

Samye Town offers the most convenient accommodation option, with restaurants and basic travel services nearby. It is ideal for combining a visit to Samye Monastery (桑耶寺) and Cuojie Lhatso Lake in a one-day itinerary. Advance booking is recommended during peak travel seasons.

Zetang (泽当, Nêdong District)

Zetang provides more accommodation choices, including oxygen-equipped hotels. Located about 1 hour away by car, it is suitable as a base for longer Shannan sightseeing routes.

Local Food Recommendations

Tibetan Noodles and Sweet Tea

Small Tibetan tea houses in nearby towns offer affordable local meals, making them convenient places to rest and recharge.

Yak Meat and Yak Meat Hot Pot

Yak meat dishes are rich in calories and are suitable for helping travelers adapt to the dry, oxygen-thin plateau environment.

Tsampa and Highland Barley Cake

These traditional Tibetan staple foods are easy to carry and provide quick energy, especially when paired with butter tea.

Butter Tea and Sweet Tea

Warm Tibetan tea helps reduce dryness, protect against cold weather, and adapt to the plateau climate.

Local Highland Vegetables

Seasonal mountain vegetables available in summer and autumn are light, fresh, and comforting.

Travel Tips and Important Notes

Weather and Climate

Located at an altitude of around 3,600 meters, the area has large temperature differences between day and night. Strong valley winds are common, so travelers should bring a windproof light jacket. The plateau sunlight is intense, making sunglasses and sunscreen essential.

Altitude Sickness Prevention

The altitude is moderate compared with many Tibetan destinations, and altitude sickness is usually mild. Walk slowly around the lake, avoid rushing, and carry a small oxygen bottle as a precaution.

Cultural Relics and Environmental Protection

Touching or photographing the main hall statues and sacred footprint stones is strictly prohibited. Do not break branches of ancient trees or flowers. Only small amounts of blessed holy water may be collected according to local customs; washing clothes in the lake or throwing objects into the water is forbidden. All waste must be carried away.

Photography Rules

Visitors may photograph the monastery exterior, sacred lake, and prayer-flag paths. Photography is prohibited inside the main hall and in areas where nuns are conducting religious practices.

Respect Local Religious Customs

When walking around the lake, circumambulating stupas, or turning prayer wheels, always move clockwise. Do not step on or tear prayer flags and Mani stones. Maintain a quiet atmosphere inside the nunnery and avoid disturbing the daily spiritual practices of the Buddhist nuns.