Cona Lake in Amdo County, Nagqu
Chinese Name: 错那湖
English Name: Cona Lake
Location: Located in Amdo County, west of the road between Nagqu Town and Amdo Town
Admission Fee: Free
Opening Hours: All Day
About Cona Lake in Amdo County, Nagqu
Cona, also called Dongaii Cona or Tsonag Lake, is a major lake of northern Tibet. It is located in Amdo County, west of the road between Nagqu Town and Amdo Town. The lake is considered holy to the Tibetans especially in the Bon religion, as it is seen as the “soul lake” of the Razheng Living Buddha. The smaller Ganong Lake lies almost adjacent to the southeast. Its area is approximately 300 square kilometers, and it is at 4594 meters above sea level making it one of the world’s higher freshwater lakes. Cona Lake can be observed on the right (west) as the train passes Tsonag Lake Railway Station on Qingzang Railway, going south toward Lhasa. Every dragon year in Tibetan lunar calendar, thousands of believers from all sides will come Cona Lake to worship. Worship of “lakes” tradition can be traced back to the Central Plains region of the Han dynasty.
Attraction Transportation:
Visitors can take long-distance bus or choose self-driving from Amdo County. Cona Lake is located in the west of the road between Nagqu Town and Amdo Town. What’s more, please pay attention to weather conditions. In the rainy season (July & August), cars often get struck in the mud and delays happen frequently.
Attraction Tips:
• Traveling Hours: 2 or 3 hours
• Traveling Seasons: March to October
• The sea level is 1100 meters higher than that of Lhasa, therefore please bring lots of water and don’t over-exert yourself.
• Weather here is changeable. Bring your thickest clothes just in case there may be rains or hail stones.
• Don’t forget to pack your sunscreen and sunglasses with you.
• Staying at Cona Lake overnight is extremely worthwhile. The sunrise and sunset are breathtakingly beautiful. You would find the night sky filled with stars, and even see the nebula of the Milky Way.
