The Eye of Genyen: The "Tear of God" Gazing at the Holy Peak in the Heart of Kham

The Earth's Gaze

1.Located in the Lamaia Township of Litang: County, Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, the Eye of Genyen (also known as the Eye of Genie or Lenggu Glacier Eye) is one of the most mystical and visually arresting geological wonders on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Situated on the southern slope of the main peak of the Genyen Holy Mountain, this natural marvel appears as a narrow, deep blue "eye" embedded in the high-altitude landscape. Unlike typical alpine lakes, the Eye is described in local lore and exploration as a glacial fissure or water body where the internal deep blue ice layers shine with a crystalline translucency, resembling a giant pupil gazing eternally at the sky,. When the first rays of sunlight pierce through the clouds and illuminate the main peak, the Eye reflects the majesty of the snow-capped mountain, creating a breathtaking "天地镜像" (Mirror of Heaven and Earth) that freezes time for any beholder.

The Guardian of the South

2.The Eye sits in the shadow of Mount: Genyen (Genie Mountain), which stands at 6,204 meters above sea level. In Tibetan culture, Genyen is revered as the "Southern Guardian God" (南方护法神) of the Kham region, ranking alongside the sacred peaks of Meili, Amne Machin, and Mount Kailash. Legend has it that the main peak is the incarnation of the protective deity riding a white horse, and the "Eye" represents the mountain opening its gaze to observe the good and evil of the world, guarding the sentient beings of Kham from demons. Historically, this area was also a battlefield in the epic of King Gesar, where the hero is said to have fought demons with the aid of the mountain's spiritual power,.

A Photographer's Ultimate Frame

For photographers and adventurers, the Eye of Genyen offers a composition that is unrivaled in its purity and impact. Located above the famous Lenggu Monastery (a Sakya "Black Sect" temple), the site provides a perfect vantage point. From here, the "Eye" acts as a foreground mirror, capturing the reflection of the majestic, pyramid-shaped snow peak and the rolling sea of clouds. In summer (June to July), the surrounding alpine meadows explode with pink rhododendrons (azaleas), creating a "three-layered" visual feast of flowers, the blue lake-eye, and the silver snow peak,. In autumn, the golden grasslands provide a stark, warm contrast to the cool blue of the water and the white of the glacier, making it a "Photographer's Paradise".

The Pilgrimage Trek

3.Reaching the Eye of: Genyen is a journey of both physical challenge and spiritual cleansing. It is a key highlight of the Genyen C-shaped Loop, a renowned trekking route. Visitors typically start from Lenggu Monastery and hike 4 to 6 kilometers up the mountain slopes to reach the viewpoint. The trail winds through high-altitude terrain where one can often see devout pilgrims performing full-body prostrations, measuring the earth with their bodies to pray for family harmony and success. The air here is thin and pure, filled with the scent of high-altitude vegetation and the flutter of prayer flags, offering a profound sense of isolation and connection with the divine.