The Turquoise Mirror of King Gesar: Xinlu Lake and the Glaciers of Chola Mountain

The "Sapphire" Dropped by the Fairy

1.Located at the foot of the majestic Chola: Mountain (Que'ershan) in Dege County, Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Xinlu Lake (known in Tibetan as Yihun Lhatso or Yulong Lhaco) is a breathtaking glacial moraine lake that sits at an altitude of approximately 4,040 meters. It is widely regarded as the most beautiful snow mountain reflection lake on the Northern Sichuan-Tibet Line (G317). Legend has it that the lake was formed by the tears of Zhuomu, a fairy (or the concubine of King Gesar) who fell in love with the heroic King Gesar and the stunning scenery of the snow peaks. Unable to leave this enchanting land, her heart turned into the turquoise water, and she remained here eternally as a "Lake of the Heart" or "The Soul Lake" to guard the land. The water is renowned for its milky blue or turquoise hue, rich in minerals, which creates a surreal, jade-like texture that changes with the light, offering a stark yet harmonious contrast to the rugged glaciers and dark rocks above,,,.

A Perfect Mirror for the "Eagle's Flight"

The viewing point offers an unparalleled panorama of Chola Mountain, the main peak of the Shaluli Mountains, rising to 6,168 meters. Known historically as the natural barrier that "even eagles cannot fly over," Chola Mountain presents a formidable wall of ice and rock. From the shores of Xinlu Lake, visitors can witness the massive glaciers extending from the granite peaks right down to the forest edge, looking like silver waterfalls frozen in time. On calm days, the entire massif—snow peaks, hanging glaciers, and drifting clouds—is perfectly mirrored in the still waters of the lake, creating a "Sky Mirror" effect that is considered the pinnacle of highland photography. The visual dialogue between the hard, cold ice and the soft, vibrant water defines the ultimate "Highland Aesthetics" of the region,,.

A Sanctuary of Mani Stones and Spruce Forests

Surrounding the lake is a pristine ecological sanctuary. The shores are lined with ancient, towering spruce (Picea balfouriana) forests and dense thickets of alpine rhododendrons, which burst into pink and purple blooms during early summer (June-July). Scattered throughout the forest and along the lake's edge are enormous boulders deposited by ancient glacial movements. Many of these giant rocks have been carved with the "Om Mani Padme Hum" mantra and colorful images of Buddhas by devout pilgrims and lamas over centuries, turning the nature reserve into a solemn open-air temple. These "Mani Stones," some as large as houses, add a profound spiritual dimension to the landscape. White-lipped deer and other highland wildlife can often be seen wandering among the trees and rocks, adding vitality to this quiet paradise,,,.

Echoes of the Northern Tea Horse Road

2.Xinlu Lake lies adjacent to the historic: Tea Horse Road. For centuries, caravans traveling between Sichuan and Tibet would pause here before or after tackling the perilous Chola Mountain pass. The lake served as a spiritual and physical resting place where travelers would pray for safe passage. Today, the site retains its wild and primitive charm, untouched by heavy commercialization. Whether you are strolling along the wooden boardwalks, camping on the designated meadows to watch the starry sky, or simply sitting by the water to listen to the wind, Xinlu Lake offers a deep connection to the history of the frontier and the soul of the Kham region. It is a place where the "Two Roads Spirit" (referring to the construction of the Sichuan-Tibet Highway) meets the ancient devotion of the Tibetan people,.