Lake Dangra Yumtso | Enigmatic Tibet Travel

Dangra Yumtso: The Sacred Bön Lake Closest to the Stars
Dangra Yumtso is the largest sacred lake worshipped by ancient followers of the Bön religion, and the fourth largest lake in Tibet. With a depth of over 210 meters, it is also the deepest known lake in Tibet. When sunlight pierces through the clouds and strikes the lake’s surface, it creates vibrant colors that shift with the angle.

At high altitude with virtually no light pollution, Dangra Yumtso is called “the place closest to the stars”, making it one of the best stargazing spots on the Third Pole of the Earth. The best time for stargazing is September to October. Travel tips:
Strong UV radiation – use sun protection
Bring altitude sickness medication and oxygen
Stargaze on clear, moonless nights for the best visibility

Dangra Yumtso: Sacred Lake of the Ancient Bön Religion
Dangra Yumtso is Tibet’s fourth-largest lake and China’s second-deepest, revered as the largest sacred lake of the ancient Bön religion. Stretching north to south, it resembles the shape of a shoe sole, surrounded on three sides by mountains, with an opening on the southeastern side of Mount Darguo.

Mount Darguo features seven dark peaks, snowcapped year-round, resembling a row of pyramids. Together with the lake, it is regarded by Bön followers as a divine sanctuary.

On the lakeside, Yumbön Monastery, built into a cliffside cave, is believed to be one of the oldest surviving temples of the Zhangzhung-era Bön tradition.

Dangra Yumtso and the Seven Peaks of Mount Darguo: Sacred Bön Landscapes
Dangra Yumtso is a large, north-south–oriented lake shaped like a shoe sole, surrounded by mountains on three sides, with a notable opening on the southeastern edge near Mount Darguo.

Mount Darguo features seven dark peaks topped with snow, neatly aligned like pyramids. Together, Dangra Yumtso and the Seven Peaks of Darguo are revered by Bön followers as sacred sites of divine presence.

Wenbu Village: Lakeside Life at Dangra Yumtso On the shores of Lake Dangra Yumtso lies a peaceful village called Wenbu, home to around a hundred households. Most villagers live a semi-agricultural, semi-pastoral lifestyle, cultivating fields near the lake with crops such as barley, potatoes, rapeseed, and Chinese cabbage. This village offers a unique glimpse into Tibetan rural life in harmony with nature.