Zhaxi Peninsula on the shore of Nam Co is a perfect spot to overlook the Holy Lake, and it hides a place full of legends and natural wonders—the Namtso Good and Evil Hole. More than an attraction, it is a spiritual space that guides people to communicate with heaven and earth. According to legend, the ability to pass through the narrow and winding passages in the rock cave is linked to the purity of one’s heart, hence the name. This guide provides a complete roadmap from visiting tips and must-see sights to unique experiences, helping you find your own enlightenment.
Tips for the Namtso Good and Evil Hole
A trip to the Namtso Good and Evil Hole at Nam Co is a physical and mental challenge on the plateau that goes beyond ordinary sightseeing. Sitting at an altitude of over 4,700 meters, it boasts a harsh yet pure natural environment, and any trip here requires careful planning based on the premise of revering nature and respecting local culture. Abiding by the principle of “Preparation – Acclimatization – Experience” is the key to a safe and in-depth exploration.
- Tickets & Transportation: A ticket is required to enter the Nam Co Scenic Area, approximately CNY 120 in peak season and CNY 60 in off-season, prices subject to change. The Namtso Good and Evil Hole is located on Zhaxi Peninsula and is usually included in the scenic area. From Lhasa, you need to charter a car or join a tour group, with a travel time of about 5 to 6 hours via the Nagenla Pass. The road conditions are complex, so it is recommended to choose an experienced driver and a well-performing vehicle.
- Recommended Visiting Time: It is advisable to stay overnight by the shore of Nam Co (you can choose simple inns or tent hotels on Zhaxi Peninsula) to have ample time to acclimatize to the plateau and enjoy the sunrise and sunset over the Holy Lake. The best time to visit the Namtso Good and Evil Hole is in the morning, when the light is sufficient, the temperature is relatively mild, and you can avoid the strong winds that may occur in the afternoon.
- Recommended Visiting Route: After arriving at Zhaxi Peninsula, first walk along the lakeside trail to acclimatize to the altitude and gaze at the majestic Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains in the distance. Then head to the Namtso Good and Evil Hole area: first observe the cave’s appearance and the surrounding prayer flag array, calm your mind for a moment before attempting to explore the cave. After exiting the cave, you can sit quietly by the mani pile at the entrance and feel the magnificent aura of the Holy Lake.
A visit to the Namtso Good and Evil Hole is a journey of in-depth interaction with the high-altitude natural environment and your inner self. Sufficient material preparation and a humble and open mental state are the fundamentals for a unique experience.
Namtso Good and Evil Hole
Must-visit Attractions of Namtso Good and Evil Hole
Zhaxi Peninsula, where the Namtso Good and Evil Hole is situated, is itself a gathering place of scenic beauty. Every layer of rock, every stretch of lake water, and every fluttering prayer flag here forms a key element in understanding the spiritual ecology of the Holy Lake. Exploring these sights is like reading a three-dimensional classic co-written by nature and faith.
- The Namtso Good and Evil Hole: This is the core of the exploration. Carved from natural rock, the cave has a narrow entrance and winding inner passages, with the narrowest part only wide enough for one person to pass sideways. The cave is dimly lit with moist rock walls, and navigating through it requires the use of both hands and feet, testing physical flexibility—and it is also regarded as a metaphor for one’s inner state. After passing through, the view suddenly opens up to the boundless blue waves of Nam Co, creating a striking visual and psychological contrast.
- Rock Paintings and Mani Stone Carvings on Zhaxi Peninsula: Ancient rock paintings are scattered on the peninsula’s rock walls, depicting animals, hunting scenes and religious symbols with a long history. In addition, mani stone piles scattered all over the area are carved with the Six-Syllable Mantra, Buddha statues and other motifs, accumulating the faith of countless pilgrims. These silent works of art quietly tell the connection between humans and this land for thousands of years.
- Palms-Clasped Stone: Also known as the “Parent Stone”, it is one of the iconic sights of Zhaxi Peninsula. Two huge boulders stand facing each other, shaped like a pair of clasped hands, and are endowed with symbolic meanings of prayer and protection. Many travelers stop here to feel the sacred form of nature’s creation and tie prayer flags to entrust their wishes.
- Prayer Flag Array and Altar by the Lake: A huge array of prayer flags flutters in the wind around the Namtso Good and Evil Hole and on the high ground of the peninsula. Colorful wind horse flags carry scriptures and wishes, and each flutter in the wind symbolizes a recitation of the scriptures. Simple altars are adorned with offerings such as yak horns and butter lamps, and the scent of incense burning curls up and mingles with the lake breeze, creating a unique sensory experience.。
The Namtso Good and Evil Hole and its surrounding sights together form a complete spiritual field. They are not only local check-in spots, but also a medium that guides visitors to shift from external observation to internal perception. It is recommended to immerse yourself in the scenery at a slow pace, experiencing it with your touch, hearing and heart.
Palms-Clasped Stone: Local Iconic Sight
Unique Experiences at the Namtso Good and Evil Hole
At the Namtso Good and Evil Hole, the activities and sense of ritual here connect individuals with the grand nature and profound cultural traditions, creating irreplicable personal memories and inner insights.
- Sunrise and Sunset: Dawn and dusk at Nam Co are magical moments of light and shadow. At sunrise, golden sunlight dyes the snow-capped peaks of Nyenchen Tanglha yellow, then the radiance spreads over the lake surface, sparkling with ripples. At sunset, the lake water changes color from bright blue to deep blue and purple gray, and a gorgeous sunset unfolds in the sky. Sitting quietly by the lake at this time, the peace and grandeur between heaven and earth strike the soul directly.
- Incense Burning Ritual: Under the guidance or observation of local people, you can perform a simple incense burning ritual with a pious heart. Light cypress branches, highland barley and other offerings in the incense burner, and whisper your wishes or express gratitude to heaven, earth, mountains and lakes. This is not a performance, but a silent communication integrated into the local religious culture.
- Kora around Zhaxi Peninsula: Kora (circumambulation) is an important pilgrimage practice in Tibetan Buddhism. Circling Zhaxi Peninsula is a relatively short kora route, passing by many sacred sites such as the Namtso Good and Evil Hole, Palms-Clasped Stone and temple ruins. Walking slowly clockwise in the footsteps of pilgrims is an in-depth meditative walk, allowing you to experience concentration and emptiness in movement.
- Cave Sights: Before and after attempting to pass through the Namtso Good and Evil Hole, give yourself a moment of silence. Facing the mysterious cave and the vast lake is a rare opportunity to sort out and purify your soul.
The core of these experiences lies in “participation” and “internalization”. Only by letting go of the identity of a tourist and integrating into the environment as a temporary dweller and thinker can you touch the profound charm of the Holy Lake that goes beyond the scenery.
Practical Advice for the Namtso Good and Evil Hole
Thorough practical preparation and attention to details are crucial for a smooth spiritual exploration on the plateau. These tips are like road signs leading to the secret realm, helping you avoid risks, focus on the experience itself, and make the trip safer, more comfortable and rewarding.
- Plateau Acclimatization & Health: It is strongly recommended to acclimatize in Lhasa (3,650 meters above sea level) for at least 2 to 3 days before traveling to Nam Co. Carry altitude sickness medicine, glucose and oxygen cylinders (available for rent in Lhasa) with you. Move extremely slowly, avoid running and jumping, try not to take a bath on the first night, keep warm and prevent colds.
- Clothing & Equipment: Even in summer, the nighttime temperature at Nam Co may drop close to freezing point. You must bring a windproof and waterproof jacket, a fleece jacket, a warm hat, gloves and a scarf. Wear non-slip and wear-resistant shoes (high-top hiking shoes are recommended). Also prepare sunglasses, SPF50+ sunscreen and lip balm to resist strong ultraviolet rays and dry air.
- Food & Water: There are few dining options and prices are relatively high in the scenic area, so it is recommended to bring some high-calorie, portable snacks from Lhasa (such as chocolate, biscuits and beef jerky). Ensure you carry enough hot water in an insulated bottle to replenish water at any time, but avoid drinking a large amount at once.
- Environmental Protection & Respect: Take away all personal garbage and leave no litter behind. Do not touch, climb or damage cultural relics such as rock paintings and mani stones. Talk in a low voice to maintain the peaceful atmosphere of the sacred site.。
The Namtso Good and Evil Hole: Soul Purification
A trip to the Namtso Good and Evil Hole at Nam Co is a dual trek—your body journeys to the highlands, and your soul delves into the depths. The value here does not lie in conquering a cave, but in having a sincere conversation with the boundless Holy Lake, the vast heaven and earth, and your inner self through this unique spatial experience. When you squeeze through the dim rock crevice and finally face the endless blue, you may gain a new understanding of “passing through” and “state of mind”. May this guide help you prepare well and meet all the shocks, challenges and enlightenments that this plateau sacred land brings you with the right attitude.
