Tsopu Valley (Tsopu Lake & Monastery)
མཚོ་ཕུ།
A high mountain valley home to Kham's first sacred lake. Snow peaks, forests, hot springs and an ancient monastery surround Tsopu Lake, making it look like Switzerland.
Tsopu Valley lies about 50 km north of Batang county town, roughly a two-hour drive up mountain roads. It combines snow peaks, forests, lakes, hot springs and pastures. The core, Tsopu Lake, sits at about 4,000 m and is known as “the first holy lake of Kham.” On its shore stands Tsopu Monastery, a provincial-level cultural heritage site. Zhajinjiabo, a sacred mountain of about 6,000 m, rises on the northeast shore and is reflected in the lake. Large flocks of plateau fish and ruddy shelducks can be seen on the water. The valley also has geothermal hot springs and viewing trails.
Entry is about ¥140, and the site opens from 8:30 to 17:30, subject to the scenic area's announcements. Because of the altitude, watch out for altitude sickness. Around the lake, walk clockwise, and do not feed or fish the wildlife.
Opening hours
08:30–17:30
Nearby sights
- Sister Lakes
- Yinggezui Rock Carvings
- Batang Town (Home of Xianzi Dance)
- Kangning Monastery
- Jinsha River Canyon (Batang Section)
- Zhubalong Jinsha River Bridge