Mystical and Alluring: The Ghost Lake, Lake Rakshastal

Lake Rakshastal, often referred to as the "Ghost Lake," is a mysterious and alluring body of water. Its name in Tibetan translates to "poisonous black lake." Located in Baga Township, northeast of Pulan County, it is 55 kilometers from Pulan County's town center and 360 kilometers from Shiquanhe Town, the administrative center of Ngari Prefecture. Classified as a scenic area for lake exploration and tourism, it was opened to countries like India and Nepal in 1983 with the approval of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Situated at an altitude of 4,574 meters, Lake Rakshastal is a slightly saline lake, making its water unsuitable for human or animal consumption—likely the origin of its ominous name. Lake Rakshastal lies parallel to Lake Manasarovar, separated by a narrow stretch of land. Covering an area of 289 square kilometers, its surface sits at an elevation of 4,573 meters. The lake's eastern, western, and southern shores are surrounded by dark-colored rocks from nearby mountains, giving its waters a grayish and peculiar hue compared to the brighter waters of Lake Manasarovar. In 1906, a Swedish geographer attempted to measure the depth of Lake Rakshastal after successfully measuring Lake Manasarovar's depth. However, the effort was abandoned after only surveying the northern part of the lake, leaving its depth a mystery to this day. Over the years, climate changes have transformed Lake Rakshastal into a closed inland lake, with no outflow of water. Over the past century, the lake has experienced shrinkage, a drop in water levels, and increased mineralization. Despite these changes, it remains a magnificent natural spectacle, offering valuable insights into modern climate change and serving as a fascinating destination for scientific research and tourism.