Due to its unique geological structure, the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is dotted with numerous lakes. Ancient Tibetans, who followed the primitive Bon religion, worshipped heaven, earth, the sun, and the moon, leading many lakes and snow-capped mountains to become sacred objects of veneration—thus giving rise to the concepts of “holy mountains” and “sacred lakes.”
The three most famous sacred lakes in Tibet are typically Namtso, Manasarovar, and Yamdrok. Each has its own distinct charm, with Yamdrok Lake renowned for its exquisite beauty. Its winding, ever-changing shape resembles a dancing maiden when viewed from above, evoking the imagery of the flying apsaras in Dunhuang murals.
On the northern shore of Yamdrok Lake lies a small island, home to a famous little temple called Rituo Temple. The term “island” is somewhat flexible—during the dry season, a nearly submerged path connects it to the shore, but in the wet season, the path disappears entirely beneath the water, turning it into a true island. At this point, the only way to reach the temple is by traditional Tibetan yak-hide boats. This isolation has earned Rituo Temple the title of “the loneliest temple in the world.” Since only one monk usually resides there, travelers poetically describe it as “one lake, one island, one mountain, one temple, one monk.”
Legend has it that Rituo Temple was first built in the late 14th century by the monk Shakya Dondrup and his nephew, making it over 600 years old. It belongs to the Sakya school of Tibetan Buddhism and enshrines a sacred stone said to have fallen from the sky, believed to cure all illnesses.
Modern surveying technology has unveiled some of its mysteries. Geologists discovered hexagonal basalt columns hidden beneath the lake—remnants of ancient volcanic activity that naturally elevated the island like a mandala. Hydrological studies also revealed that on the 15th day of the fourth month in the Tibetan calendar, the lake’s conductivity spikes unusually, coinciding with the legendary “hour when the Dragon King opens his eyes.” All this adds to the temple’s enigmatic aura.
Rituo Temple has always attracted devoted guardians. For instance, its sixth abbot, Ngawang Dondrup, once set a record by staying on the island continuously for 13 years, while 38-year-old Tashi Phuntsok holds the title of the youngest temple keeper.
Every day, as the last yak-hide boat vanishes into the twilight, Rituo Temple reveals its truest form. Moonlight paves a celestial path across the lake, and every flutter of prayer flags releases centuries of accumulated silence. When dawn reddens the waters again, new pilgrims will see their reflections slowly rise from the lake, transforming into stars at an altitude of 4,442 meters.
This is Rituo Temple—known as the loneliest temple in the world.
Location: Dongla Village, Dongla Township, Gonggar County, Shannan Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region.
Best way to reach it: Drive to Dongla Township via the Yamdrok Lake Ring Road near Gonggar Chode Monastery. After crossing the Gyairo Pass, continue for a few hundred meters until you see a fork in the road marked with directions to Rituo Temple. Vehicles can go halfway up the mountain, after which a short hike leads to the temple. Visitors are kindly reminded to follow all rules and respect Buddhist customs during their stay.
