Lake Rakshastal, saltwater lake in Ngari Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region, China

Lake Rakshastal is a saltwater lake in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, lying just west of Lake Manasarovar and south of Mount Kailash. It covers 250 square kilometres at an altitude of 4,575 metres. Its deep blue water meets a low bank of grey-brown gravel and coarse earth, and the far shore appears brown and unbroken.

The lake formed through tectonic movements and glacial activity in ancient times. A land depression separates it from the neighboring Lake Manasarovar.

The lake holds a place in Hindu mythology linked to Ravana, the king of Lanka, who is said to have meditated on one of its four islands. These stories continue to influence how pilgrims and visitors perceive and give meaning to this place today.

Access requires both a Tibet Travel Permit and an Aliens' Travel Permit from local authorities. The best time to visit is between May and September when weather conditions are most favorable.

Four islands lie in the lake: Topserma (Dose), Dola, Lachato (Nadzhado) and Dosharba. Local people use them as winter pastures for their yaks, crossing to graze livestock on islands within the salt water.