Yamdrok Lake

Yamdrok Lake

Yamdrok Lake is a freshwater lake in Tibet, it is one of the three largest sacred lakes in Tibet. The lake has an outlet stream at its far western end and means turquoise in English due to its color. Around 90 km to the west of the lake lies the Tibetan town of Gyantse and Lhasa is a hundred km to the northeast. According to a local mythology, Yamdok lake is the transformation of a goddess.

It is the largest waterfowl habitat in southern Tibet. Every winter, many migratory birds fly there. Yamdrok Lake is one of four particularly holy lakes, thought to be divinatory; everyone from the Dalai Lama to local villagers makes pilgrimages there. It is considered sacred as one of the four "Great Wrathful Lakes" guarded by the goddess Dorje Gegkyi Tso. The others such lakes are Lhamo La-tso, Namtso and Manasarovar. The lake is revered as a talisman and is said to be part of the life-spirit of Tibet. The largest lake in southern Tibet, it is said that if its waters dry, Tibet will no longer be habitable. To the west of the lake stands several famous peaks, including Jiangsanglamu Peak and Jiegangsusong Peak. These peaks serve as training bases for mountain hikers and adventurers.

Additionally, the lake's islands serve as rich pasture land to local herdsmen.

Religious belief

Yamdok lake is revered as the transformation of a goddess. Every year, many Buddhists and believers make a kora around the lake in an attempt to pray for a safe and happy year. And it’s said that the lake can help find the reincarnated boy of the late Dalai Lama.

Entrance ticket: 120 yuan/person

Notes:

Though Yamdrok Lake is located within Langkazi County, Shannan Prefecture, the majority of tourists visit there on the way to Shigatse.

Among the two routes from Lhasa to Shigatse, the southern one passes by Gyantse County and the Yamdrok. Despite the long uphill rugged roads, it’s not so difficult to get to the lake.