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Why Visit Tibet Yamdrok Lake?
Tibet, the world's highest region, is renowned for its purity and sanctity, and among its holy treasures is the Yamdrok Lake, the closest one to Lhasa. In our fast-paced, pressure-filled lives, it's easy to question the meaning of it all. But travel is never a mere distraction. As time flows on, we may find some answers in Tibet, where the tranquil Sheep Lake and timeless vistas offer a balm to our weary souls. May you find the peace you seek.
Yamdrok, known as the most beautiful water in the world, derives its name from the Tibetan words for "sheep," "pasture," "jasper," and "lake." Together, they form the "Lake of Jasper in the Pasture Above" or the "scattered turquoise earrings of the goddess," as the Tibetans call it.
The Yamdrok Lake is a unique natural wonder that blends high plateaus, shimmering lakes, snow-capped mountains, islands, pastures, hot springs, wild animals, temples, and other breathtaking vistas. The lake is surrounded by snow-covered peaks that soar more than 7,000 meters above sea level, creating a stunning contrast with the blue sky above. With its diverse landscapes and year-round beauty, the Yamdrok Lake is a place that will stay with you long after you leave.
Yamdrok Lake Main Attractions
Yanghu Lake is a truly remarkable natural wonder, formed about 100 million years ago when glacial debris blocked the river and created a unique, irregular shape with numerous bifurcations and winding shores. The lake is made up of several smaller bodies of water, including the Empty Mu Co, Shen Co, and Correcting Fault lakes, and was once an outflow lake that flowed into the Yarlung Zangbo River from Moqu. Over time, the lake retreated and became an internal flow lake, dividing into several smaller lakes, each with a height of less than 6.5 meters.
The lake is home to 21 small islands, each with its own independent water surface. Some of the larger islands can accommodate up to five or six families, while the smaller ones are just over 100 square meters. The lake's largest area covers about 18 square kilometers and is flanked by the Ningjin Kangsha peak and three other snow peaks, including the sacred 7,206-meter-high mountain of Later Tibet, one of the four traditional sacred mountains in Tibet.
Best Time to Visit to Yamdrok Lake
The best time to visit Yamdrok Lake is during late April to the end of June and from September to mid-November when rainfall is less frequent, and temperatures are relatively mild. The summer season in Tibet is characterized by heavy rainfall, which mostly falls at night, and the daytime sky is often overcast, making it difficult to appreciate the lake's stunning turquoise blue water.
During winter, the temperature in the area drops significantly, and the mountain pass is often hit by strong winds. However, this season has its own unique charm as some migrant birds flock to Yamdrok Lake, creating a totally different and equally mesmerizing view for visitors to enjoy. Despite the cold weather, the chance to witness the wildlife and experience the lake's beauty in a different light is well worth the trip. Make sure to plan your visit accordingly to enjoy the best of what Yamdrok Lake has to offer.
Best Spots to View Yamdrok Lake
Yanghu Platform
The Yanghu Platform is a scenic viewing area situated at a higher elevation, providing visitors with a bird's eye view of the stunning Yanghu Lake in Tibet. From this vantage point, visitors can marvel at the lake's unique and irregular shape, with its numerous bifurcations and winding shores.
Gampala Pass Platform
The Gampala Pass is a mountain pass situated between Nagarze County and Gongga County, with a towering altitude of 4,750 meters. Standing at the pass, you'll be greeted with a breathtaking view of wind horse flags fluttering in the wind, set against the backdrop of the majestic and desolate mountain range. As you cross over the Gampala Pass (4790m), you'll reach a platform where you can marvel at the magnificent panoramic view of the Yamdrok Lake (4441m) in the distance.
Langbuqi Platform
Closer to Yamdrok Lake, Langbuqi Platform is a popular viewing spot located on the banks of the stunning Yamdrok Lake. This platform offers visitors a panoramic view of the vast and tranquil lake, along with the majestic surrounding mountains.
Recommended Visiting Route from Lhasa
Go with a journey from Lhasa and cross the Yarlung Zangbo River Bridge in Qishui County. Travel south along the Raya Highway for 170 kilometers and ascend the 5030-meter-high Gambara Pass. The stunning and serene Yangzhuyong Lake will slowly unfold before your eyes like a beautiful jade. The descent from the pass to the lake takes approximately 30 minutes. As you continue your journey, the lake will gradually disappear from your sight until you reach Langkazi County, another 60 kilometers away.
Surrounding Attractions of Yamdrok Lake
Karola Glacier
After immersing yourself in the serene beauty of Yamdrok Lake, a stopover at Karola Glacier is guaranteed to leave you spellbound. Located at Gyantse county in Shigatse city, approximately 85 kilometers from Yanghu Platform, the glacier is renowned for its size and breathtaking beauty, with sparkling ice formations towering high atop the mountain. The glacier's imposing presence is further magnified by the majestic peaks and rugged terrain that surround it, creating a truly mesmerizing sight for visitors to the region. A visit to Karola Glacier for your Lhasa EBC tour offers you different experience to see different attraction of Tibet.
Rongbuk Monastery & Everest Base Camp
Tips: Take breaks at each location along the way to the camp to avoid altitude sickness, wear proper woolen clothes, apply enough sunscreen and moisturizer to prevent chapping, and keep all types of medicine with you.
Everest Base Camp refers to the living zone set up to observe the environment of the core area of Mount Everest. There are two camps in China: the Xipo and Dongpo Base Camps. The Xipo Base Camp is located in Zhaxizong Township, Dingri County, Shigatse Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region, while the Dongpo Base Camp is located in the Gama Valley, Qudang Township, Dingri County, with an altitude of 5200 meters and a straight-line distance of about 19 kilometers from the top of Mount Everest. The Base Camp provides accommodation for tourists, with toilets and tent post offices. It is an important starting point and rear base for mountaineering, with mountaineers from all over the world gathering here every year.
Rongbuk Monastery is located 8 kilometers north of Everest Base Camp in Tibet and is considered the highest monastery in the world. Looking south from here provides the best view and photo opportunities of Mount Everest.
How to Plan a Tibet Tour with Yamdrok Lake?
1 Day Yamdrok Lake Tour
Many travelers would like to spend one full day exploring Yamdrok Lake from Lhasa. The tour typically starts early in the morning, with a drive through the scenic countryside, passing through small towns and villages, and taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Upon arrival at Yamdrok Lake, visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk along the banks of the lake, take a boat ride to explore its tranquil waters, and visit the Langbuqi Platform to take in the panoramic view of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Lhasa - Yamdrok - Karora Glacier - Gyantse Kumbum - Shigatse
If you want a trip from Lhasa to Mount Everest, you can enjoy our 8 Days Tibet tour with EBC. As you journey out of Lhasa, the highway runs alongside a winding river, which alternates between narrow and wide stretches, with a vibrant green hue that is sure to soothe your senses. Don't be disheartened by the seemingly unremarkable appearance of the river; it is, in fact, the mighty Brahmaputra River, whose waters have the power to cleanse and rejuvenate.
As you continue on the road, you'll come across a monument dedicated to the Yajiang River valley, a prelude to the first scenic spot of the journey - the Tibetan three sacred lakes, including Yamdrok Lake. After admiring the beauty of Yamdrok Lake, you'll soon arrive at the Karola Glacier, which is renowned for its size but may not evoke a strong emotional response, much like a cup of KFC snow top coffee.
After leaving the glacier, you'll soon reach the end of day one in the enchanting little city of Shigatse, located at an altitude of 4,000 meters above sea level. If all goes smoothly, you'll arrive at Mount Qomolangma National Park, where strict border armed police checks are conducted. From here, it's a three-hour drive on challenging terrain to reach Everest Base Camp, with breathtaking scenery all along the way.
Explore Tibet with Asia Odyssey Travel
Local based in Lhasa and Tibet over 10 years, our local team at Asia Odyssey Travel has carefully designed Tibet tours that offer a truly authentic and unforgettable experience. You can choose to travel in the comfort of a private tour with a flexible itinerary, or join a group tour that's budget-friendly without compromising on quality. Whatever your preference, Asia Odyssey Travel has a tour that caters to your needs and desires, ensuring that your journey to Tibet is an unforgettable adventure.
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