Yamdrok Lake
One of Tibet's three holiest lakes, and its most photographed turquoise water.
Yamdrok Lake stretches across the plateau in a striking scorpion shape, its turquoise water held sacred as one of Tibet's three holiest lakes, alongside Namtso and Lake Manasarovar. At around 4,441m, it sits close enough to the Lhasa-Gyantse road that it's one of the most-seen sights on any overland Tibet itinerary, usually viewed from the Kamba La pass above the lake rather than the shoreline itself.
Tibetan tradition holds that Yamdrok is the transformation of a goddess, and that if it ever dries up, Tibet will become uninhabitable. Its colour shifts through shades of blue and green depending on the light and season, framed by snow-capped peaks including Mount Nojin Kangsang on clear days.
Highlights
One of Tibet's three holiest lakes
Best viewed from the Kamba La pass above the shoreline
Traditionally believed to be the transformation of a goddess
A regular stop on the Lhasa-Gyantse-Shigatse overland route
Practical Info
Address
Nagartse County, Shannan (Lhoka) Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region
Opening Hours
Open access; viewpoint stalls typically operate 8:00am–6:00pm
Price
free
Free to view from the roadside; a small fee applies at some formal viewpoints
In This Destination
Shannan
Cradle of Tibetan civilisation, birthplace of its first kings