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
Trips that visit Yamdrok Lake
Practical Info
Address
Nagartse County, Shannan (Lhoka) Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region
Opening Hours
Open access; viewpoint stalls typically operate 8:00am to 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
On the itinerary
Trips that visit Yamdrok Lake
Tibet · moderate · 5,010 m
Tibet Discovery Tour
From SGD 2,900 per person
Tibet · moderate · 5,248 m
Everest Base Camp Tibet Tour
From SGD 2,200 per person
Tibet · moderate · 5,248 m
Tibet & Nepal Grand Journey
From SGD 3,890 per person
Tibet · strenuous · 5,630 m
Mount Kailash & Manasarovar Kora Tour
From SGD 3,200 per person