Yamdrok Lake
Name in Chinese: 羊卓雍措 Yáng Zhuó Yōng Cuò [jæŋ dzɔ: jɔ:ŋ ’tsɔ:]
Duration of Tour: Two or Three Hours
Location: Lhoka Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region, Tibet
Highlights: the Spectacular Lake View, Tibetan Culture, Photography and Hiking
Reputations: One of the Top Three Holy Lakes in Tibet, a Wetland Nature Reserve
Yamdrok Lake stretches from Nagarze County to Kongga County. It measures 675 square kilometers(261 sq.mi) and 60 meters(197 feet) at its deepest point. The lake is well-known as one of the three holiest lakes in Tibet. The three holiest lakes are Yamdrok Lake, Namtso Lake and Manasarovar Lake.
In ancient times, Yamdrok Lake was associated with seeking for the reincarnations of the late Dalai Lamas. After a Dalai Lama passed away, a group of high-ranking monks would make a prophecy by means of divination which might help them to find the newly-born successor to Dalai Lama. They would also go to Yamdrok Lake and perform some religious rites. The monks would get some signs showing the exact location where the successor was living. Yamdrok Lake is regarded by Tibetans as a “goddess” who protects their homeland.
The name of the lake, Yamdrok is a Tibetan word, meaning “a jade green lake on pasture”. As one of the most lovely lakes in Tibet, Yamdrok Lake attracts visitors with its sapphire water and the surrounding snow-capped mountains. The lake is also noted as a home to wild animals and migratory birds, such as Himalayan marmots, mountain goats, foxes, swans, black-necked cranes, brown-headed gulls, wild ducks and Mandarin ducks.
Travel Tips:
How to Get to Yamdrok Lake
Yamdrok Lake lies about 110 kilometers(68 miles) to the southwest of Lhasa. It takes about two and a half hours to get to the lake from downtown Lhasa by car. Lhasa is the capital city of Tibet Autonomous Region. Currently, Lhasa Kongga International Airport operates flights to 47 domestic cities, such as Chengdu, Xi’an, Chongqing, Xining, Kunming, Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. There is only one international flight operating between Lhasa and Kathmandu(Nepal). Tourists also travel to Lhasa by train from Xi’an or Chengdu.
How to Avoid Altitude Sickness
Yamdrok Lake is at an elevation of 4,441 meters(14,570 feet). Some of the tourists will suffer from the Acute Mountain Sickness(AMS). Tips for you to prevent the AMS include keeping hydrated, avoiding a cold, acclimatizing to altitude gradually, avoiding rapid ascent, restraining from smoking and drinking alcohol.
Weather
Yamdrok Lake has a harsh climate. The high altitude of the lake means that you need to bring winter clothes, sunhats and some suncream when you go to visit the lake.
Photography Tips
A tripod, a filter, telephoto lenses and wide angle lenses are needed. There are some viewing platforms, over the lake. You may find a higher one overlooking the lake, placed with colorful prayer flags.
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Author: Tina Luo
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