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Yamdrok Lake is located approximately 100 kilometers south of Lhasa, at an altitude of 4,441 meters. From Lhasa, pass the Yarlung Zangbo River Bridge at Qushui and continue south along the Raya Highway for 170 kilometers. Along the way, you'll see the Yamdrok Lake Power Station before reaching the Gangbala Pass at an altitude of 4,990 meters, offering a panoramic view of Yamdrok Lake.
Yamdrok Lake, along with Manasarovar and Namtso, is considered one of Tibet's three sacred lakes. It's a sacred lake for those searching for reincarnated soul boys. Great living Buddhas can see reflections in the lake to indicate the general direction of the soul boy's whereabouts. Depending on the sunlight, the lake reveals varying shades of rich blue, creating a dreamlike scene. Upon first sight, its beauty is almost unbelievable.
Yamdrok Lake is fed by snow from the surrounding Nyainqentanglha Mountains. With no outlet, the inflow of snow and natural evaporation achieve a unique dynamic balance, transforming the lake into a myriad of shades of blue as the light shifts. Near the Xiagang Bala Snow Mountain, a long road runs along the lake. The best way to experience Yamdrok Lake is to park here, hike to the lake, or even camp by the lake.
In spring, summer and autumn, the water of Yamdrok Lake is blue, the sky is clear and the climate is mild, which is the best time for sightseeing.
Recommended play time: 1-3 hours
The ticket price for Yamdrok Lake will be adjusted to 120 yuan per ticket starting from May 1, 2018.
All day
Yamdrok Lake is one of Tibet’s largest sacred lakes, believed to be a divine entity in Tibetan Buddhism. It is culturally significant as a site of pilgrimage, prayer, and spiritual reflection, and it sustains local communities through fishing and agriculture.
Yamdrok Lake is located in Shannan Prefecture, Tibet, about 90 km southwest of Lhasa. Visitors usually travel by private car, taxi, or organized tour. Walking is possible along short trails and the lake’s shore.
A small entrance fee may apply, typically purchased offline at local checkpoints. Online ticketing is usually not available.
Booking is generally not required for casual visits. If arranging a guided tour, 1–2 weeks in advance is recommended.
2–4 hours are sufficient to explore the lakeshore, viewpoints, and nearby villages.
Guided tours are typically available in Chinese and Tibetan. English-speaking guides can be arranged through tour operators.
Night visits are uncommon. Special tours may include cultural experiences or village visits arranged by local operators.
The lake is moderately visited. Weekdays and off-peak seasons have fewer tourists.
Basic facilities include small rest stops, teahouses, and local souvenir shops. Toilets may be limited along the shore.
Moderately accessible. Most lake viewpoints are reachable by car, but some trails and higher viewpoints may be difficult for elderly or disabled visitors.
Cash is recommended for entrance fees, food, and souvenirs. Cards and mobile payments may not be widely accepted in remote areas.
Small Tibetan teahouses and roadside eateries serve local dishes such as tsampa, yak meat, and butter tea near the lake.
Vegetarian options are limited, and halal food should be confirmed in advance with local eateries.
Guesthouses and small hotels in nearby villages and along the Lhasa-Shannan road offer basic accommodations.
Souvenir shops sell Tibetan handicrafts, prayer flags, jewelry, and small religious artifacts.
