Lake Yamdrok
» Gyangtze, Tibet

羊卓雍错 神女散落的绿松石耳坠

Yamdrok Yumtso

The holy Lake Yamdrok lies to the south of Yarlong Tsangpo River in the Shannan Region of Tibet. The lake is one of three holy lakes in Tibet. It is the largest freshwater lake at the south foot of the Himalayas with an area of about 638 square kilometers (about 246 square miles).

Basic information

The lake is in a length of 130 kilometers (about 81 miles) and a width of 70 kilometers (about 43 miles).The surface of the lake is about 4,441 meters (about 14,570 feet) above the sea level. It is quite a deep lake as the average depth is about 20 - 40 meters (about 11 - 22 fathoms) and the deepest point is almost 60 meters (about 33 fathoms) below the surface.

What to visit

Beautiful names

The Lake Yamdrok has some beautiful and vivid names like Coral Lake or Green Jade Lake.

  • Coral Lake
    The name Coral Lake is derived from its irregular shape. This lake has many short streams winding into the nearby mountains and it appears much like the coral.
  • Green Jade Lake
    The name Green Jade Lake implies its beautiful appearance for the pure clean water of the lake is as smooth as the surface of fine jade. Lying under the sunshine, the peaceful water seems like a bright mirror. The reflection of sunshine in different depths lends the lake gorgeous and mysterious colors. Overlooked from the nearby high mountain, one could see the Lake Yamdrok, like a holy sapphire, set in the group of mountains.

Intoxicating scenery

In the lake, are dotted several small islands. On the islands, fertile grasses and groups of wild birds betray peaceful but vigorous natural scenery. Embraced by the uninterrupted snow-capped mountains and lying under the clear blue sky, the Lake Yamdrok appears very holy and evokes solemnity.

The holy lake

As one of the three holy lakes, the Lake Yamdrok is said to be the female Guardian of Buddhism in Tibet. People here believe that it will bless and protect them. Every year, many devotional followers in Tibet or from other places would come here for pilgrimage. Some of them start on foot and give one prostration every three steps even from hundreds of kilometers away. All of these visitors bring much mystery and dignity to the charming holy Lake Yamdrok.

Tibetan fish

The lake abounds in small scale fishes, Tibetan fish, plateau carps etc, with a yearly production about 200 to 300 million kilograms. The fish breeding business has been flourishing and taken a large scale. The fish is not only sold in Lhasa but also in inland market.

The habitat for water birds

Here is also the largest habitat for water birds in north Tibet. Every winter flocks of birds are flying here from the south. Along the banks and on the islands there are large numbers of swans, pigeons, yellow ducks, cormorants and barhead goose.

Attractions around » Gyangtze, Tibet

Natural Scene

Natural Scene

Historical Site

Historical Site

  Weather

  1. What is the best season to visit Tibet?
  2. Is it too cold in wintertime to visit Lhasa?
  3. What clothes to wear when traveling there?
  4. What about the climate in Lhasa?

  Transportation

  1. How far is it from Lhasa to Ginger International Airpor?
  2. Do many people speak English in Tibet?

  Shopping

  1. Is it easy to get the cash money from ATMs in Tibet?
  2. Where can I buy the Tibetan carpets and textiles?

  Travel

  1. How many temples/monasteries can we visit in the vicinity of in Lhasa?
  2. When is the Potala open?
  3. How long does it take by car to Gyantse, Shigatse?
  4. Is it possible to visit the Mt.Everest base camp?
  5. Do we need a special permit to visit Mt.Kailash?

  Customs

  1. Are there any festival days in Tibet?
  2. What need I bear in mind when traveling in Tibet?

  Other Hints

  1. Do we need special visas to enter Tibet?
  2. How can I get a Tibet Travel Permit?
  3. Is a Tibet Travel Permit necessary to enter Lhasa?
  4. How can I have an independent travel?
  5. What to pack for Tibet tours?
  6. Do we get altitude sickness when we are in Lhasa?
  7. In Tibet, what is the difference between budget guesthouse, comfortable hotel and the best hotel?
  8. Is there heating and oxygen facility in the hotel rooms?
  9. How many populations in Lhasa?
  10. Can we fly to Lhasa from abroad directly?
  11. What about time in Lhasa?
  12. Something need to know about taking photos of Tibetans
  13. Tips for you to have a good tour in Tibet

  • What is the best season to visit Tibet?

    Generally speaking, the period from April to October is the best time because of the pleasantly warm. But August is the rainy season. However, traveling in a winter tour can still be pleasant because of saving your tour budgets and avoiding the tourist crowds.

    Also, Lhasa becomes alive with nomads and pilgrims during the winter season, especially during the Tibetan New Year Festival.


  • Is it too cold in wintertime to visit Lhasa?

    Contrary to popular belief, wintertime is the perfect season to visit Lhasa as the summer rains have passed and it has averagely 10 hours of sunshine everyday!


  • What clothes to wear when traveling there?

    Because of the fluctuations in temperature between daytime and evenings it is recommendable to wear clothes in layers, (E.g. sweaters, pullovers) which can be added or removed as temperature varies during the day. In winter, a warm windbreaker and stout, comfortable shoes are especially recommended.


  • What about climate in Lhasa?

    Lhasa enjoys low humidity, moderate rainfall and an average of 10 hours of sunshine daily. With more than 3000 hours of sunshine annually, Lhasa is famed as the city of sunshine.

    Spring and Autumn are dry, 10-20C at daytime and 0-5C at nighttime.

    Summer has some rainfall and is 15- 25C at daytime, 10C at nighttime. Sunlight is extremely intense. Sunscreen lotion, a salve for the lips and sunglasses are a must.

    Contrary to popular belief, winter is magnificent time to visit Tibet. In Lhasa and it rarely snows in the Lhasa valley. Winter is very dry, 0-10c at daytime and 0-15minus C at nighttime.


  • How far is it from Lhasa to Ginger International Airpor?

    It is 95kms.


  • Do many people speak English in Tibet?

    Not many people speak English in Lhasa. The formal languages are Chinese and Tibetan. Therefore, an English/Chinese/Tibetan speaking guide is recommendable for sightseeing trips.


  • Is it easy to get the cash money from ATMs in Tibet?

    Basically it is pretty hard to find ATMs in Tibet. The only place to get the cash money is from the local branches of Bank of China, Lhasa. For the sake of the convenience, it might be good to bring some cash money along the trip.


  • Where can I buy the Tibetan carpets and textiles?

    Tibetan carpets and textiles are famous worldwide, but in recent years most "Tibetan" textiles have tended to come from Nepal or India rather than Tibet. So it is not easy to find the good traditional textiles. In particular you will need to look beyond the tourist trap shops in the Barkhor and by the Potala, where most of what is on sale has not been made in Tibet (or anywhere near!).

    Two places where you can find authentic textiles are the Dropenling Handicrafts Center and the Tanva Carpet Workshop.

    Dropenling is a project started by the Tibet Poverty Alleviation Fund a few years back: its store is near to the Mosque (follow the sign by the Makye Ame cafe, or look for leaflets and posters in cafes around town). It sells good Wangden carpets made in the villages around Lhasa and distinctive apron fabrics.

    The Tanva workshop is a recently started venture in Nam village, on the road between Lhasa and the airport, using local handspun Tibetan wool and both traditional and contemporary designs. You can watch the carpet making process from start to finish and carpets can be bought in the showroom on site.


  • How many temples/monasteries can we visit in the vicinity of in Lhasa?

    Lhasa has numerous temples and monasteries. The major temples/monasteries are Jokhang Temple, Ramoche Temple, Drepung Temple, Sera Temple and Ganden Temple.


  • When is the Potala open?

    The Potala is open for the local public on Mondays and Thursdays. Usually, the Potala opens for tour groups also on other days of the week (except for Sundays).


  • How long does it take by car to Gyantse, Shigatse?

    Gyantse is 270km and Shigatse is 360km from Lhasa. It is possible to drive to Gyantse in one day (6 hours), stay overnight and leave for Shigatse the next morning (2 hrs).


  • Is it possible to visit the Mt. Everest base camp?

    Yes, local travel agencies organize trekking to the base camp. It is even possible to reach the camp by car (app.2 days from Lhasa).


  • Do we need a special permit to visit Mt. Kailash?

    Yes. This can be applied for in Lhasa and usually takes no more than two days to issue. This permit can only be issued with a valid TAR-permit and P. R. China visa.


  • Are there any festival days in Tibet?

    If possible, try to time your visit to Lhasa on one of the city's festivals. Pilgrims often flock to Lhasa at the time and the city takes on a colorful party atmosphere. The following Tibetan festivals are calculated according to the lunar calendar. Check before for the precise dates.

    • Losar, Tibetan New Year(1st-3rd day of 1st lunar month):
      It is the greatest festival in Tibet. In ancient times when the peach tree was in blossom, it was considered as the starting of a new year.
    • Monlam(great prayer festival of Lhasa):
      This is the greatest religious festivals in Tibet. Monks from the Three Great Monastery of Tibet assemble in Jokhang for prayer to Shakyamun's image as if it were the living Buddha. Pilgrims come from every corner of Tibet and donations are offered to the monks.
    • Butter Oil Lantern Festival (February or March):
      It's held on the 15th of the first lunar month. Huge yak-butter sculptures are placed around Lhasa's Barkhor circuit.
    • Tibetan Spring Ploughing Day (As per Tibet calendar 3rd March):
      Tibetans at Neqoin Village, Doilungdeqen County in rural Lhasa donned festive clothes on March 3, the fourth day after the Tibetan New Year, to celebrate the "Spring Ploughing Day."
    • Gyantse Damma Festival (As per Tibet calendar from 10th-27th April):
      The Gyantse Damma Festival has a history of more than 500 years. From April 10 to 27 of Tibetan calendar, Gongsang Raopa held the worship and recreational activities to memorize his father. Activities include the display of Buddha Portrait, sorcerer's dance in a trance, wrestling and bearing contest.
    • Saga dawa festival (May or June):
      It is the holiest in Tibet, there memorable occasions coincide on this day, buddha's birth and buddha's enlightenment. Almost every person within Lhasa join in circumambulations round the city and spend their late afternoon on picnic at "dzongyab lukahng" park at the foot of potala.
    • Gyantse horse race & archery (May or June):
      Contests in early times included horse race, archery, and shooting on gallop followed by a few days' entertainment or picnicking. Presently ball games, track and field events, folk songs and dances, barter trade are in addition to the above.
    • Changtang chachen horse race festival (10 august):
      As the most important festival in north Tibet during the golden season on the grassland, thousand of herdsmen throng to nakchu riding fine horses, and carrying the local products. They form as city of tens south of nakchu town. There will be thrilling horse race, archery and demonstrations of horsemanship. Songs and dance troupes from all part of Tibet will add to the fun.
    • Shoton festival (august):
      It is one of the major festivals in Tibet, also known as the Tibetan Opera Festival.
    • Ganden festival:
      On the 15th day of the 6th Tibetan month, 25 precious articles belonging to ganden monastery, which are normally locked in their treasure house, are displayed in the main shrine hall. A grand offering ceremony accompanies the display.
    • Harvest festival (September):
      The farmers in Lhasa, gyantse and shangnan to celebrating their bumeer harvest in this time. During that time, people enjoy with horse racing games, costume fashion show, songs and dance archery and picnic etc.
    • Bathing week:
      It is believed when the sacred planet Venus appears in the sky, the water in the river becomes purest and cure diseases. During its appearance for one week in the sky, all the people in Tibet go into the river for bathing.
    • Kungbu Traditional Festival (November or December):
      Long time ago, when Tibet was in danger of large scale invasion, the Kongpo people sent out an army to defend their homeland. It was in September and the soldiers worried that they might miss the New Year, highland barley wine and other good things. So people had the Tibetan New Year on 1st October ahead of time. To memorize those brave soldiers Kongpo people present three sacrifices and stay up at night from then on. And now it has become the Kongpo Festival for entertainment like Kongpo dancing, horse race, archery and shooting.
    • Tibetan Fairy Maiden Festival (As per Tibet calendar 15th December):
      December 15 marks the annual Tibetan Fairy Maiden Festival (Auspicious Goddess Festival). Tibetans gather in Lhasa around the Jokhang Monastery for presenting hadas to Auspicious Goddess.


  • What need I bear in mind when traveling in Tibet?

    Due to few communications with the outside world, Tibet keeps its own strong culture which is different from other parts of China. There are some tips for tourists travelling in Tibet to help to be aware of some cultural differences. Such as:

    • It's impolite to enter some places near Jokhang Temple. Please ask permit with your body language if they cann't understand English first before approaching.
    • No killing in the present of Tibetan people, including a fly.

  • Do we need special visas to enter Tibet?

    No. A valid tourist visa for the People's Republic of China is enough. However, an additional TAR (Tibet Autonomous Region) tourist permit-Permit Visa and an official guide accompanying with all sightseeing tour in Tibet is required. Tourist Permits to enter the Tibetan Autonomous Region can be issued through local travel agents.


  • How can I get a Tibet Travel Permit?

    You must be on an organized tour in order for a Tibet Travel Permit to be issued, which is usually done about ten days prior to arrival in Tibet. You need to provide their travel agency with copy of valid passport and visa and also some additional information, so the travel agency can apply for the permit.


  • Is a Tibet Travel Permit necessary to enter Lhasa?

    Yes. All non-Chinese passport holders and non-Chinese ID holders must have a Tibet Travel Permit. People who have Hong Kong passports and Macau passports do not need Tibet Travel Permits.


  • How can I have an independent travel?

    At present, independent travels are strictly prohibited by Tibet local authorities. Traveling in Tibet need certain travel documents issued by the local Tibet government. Without the assistances of the local tour operators, the travelers cannot obtain the required travel documents. In order to avoid the foreseeable difficulties aroused by independent travels in Tibet, taking the tours coordinated by the local tour operators should be good alternatives.


  • What to pack for Tibet tours?

    • Sunglasses, sun lotions, chapped stick, hat, layered clothing and down-filled coat (the sun is very strong during the day but the temperature drops at night).
    • Wear comfortable walking shoes.
    • High-calorie snacks like cookies, chocolate and candies also should be packed in advance.




  • Do we get altitude sickness when we are in Lhasa?

    Lhasa is located on an altitude of 3600m above sea level. Most visitors experience some minor symptoms to get used to the thin air. Usually this will be over after a couple of days. Please refer to your own doctor for personal consultation.


  • In Tibet, what is the difference between budget guesthouse, comfortable hotel and the best hotel?

    Burying in mind that hotels in Tibet concerning its facility and service are not what you imagine. Not like hotels in New York, or Beijing, or Hong Kong.

    Budget guesthouse has a few kinds. One is the twin room with or without the bathroom in it. The other is triple, four-bed rooms, and more beds rooms named dormitory which all have no private bathroom in them.

    Comfortable hotels refer to middle class hotels, or standard hotels regarding to its location, or price, or comprehensive service ability. They are usually three star hotels, or comparatively good 2 star hotels.

    The best hotels are the 4 star hotels in Tibet. There are only three 4 star hotels in the capital city, Lhasa: Lhasa Manasarozar, HotelTibet Hotel VIP Tower, and Lhasa Hotel. The best hotels in the regions out of Lhasa are generally 3 star hotels, and in some places there are no star hotels.


  • Is there heating and oxygen facility in the hotel rooms?

    Many hotels in Lhasa are equipped with central heating and oxygen.


  • How many populations in Lhasa?

    Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region, has a population of 270,000 people. It is the biggest city in Tibet.


  • Can we fly to Lhasa from abroad directly?

    Yes. During the high season (April-October) there are direct flights to Lhasa from Kathmandu (Nepal) two times a week. The other options are through Chengdu (P.R.C.).


  • What about time in Lhasa?

    Although the People's Republic of China covers five time zones, only Beijing Standard Time is adopted for the entire country. Early starts of tours in Tibet often occur in the early morning darkness. This is done to allow arrival into a particular city in time to catch all the sights.


  • Something need to know about taking photos of Tibetans

    It is always good to ask permission first. Tibetans are very friendly. However, it might arouse the upset feelings of local Tibetans by photo-taking without asking the permission first. In the Barkhor areas, sometimes they will ask you for money. But most of time it is ok to give them a little gift.


  • Tips for you to have a good tour in Tibet?

    • There are many old houses in eastern City with low roofs and doors, e.g. the Post Office at eastern end of South Barkhor Street. Be attention not to hit your head when entering these houses.
    • It is warm when walking on the street, but it would be cooler when staying in the shadow or in the house. Please bring with you a coat wherever you go.
    • Walk clockwise around the Barkhor Street, especially during the rush hour of pilgrimage from 9 am to 6 pm.
    • There are many beggars in the street. If you decide to donate, look around first to avoid be surrounded by crowds of beggars later. If you don't wish to give them a coin, just walk away and no one will complain you. When you can't get rid of them, reiterate "Ming du,"which means "no"in Tibetan language.
    • Watch the dog when you are walking in the local residential areas.
    • There are many WCs in Lhasa. You have to pay 0.2 Yuan entrance fee and 0.8 Yuan for tissue if you need one.
    • There are many Shops for Showering in Lhasa. Price varies from 3 to 5 Yuan per person.
    • There are many Internet Cafes around the Barkhor Areas. Price varies from 5 to 10 Yuan per room.
    • If you are interested in collecting coins, you can find various patterns of coins of major countries exhibited in PotalaPalace.




As the transformation of a goddess according to local mythology, Lake Yamdrok is one of three holy lakes in Tibet. Lying under the sunshine, the peaceful water seems like a bright mirror.

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