YAMDROK LAKE

#lake • Geography: Situated about 110–170 km southwest of Lhasa in Nagarze County, Shannan Prefecture, at an altitude of ~4,440 m (14,570 ft)  . • Size & Shape: Covers ~638 km², extends over 72 km in length. Fan-shaped, with a crenellated shoreline and around 21 islands . • Hydrology: A freshwater lake fed by streams and snowmelt. It drains via a western tributary into the Yarlung Tsangpo River . • Color: Known for its vibrant turquoise to emerald-blue hues, reflected in its Tibetan name meaning “jade lake” . • Climate: Cold steppe/alpine–tundra; frozen during winter . ⸻ 🙏 Spiritual & Cultural Significance • Holy Status: One of Tibet’s Great Three/Four Holy Lakes (along with Namtso, Manasarovar, and Lhamo La‑tso), linked to protective deities like Dorje Gegkyi Tso . • Mythology: Legendary origins include transformations of goddesses or uniting nine smaller lakes—if Yamdrok dried, Tibet’s life would vanish . • Pilgrimage (Kora): Devout Buddhists perform a full circuit around the lake, taking weeks–months depending on method (foot, horseback, or prostrations) . • Dalai Lama Connection: Believed to help senior monks locate the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama through divination . ⸻ ⛩ Key Attractions & Nearby Highlights • Scenic Passes: Kamba (Gangbala) Pass (~4,794 m) offers panoramic views en route from Lhasa/Gyantse . • Samding Monastery: Located on a peninsula jutting into the lake, it’s Tibet’s only monastery led by a female incarnation—Dorje Pakmo, the third-highest lama after the Dalai and Panchen . • Pede Dzong: A historic fort on one of the islands . ⸻ ⚡ Hydropower & Environmental Concerns • Yamdrok Hydropower Station: A pumped-storage plant built (1996–98) near Baidi village draws lake water into Yarlung Tsangpo and pumps it back . • Environmental Impacts: Locals fear water-quality issues and ecosystem disruption from exchanging nutrient-poor lake water with river water . Day 1: Day 2: Day 3: [Must-Visit Attractions] 1. Attraction Name + Highlights 2. Attraction Name + Highlights 3. Attraction Name + Highlights [Must-Try Food] 1. Restaurant + Must-Try Dish 2. Restaurant + Must-Try Dish 3. Restaurant + Must-Try Dish [Accommodation ] Recommended Area for Accommodation Hotel Name Hotel Address [Photo Spots] 1. Photo Spot + Description 2. Photo Spot + Description 3. Photo Spot + Description [Tips]