Yamdrok

The Sapphire of the Plateau

1.Located in: Nagarzê County, Shannan City, approximately 100 kilometers southwest of Lhasa, Yamdrok Lake is celebrated as the "Sapphire on the Plateau" and "Tibet's Heavenly Pool". Resting at an altitude of 4,441 meters, it is one of the three Great Holy Lakes of Tibet, alongside Namtso and Manasarovar. Unlike the vast, open expanse of Namtso, Yamdrok Lake is known for its intricate, winding shape that resembles a piece of coral or a turquoise earring dropped by a goddess. The lake covers an area of about 678 square kilometers with a shoreline stretching 250 kilometers, surrounded by the majestic snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, including the towering Noijin Kangsang (Ningjin Kangsha).

A Sacred Transformation

2.The sanctity of Yamdrok: Lake is deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhism and ancient legends. It is believed to be the embodiment of the Diamond Dakini (Vajravarahi). According to legend, the great master Padmasambhava, upon entering Tibet in the 8th century, subdued an evil dragon here and transformed the waters into a guardian lake that would never run dry. Historically, the lake was also associated with the pre-Buddhist Bon religion and later sanctified by Princess Wencheng, who passed by and praised its beauty like a heavenly pool. Today, devout pilgrims can often be seen prostrating along the lake or circumambulating its waters during auspicious dates in the Tibetan calendar, believing that the lake's color changes reflect the will of the deities.

The Mystery of Changing Colors

One of the most mesmerizing features of Yamdrok Lake is its shifting palette. Visitors often describe the water as changing through seven distinct colors—from deep sapphire and turquoise to emerald green—depending on the angle of sunlight and the weather. From the Gambala Pass (Kampala Pass) observation deck, the lake unfolds like a ribbon of blue jade against the backdrop of grey mountains and white glaciers. The water is exceptionally clear, fed by the melting snows of the surrounding peaks, creating perfect reflections of the sky and mountains.

Samding Monastery and the Female Living Buddha

On a steep ridge extending into the lake on the eastern shore lies Samding Monastery, the only monastery in Tibet headed by a female Living Buddha, Dorje Phagmo. This monastery adds a layer of mystical cultural depth to the natural scenery. It commands a panoramic view of the lake and is a site of immense spiritual significance, where the female lineage of reincarnation has been preserved for centuries.

Ecological Haven

Yamdrok Lake is not just a spiritual sanctuary but also a thriving ecosystem. The lake is a habitat for numerous bird species, including black-necked cranes, and its waters are teeming with fish. However, out of respect for the lake's sacred status, fishing is traditionally prohibited, and the fish are left undisturbed as "water burials" for the soul. In autumn, the golden alpine meadows contrast stunningly with the blue water, while nomadic herdsmen pitch their black yak-hair tents nearby, creating a harmonious picture of man and nature.