Yamdrok Yumtso (or Yamdrok-tso) is one of the three holiest lakes in Tibet. It lies at Nhagartse, located about 100 kilometers (62 miles) to the southwest of Lhasa. Legend has it that a fairy descended on earth and her husband followed suit and transformed into Mt. Kampala. Besides Mt. Kampala, Yamdrok Yumtso is also surrounded by Mt. Nyinchenkhasa, Mt. Chetungsu and Mt. Changsamlhamo. Befitting its mythical feminine origins, the turquoise blue lake has indescribable scenic beauty, prompting the Tibetans to compare it with the fairyland in heaven. The lake is also called Coral Lake of the Highlands due to its shape. The charming lake produces abundant aquatic life. Huge numbers of animals and birds flourish on the expansive pasture. There are dozens of islets in the lake, on which flocks of birds roost. During the herding season, the local herdsmen will ferry their herds of sheep across to these islets since there aren't any predators on these islets and leave them there until the onset of winter.

The holy lake is also a pilgrimage site for Tibetans. Groups of pilgrims trek there to pray for blessings every summer. Pilgrims believed that its water can make the old young again, grant the middle-aged a longer life and make the children smarter. Being a sacred lake, the color of its water is taken by the devouts as having spiritual meaning. Tibetans will usually visit the lake before making important decisions. On one of the islets, stands a Nyinmapa monastery.

Sangding Monastery is located to the South of the lake, and is famous as the residence of the only female high lama in Tibet.

Name:Lhasa Yamdrok Yumtso Lake(Yangzuoyongcuo)
City:Lhasa
Address:
Admission:Free

This article was posted on 2007-09-25
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