Overview
Yamdrok (Yangzhuoyongcuo, “Yamdrok Tso”) means “swan lake” in Tibetan — one of Tibet’s three great sacred lakes and known as the “jade lake”. The surface lies at 4,441 m, the shoreline winds for 250 km, and the water shades from turquoise to deep blue. About 100 km southwest of Lhasa, it’s the top day trip from the capital; the first sight of it from the Gampa La pass is unforgettable. The colour shifts with weather and light — astonishingly blue on clear days. In winter parts of the lake freeze, for a starker beauty.
Getting there
- From Lhasa: charter/shared car, about 2 h (100 km each way), along the G349 over Gampa La pass (4,990 m).
- Suggested route: combine with Shigatse or the Karola Glacier, continuing west on the G349.
- Altitude warning: Gampa La is about 4,990 m and can trigger altitude sickness — carry oxygen.
- No direct public transport: no scheduled bus; go via a tour, a shared car, or a charter.
See & do
- Gampa La viewpoint (4,990 m): the best panorama over Yamdrok, framing lake and snow peaks together.
- Lakeside viewpoints: several paid platforms (included in the ticket) reach the water’s edge.
- Half circuit: most visitors see only a short stretch on the east; with time, follow about 30 km of paved lake road.
- Karola Glacier (about 1.5 h away): 5,039 m, one of Tibet’s three great continental glaciers; ticket ¥50.
- On to Shigatse: Yamdrok → Karola Glacier → Gyantse (Dzong Fortress) → Shigatse, a good 2–3 day run.
- Paragliding: Yamdrok international paragliding base, about ¥900 a flight.
Eat
- Gampa La summit stalls: roast potatoes, hot milk tea, instant noodles — a quick stop.
- Lakeside tent restaurants: Tibetan noodles, butter tea, yak soup, ¥30–50 pp.
- Bring your own: sandwiches, fruit and water from Lhasa (little choice en route).
- Back in Lhasa: eat dinner there — Tibetan or Nepali.
Where to stay
Yamdrok is usually a day return; lakeside stays aren’t recommended. If you must:
| Location | Notes | Reference price |
|---|---|---|
| Lhasa | Return to Lhasa (best) | ¥200–600 / night |
| Nagarze town | Basic, at 4,450 m | ¥150–300 / night |
Practical tips
- Best light: 8:00–10:00, when the blue is most saturated. July–September brings the vivid greens.
- Tickets: ¥100 adult, ¥60 half-price (students / seniors / veterans) in 2026. Winter Tibet promotion (Nov–Mar) may be free.
- Bring a windproof jacket even in summer; a hat is essential — the wind off the lake causes headaches.
- Altitude: Gampa La is 4,990 m — acclimatise in Lhasa for a day first.
- Photography: shoot the panorama from Gampa La, reflections down by the shore; a telephoto frames snow peaks and lake together.
- Respect custom: don’t throw anything into the lake — it is sacred. Circumambulate clockwise.
- Toilets: basic facilities at the viewpoints; go before leaving Lhasa.