Feeling down? Head to Yamdrok Lake to lift your spirits.

One of Tibet's three holy lakes, Yamdrok Lake (meaning "Turquoise Lake" in Tibetan) is located in Nangarze County and Gonggar County, Shannan City, Tibet Autonomous Region, next to the Yamdrok Lake Scenic Area on Provincial Road 307. Along with Namtso and Manasarovar, it is considered one of the three holy lakes of Tibet. Yamdrok Lake was formed approximately 100 million years ago when glacial debris flows blocked a river channel. It is the largest enclosed inland lake in the southern Tibetan Plateau, with a surface area of 638 square kilometers. The lake sits at an altitude of 4,441 meters, has an average depth of approximately 23.6 meters, and holds a water volume of about 16 cubic kilometers. To the west of the lake lies Ningjin Kangsha (meaning "Yaksha God lives on the noble snowy mountain" in Tibetan), the main peak of the Lhagoi Kangri mountain range. This peak stands at 7,206 meters, surrounded by more than 10 peaks over 6,000 meters, making it the most important sacred mountain in the Tsang region and one of the four traditional sacred mountains of Tibet. Three recommended viewing platforms at Yamdrok Lake: 1. Gangbala Viewing Platform - Viewing Platform No. 1: Offers the highest panoramic view of Yamdrok Lake, especially on clear days when the lake resembles a blue ribbon nestled among the mountains. Features a 4998 stone monument check-in point. The hillside is adorned with prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and visitors can scatter "Lungta" (Lungta, also known as wind horse prayer flags, is a traditional Tibetan Buddhist prayer ritual. The name comes from the Tibetan word "Lungta," where "Lung" means wind and "Ta" means horse, literally translating to "wind horse." The practice of scattering Lungta dates back over 4,000 years and is still widely practiced by Tibetans. When crossing high mountain passes or paying respects to mountain deities, Tibetans scatter paper inscribed with scriptures into the sky as a gesture of reverence and to invoke good fortune). 2. Langbuqi Viewing Platform - Viewing Platform No. 2: At an altitude of 4,677 meters, this platform offers views comparable to Viewing Platform No. 1. Here, visitors can encounter various animals like Tibetan Mastiffs, lambs, and yaks, offering photo opportunities. However, be aware that there might be a fee for taking pictures. 3. Yamdrok Lake Parking Lot - Viewing Platform No. 3: Completely free, this platform allows visitors to descend to the lakeshore for a closer look at Yamdrok Lake. It features a 4441 stone monument check-in point and is ideal for feeding seagulls and taking photos. Basic Information: Address: Next to Yamdrok Lake Scenic Area, Provincial Road 307, Gonggar County, Shannan City, Tibet Autonomous Region Tickets: Gangbala Viewing Platform: Off-season: CNY 60; Peak season: CNY 120 Opening Hours: All day