Again seeing Yamdrok Tso.

Yamdrok Tso, abbreviated as Yam Lake, means "Jade Lake" in Tibetan. It is located in Langkazi County, Shannan Prefecture, Tibet, about 70 kilometers southwest of Lhasa. Together with Namtso and Mapam Yumco, it is known as one of the three holy lakes in Tibet. Resembling coral branches, it is also called "Coral Lake on Top" in Tibetan. It is the largest inland lake on the northern slope of the Himalayas, renowned for its beautiful lake and mountain scenery, which is unparalleled in southern Tibet. Yamdrok Tso is praised as the most beautiful water in the world. "Yam" means above; "drok" means pasture; "yong" means jade; "tso" means lake. Combined, it translates to "Jade Lake of the Upper Pasture." This is the literal explanation of Yam Lake. In the hearts of Tibetans, Yam Lake is seen as the "turquoise earring dropped by a goddess," because no matter from which angle you look, you cannot see the whole of Yamdrok. She has three sisters: Kongmu Tso, Chen Tso, and Bajiu Tso. Together with the ancient Yamdrok Tso, the four sisters are connected in a vast lake basin, inseparable, forming a holy lake that stretches beyond the horizon. Her body winds through the mountains for more than 130 kilometers. Only on a map or from high above can you delightfully discover that she resembles an earring, embedded in the ear of the mountains. At different times, under the sunlight, she displays extremely rich shades of blue, like a dream. The scenery of Yamdrok Tso is picturesque, like being in a fairyland. Yam Lake is a unique natural scenic area that integrates highland lakes, snow-capped mountains, islands, pastures, hot springs, wildlife, and temples. Surrounding it are perennial snow-capped peaks, some reaching altitudes of over 7,000 meters. The lake, snow peaks, and blue sky blend into one, making it a place that people never want to leave. The water of Yam Lake is as clear as a mirror, and the lakeside is lush with water plants, making it a rich highland pasture. Local Tibetans praise Yamdrok Tso in folk songs: "Heavenly fairyland, earthly Yamdrok. Heavenly stars, cattle and sheep by the lake." It makes people always doubt whether it is real. She is Tibet's never-freezing blue fairy lake. Photography spots along the way: Yamdrok Tso Scenic Area; along the way, streams, forests, and the vast sky are all great materials for photography. Best time for photography: Spring and summer with lush greenery, golden mountains in autumn, and snow-capped peaks in winter are all very suitable for capturing. The best time for shooting is after 10 am and before 5 pm. The weather on the plateau is changeable; just a cloud can turn the entire lake sky dark, making it impossible to shoot anything. So, if you encounter good weather, stop and take more photos or create videos. Make sure to seize the rare good time. About accommodation The Yamdrok Tso Scenic Area is relatively small, with a general tour time of 2-3 hours, usually a day trip. Some people choose to camp by the lake, but the temperature is low, and it often snows, so it is not recommended to stay overnight. About dining There are few restaurants in the scenic area, and the prices are relatively high. Therefore, it is recommended that friends who go to play prepare dry food and drinking water in advance. If you forget to buy in advance, don't worry, there are also snacks for sale in the scenic area, such as snacks, instant noodles, grilled sausages, etc., but the prices are relatively higher than outside. Or finish the tour early and return to Lhasa for meals. Ways to play: 1. Self-driving tour For those who like freedom and adventure, you can drive your car directly from Lhasa to Yam Lake, about 220 kilometers round trip. It takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes to reach the viewing platform, and another 10 minutes of downhill driving to reach the lakeside viewing point. Note that there are speed limits along the way. 2. Join a one-day tour Since Yam Lake is one of the three holy lakes closest to Lhasa, compared to the two-day tour of Namtso, I recommend the one-day tour of Yam Lake. The price is very cheap, with many options, and the actual playtime is quite sufficient. For sightseeing tourists, the scenery is no less than Namtso. So, compared to self-driving, I recommend joining a one-day tour to visit Yam Lake. After all, it saves effort, time, and money. Recommended route Here is a recommended special route: Lhasa - Gongga Chude Monastery - Yarlung Tsangpo River Viewing Platform - Gambala Mountain Viewing Platform - Yam Lake Viewing Platform - Yam Lake Lakeside - Lhasa Warm tips: 1. Yamdrok Tso is at a high altitude. Before shooting, you can take some anti-altitude sickness medicine. Make sure to rest well the day before, keep warm, and bring windproof and cold-proof clothing. Do not catch a cold. Try to avoid strenuous exercise to ensure you have enough energy to complete the shoot. 2. If a Tibetan expresses a desire to be in your photo or take a photo with you, if you don't need it, be sure to refuse because it is charged! 3. At the first viewing platform on the mountain, there are many locals selling small items and holding many small lambs. The lambs are dressed very cutely, but taking photos with them is charged. If you want to take photos, please ask for the price first before deciding whether to take them to avoid unnecessary trouble. There are also large Tibetan mastiffs that can be photographed. They look fierce, but under the guidance of Tibetan friends, you can also take photos with them, which is also charged. If you want to experience it, you can ask for the price first before taking photos...