Yamdrok Lake is a freshwater lake in Tibet. This is one of the three largest lakes in Tibet and the major tourist attraction spot. This lake is over 72 km long and is encircled by many snow-capped mountains and is fed by several small streams. The lake is fan-shaped, spreading to the south, but narrowing up to the north. The mountainous lakeshore is highly crenelated, with numerous bays and inlets. Lake Yamdrok freezes in winter and it has the 30 meters average depth. This lake is in the proximity of the Lhasa, which is around 90 km to the west of the lake.
The stories and myths about the lake –
The lake is abode to the well known Samding Monastery, which is on a peninsula jutting into the lake. This monastery is the only Tibetan monastery to be headed by a female priest. In view of the fact that it is not a nunnery, its female abbot heads a community of about thirty monks and nuns. Local Tibetans have the wonderful myths about the Lakes and mountains and they believe that lakes and mountains are spiritual things and the dwelling places of protective deities and therefore invested with special spiritual powers. They say that Yamdok Yumtso Lake is the transformation of a goddess. Yamdrok Lake is one of four holy lakes, so each person from the Dalai Lama to local villagers makes pilgrimages there.
These innocent Tibetans love their culture very much and you will find it interesting to know that they believe that this “Great Wrathful Lakes” is guarded by the goddess Dorje Gegkyi Tso and no human can overpower the goddess. They say that in the south of the Tibet it is the region of the human life and if the day ever come and the lake dry down than this beautiful land of southern Tibet will not be able to habitat the humans.
Many other places to visit –
Padmasambhava, who is known as the Second Buddha and brought Buddhism to Tibet in 8th century AD, is associated with the lake and its islands, and the surrounding area. In the present day, both pilgrims and tourists can be seen walking along the lake’s perimeter. There is also a fort called Pede Dzong on one of the islands here.
The overwhelming beauty of the lake and hospitality of Tibetans is fantastic –
Tibet is abode the most amazing places on earth and offers gorgeousness that words would always fall short to describe. This lake is overwhelmingly beautiful in its glory and visual feel and it would be impossible to not include it in your Himalayas tours journey. You visit here and this place leaves you with several unforgettable moments that would last a lifetime. Tibet tour packages would include places, but most importantly, you will be surrounded by the warmth of the people of this place, the mountains and clear blue skies above you give you the feeling that this is the life you ever wanted.