Yamdrok Lake is a freshwater lake in Tibet, it is one of the three largest sacred lakes in Tibet. The lake is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains and is fed by numerous small streams. 

Like mountains, lakes are considered sacred by Tibetan people, the principle being that they are the dwelling places of protective deities and therefore invested with special spiritual powers. 

It is the largest inland lake on the northern range of the Himalayas. Supplied with melted ice, the lake has a low level of salinity. In the Tibetan language, “Yamdroktso” is an ancient name meaning “upper pasture”, comparing the lake water to jadeite. 

The lake is fan-shaped, spreading to the south but narrowing up to the north. The mountainous lakeshore is highly crenellated, with numerous bays and inlets. Lake Yamdrok freezes in winter.

The lake is revered as a talisman and is said to be part of the life-spirit of Tibet. The largest lake in southern Tibet, it is said that if its waters dry, Tibet will no longer be habitable. 

The lake, its islands, and the surrounding area are closely associated with Padmasambhava, the Second Buddha, who brought Buddhism to Tibet in 8th century AD. Today, both pilgrims and tourists can be seen walking along the lake's perimeter. 

Standing at an elevation of 4,441 meters above sea level, the lake’s average depth is 20 to 40 meters, with the deepest point at 60 meters.

Yamdroktso Lake is located at the Nangartse County of Shannan Prefecture, some 110 km to the southwest of Lhasa. The lake is 130 km long from east to west and 70 km broad from north to south. 

Devout Tibetan pilgrims circumambulate the lake in around 7 days. Most Western travelers are content with a glimpse of the lake from the Kamba La and views from the town of Nangartse, where you can stay the night.