Yamdrok Lake

On the old road between Gyantse (4040m) and Lhasa, the dazzling Yamdroktso (4441m) can be seen from the summit of the Kamba-la pass (5030m ). Yamdrok Lake, also called Yamdrok Yumtso, is a lake with two long arms of water, making it look like a scorpion from the sky. 

This shape means you can never see its shape from around it. In clear weather, the lake is a fabulous shade of deep turquoise

From Gyantse, you can see one arm, and follow it until it disappears around a bend in the shore which makes it difficult to estimate the size of the lake.

Yamdrok is the biggest island lake on the northern foot of the Himalayas. Also as one of the three holy lakes, the Yamdrok Yumtso Lake is said to be the female Guardian of Buddhism in Tibet. People here believe that it will bless and protect them. 

As with all places sacred and holy in Tibet, you can walk around the entire lake, taking around seven days. This is probably a good indication as any of the size of Yamdrok Lake.

The lake is considered sacred and the water has special powers: according to locals, it can make the old young again, it can improve intelligence in children and etc. The lake is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains and is fed by numerous small streams.

Yamdrok Lake is also the biggest habitat of water birds in southern Tibet. Birds migrate here during winters, there are swans, water pigeons, and yellow ducks, ospreys and Bar-headed Goose live in the heart of the lake.