Tibet: Yamzho Yumco Lake

Located on southern Tibetan Plateau, Lake Yamzho Yumco is 120 km south of Lhasa, capital city of Tibet. With over 72 km (45 miles) long, the lake is also known as the Scorpion Lake, because it looks like a scorpion. It is the largest freshwater lake in Tibet. It covers an area of 800 square kilometers and with its depth ranging from 30 to 40 meters.

Lying at an elevation of 4,400 meters above sea level, the lake is surrounded by many snow capped mountains, with many small streams empty into it. When I saw it at the first time, I have to admit that Xian travel does leave me blissful experience, but I have never seen such a beautiful lake in the previous Beijing to Xian tour until I have arrived in Tibet. Yamzho means upper pasture and Yum means jade respectively in Tibetan. Because the water has a high mineral content and a low nutrient content, the lake looks incredible blue, which makes the lake look like a big piece of sapphire inlaid in the mountains, shining and splendid.

The lake is rich in hydropower resources. Its surface is more than 800 meters higher than the Yarlung Zangbo River at the foot of the mountain. Also here stands the Yamzho Yunco Power Station well known for its high elevation in the world. To its south stands the magnificent Samding Monastery where Doje Pamo, the only woman Living Buddha in Tibet, stayed and presided.