Lake Yamdok is one of Tibet’s four main sacred lakes.
Situated at 4,790 m, the lake is the transformation of a goddess, according to local mythology. It is believed that when the water of the lake no longer exists, neither will the Tibetan people. Tibet will then be devoid of people.
Lake Yamdok is an important part of Tibetans’ spiritual life. All, including the Dalai Lama, come here on pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime.
A hill sitting on a peninsula into the lake shelters Samding Monastery, the only Tibetan monastery led by a woman Lama, Dorje Pakmo – the highest feminine reincarnation in Tibet and third in rank in the lama-ist hyerarchy, after Panchen Lama and Dalai Lama. The monastery was destroyed after 1959, and currently restoration works are in progress. Dorje Pakmo lives in Lhasa.