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Yamdrok
Yumtso (or Yamdrok-tso), one of the three holiest lakes in Tibet, lies
at Nhagartse, located about 100 kilometers (62 miles) to the southwest
of Lhasa. The turquoise blue lake is also call Coral Lake of the Highland
due to its shape. In legend, it was a fairy lady descending to the earth.
Surrounded by Mt. Nyinchenkhasa, Mt. Chetungsu, Mt. Changsamlhamo and
Mt. Kampala, which is her husband, the feminine lake has a very beautiful
scene. Tibetans compare it as the fairyland in heaven. The charming lake
produces abundant fish resources. In the lake and the surrounding expansive
pasture, animals and birds grow with vitality. There are dozens of islets
in the lake, on which flocks of birds perches. The local herdsmen will
ferry their herds of sheep onto those islets since there isn't any beast
in herding seasons and drive them back till winter. On one of the islet,
there is a Nyinmapa monastery.
The holy lake is also a pilgrimage site in
Tibet. Every summer gangs of pilgrims trek to pray and receive blessings.
Pilgrims believe that its water can make the old young, ensure the middle-aged
longer life and make children smarter. Careful visitors may find the water
looks different in color, which is considered magic by Tibetans. They
usually will visit the lake before making important decisions.
South of the lake there is Sangding Monastery,
which is famous for the only female abbot lives in it.
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