For Tibetans, Yamdrok Lake is the largest and most important of the three holy lakes. It is believed that Yamdrok Lake is the female Guardian of Buddhism in Tibet and that the lake will bless and protect them. Every year, pilgrims make there way here from all over Tibet and beyond, mostly on foot prostrating themselves at full length every three steps. It is also said that should the lake every dry up, then Tibet will no longer be habitable. Apart from its natural beauty, the lake is an important resource in Tibet. It provides over 200 million kilograms of fresh fish every year, which is sold in Lhasa and even beyond Tibet. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and fed by numerous small Himalayan streams, the crystal clear waters of the lake are like a mirror under the clear blue sky.
©Kieron Nelson "Vanishing Cultures Photography" All rights reserved
