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Best Things to Do
Popular Best Things to Do in Shannan [2025]
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Yamdrok Yumtso
4.6
/5
2280 reviews
7.3
Based on 243 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8608916795995
Address: Yamzho Yumco, Shannan, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 1–3 hours
Highlights:
Sunrise over lake from observatory
Himalayan sacred lake & 155 miles
1417 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
Verified user reviews
The trip on the 5th was great. The staff at the reception hall were very helpful, and the driver, Mr. Wu, was also excellent; he drove very smoothly.
We departed at 9 am and returned at 12 pm, seeing all three viewpoints – it was a wonderful trip.
Yamdrok Lake is at an altitude of 4998 meters. We booked a day tour, which was reasonably priced and allowed plenty of time. We departed at 9 am and arrived at Viewpoint 1 in an hour and a half. The driver was a young Tibetan man who understood Mandarin and drove smoothly; I didn't get carsick on the winding mountain roads. We had ample time to explore, and the driver didn't rush us. After that, we went to the next viewpoint. It was quite windy and cold by the lake, so I recommend bringing an oxygen tank and wearing warm clothes and a hat. The lake water was beautiful, very blue, and calm. We returned around 2 pm. It was a great tour, and I would recommend it.
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Ganbala Mountain
4.7
/5
67 reviews
5.0
>100 km from downtown
Address: Boundary Mountain of Langkazi County and Gongga County, Shannan City
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5–1 hour
Highlights:
Scenic overlook for photos
Overlook Yamdrok Lake's beauty
38% positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Gangbala Mountain:
Touch the Center of the World and Encounter the Sky-Mirror of Yamdrok Lake
If you crave a journey that transcends the scenery, Gangbala Mountain offers the answer—not only is it the "King of Mountains," but it is also recognized by Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism, Bon, and Jainism as the "Center of the World." It's more than just a geographical peak; it's a dome of faith and spirit. The moment you stand at the pass, you'll understand: the meaning of mountains is not just about climbing, but about returning.
I. Why is Gangbala Mountain worth visiting?
1. Divine Land, Holy Temple of Many Religions
Gangbala Mountain is revered by many religions as the axis of the universe, and is said to be the abode of the gods. Circumambulations, prayer flags, and mani piles... every step feels like a dialogue with millennia-old beliefs. If you seek spiritual resonance during your journey, this place offers a sense of transcendental tranquility and power.
2. A breathtaking view of the sacred lake from the mountain
Stand at Gangbala Pass (5,030 meters above sea level) and overlook Yamdrok Lake—the blue tears of the northern Himalayas! The lake's color shifts with the light of the sky, from Tiffany blue to emerald green, like a fallen lens from the gods. This is a photographer's paradise and a hidden haven for spiritual healing.
3. A Symphony of Primitive and Purity
Desolate rock formations, whistling wind horses, the simple smiles of the Tibetan people... Gangbala Mountain preserves the most authentic atmosphere of Tibet. Free from over-commercialization, it offers a pure collision of nature, mountains, and faith.
2. How to Reach Gangbala Pass Smoothly?
1. Departure Point: Lhasa
The distance from Lhasa to Gangbala Pass is approximately 70-100 kilometers (depending on your departure point), and the drive takes approximately 2.5 hours. We recommend chartering a car or sharing a ride (book in advance through your travel agency or hotel). Along the way, you can stop at the Yajiang River Valley Viewing Platform to take photos with the docile Tibetan mastiffs and lambs (remember to have change). 2. Route selection
(1) Conventional route: Lhasa → Qushui County → Gangbala Mountain Road (S307 Provincial Road). The winding mountain road has many bends, but the road conditions are good.
(2) Recommended time: Depart early in the morning to avoid afternoon clouds; the best time to view Yanghu Lake is from noon to afternoon on a sunny day (the lake is most gorgeous when the sun is directly shining).
(3) Altitude sickness tips: The mountain pass is over 5,000 meters above sea level. It is recommended to prepare oxygen cylinders and glucose in advance, slow down your movements, and avoid running vigorously.
3. Tickets and tips
(1) You need to buy a Yanghu Lake scenic area ticket (120 yuan/person) to visit the Gangbala Pass viewing platform, but if you only want to enjoy the lake at the mountain pass, you do not need to enter the paid viewing platform (there are excellent views on the roadside).
(2) Respect local beliefs: Do not step on prayer flags or mani piles, and circle the prayer points in a clockwise direction.
(3) Clothing suggestions: Windproof jacket + sunglasses + sunscreen! The wind at the mountain pass is strong and the ultraviolet rays are strong, but the sun is strong.
Gangbala Mountain is located between Langkazi County and Gonggar County in Shannan, Tibet. It is adjacent to Yamdrok Lake in the south, Gangdise Mountain in the east, and the Himalayas in the west, stretching across the center of Tibet. The car drove along the winding mountain road and crossed the mountain top. The altitude of the pass was 4,980 meters, which is an excellent location for taking panoramic views of Yamdrok Lake.
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