In the ancient spiritual traditions of the Tibetan Plateau, mountains and lakes are endowed with sacred life. A well-known Tibetan proverb states: “Circumambulate the mountains in the Year of the Horse, circumambulate the lakes in the Year of the Sheep, and circumambulate the forests in the Year of the Monkey.” As we approach 2027, we welcome the auspicious Year of the Sheep in the 12-year cycle of the Tibetan calendar.
During this special year, Yamdrok Lake (Yamdrok Yumtso)—one of Tibet’s “Big Three Sacred Lakes” located in the Shannan (Lhoka) region—will become the focal point for pilgrims and travelers worldwide for the grand 2027 Yamdrok Lake Kora.
This comprehensive guide delves into the religious origins, pilgrimage routes, and unique cultural rituals of this extraordinary event.
Key Takeaways
A Once-in-a-12-Year Auspicious Event: 2027 is the Year of the Sheep in the Tibetan calendar. According to Tibetan Buddhist tradition (“Mount Kailash in the Year of the Horse, Yamdrok Lake in the Year of the Sheep”), 2027 is the most sacred time to perform the Lake Kora (circumambulation) around Yamdrok Lake.
Origins & Spiritual Significance: Yamdrok Lake is revered as the soul-tethered lake of the guardian deity Palden Lhamo. It is believed that completing one Kora around the lake during the Year of the Sheep yields merit equivalent to circumambulating it 120,000 times in ordinary years.
Pilgrimage Options: Pilgrims can choose between the traditional full trekking Kora (approx. 230–250 km, taking 8–12 days) or a vehicle-and-trekking combination itinerary (2–3 days). All circumambulations must follow a clockwise direction.
Cultural & Religious Highlights: Key rituals include hanging prayer flags at Gampa La Pass, lakeside Sang (incense) offerings, attending the Year of the Sheep grand ceremony at Qiegu Temple, and experiencing local Tibetan hospitality.
Religious Origins & Myths of the Yamdrok Lake Kora
Sitting at an elevation of 4,441 meters with a shoreline stretching over 250 kilometers, Yamdrok Lake resembles a sprawling coral branch nestled among snow-capped mountains.
The Soul-Tethered Lake of Palden Lhamo
In Tibetan Buddhist and Bon traditions, Yamdrok Lake is far more than a natural wonder—it is venerated as the Lhaye (soul-tethered lake) of Palden Lhamo (the principal guardian goddess of Tibet). Devout followers believe the lake’s turquoise waters hold the spiritual essence of the plateau and can reflect one’s past and future lives.
Why Circumambulate in the Year of the Sheep?
The tradition of the Sheep Year Kora was established by Tsongkhapa and historic high lamas. It is believed that during the Year of the Sheep, Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and guardian deities descend upon the waters of Yamdrok Lake. Consequently, completing one clockwise circumambulation around Yamdrok Lake in this year generates spiritual merit equivalent to performing 120,000 circuits in regular years, cleansing karma and bestowing peace upon all living beings.
How the 2027 Yamdrok Lake Kora Is Performed
Circumambulating the lake (known in Tibetan as Yamdrok Tso-Kora) is an intensely ritualistic and physically demanding pilgrimage. Whether undertaking a traditional foot trek or an immersive cultural tour, strictly observing holy customs is paramount.
The Clockwise Rule
In accordance with Tibetan Buddhist tradition, all circumambulations around Yamdrok Lake must proceed in a clockwise direction, keeping the sacred lake on the pilgrim’s right side at all times.
Two Main Ways to Experience the Kora
Traditional Foot Trek (For Devout Pilgrims & Trekking Enthusiasts)
Distance: Approx. 230 to 250 km following the rugged shoreline.
Duration: 8 to 12 days.
Experience: Pilgrims carry light gear, camping along the shore or staying with local nomadic families. The most devout pilgrims perform full-body prostrations every three steps, taking several months to complete the circuit.
Vehicle & Trekking Combination (Scenic & Cultural Kora Route)
Route: Lhasa ➔ Gampa La Pass ➔ Nagarze County ➔ Dalong Town ➔ Zhamalong ➔ Qiegu Temple ➔ Inland Peninsula Loops ➔ Lhasa.
Duration: 2 to 3 days.
Experience: Private vehicles connect major holy sites and scenic spots, with short 3–5 km hikes at key passes and lakeside temples (such as Qiegu Temple and Rituo Temple). This option is ideal for international travelers seeking a deep cultural connection within a manageable timeframe.
Key Highlights & Sacred Rituals of the 2027 Event
During the 2027 Year of the Sheep, the shores of Yamdrok Lake will host a series of vibrant religious ceremonies and folk celebrations:
1. Hanging Prayer Flags & Tossing Lungta at Gampa La Pass
The Kora journey traditionally begins at Gampa La Pass (4,790m), which commands a panoramic view of Yamdrok Lake. Here, pilgrims hang colorful prayer flags representing the five elements and toss Lungta (Wind Horse paper scriptures) into the air, allowing the mountain winds to carry prayers of peace across the plateau.
2. Lakeside Sang (Incense) Offerings & Lake Worship
At dawn or dusk along the shoreline, pilgrims perform the Sang ritual by burning aromatic juniper branches, barley flour, and herbs. As the fragrant smoke ascends to the sky, participants offer Hada (white silk scarves) and holy water to the lake to demonstrate deep reverence for nature.
3. Special Pujas at Qiegu & Rituo Temples
Qiegu Temple (Dragon King Temple): Located on the southern shore, this ancient temple serves as the spiritual hub of the Yamdrok Kora. In 2027, monks will host a grand Year of the Sheep Puja, bestowing blessed holy water and protective knots upon pilgrims.
Rituo Temple: Known as the “Loneliest Temple in the World,” it sits perched atop a secluded rocky outcrop jutting into the lake. It offers a tranquil sanctuary for meditation and circumambulating the sacred stupa.
4. Tibetan Folk Celebrations & Horse Racing
To celebrate the auspicious year, towns around Nagarze County will hold lively festive gatherings. Travelers can participate in traditional Tibetan campfire dances, sample fresh yak butter tea and barley wine, and witness thrilling equestrian and archery performances.
Essential Preparation & Travel Advice
Acclimatization & Physical Readiness:
The surface of Yamdrok Lake sits above 4,400 meters, with surrounding passes reaching over 4,800 meters. Visitors should spend 2–3 days acclimatizing in Lhasa (3,650m) prior to the trip. Bring heavy windproof clothing and altitude sickness medication.
Respect Local Customs:
Do not throw trash or wash items in the sacred lake. Always ask for permission before photographing pilgrims performing prostrations, and walk clockwise around stupas and Mani stone piles.
Required Travel Permits:
Traveling through the Shannan region requires a Border Travel Permit (foreign passport holders and Taiwan citizens must arrange an organized tour via an authorized travel agency to secure all necessary Tibet permits).
The 2027 Tibetan Year of the Sheep offers a rare, once-in-a-decade window into the spiritual heart of Tibet. Walking alongside devout pilgrims on this ancient clockwise path around Yamdrok Lake is not just a travel journey—it is an inspiring pilgrimage of body, mind, and spirit. Contact our travel specialists today to customize your 2027 Tibet Yamdrok Lake Kora expedition!
