Gyaring Lake
扎陵湖
The first large lake in the Yellow River source area, its water appears grayish white due to sediment, and it is connected to Ngoring Lake downstream.
Gyaring Lake means “long grayish-white lake” in Tibetan. It covers about 520 square kilometers at an elevation of about 4,290 meters, lying west of Ngoring Lake. The Yellow River flows in from the western end and out toward the southeast. Many migratory birds rest on the islands in the lake. From Tsowa Gaze Mountain (the site of the Cattle Head Monument), which sits between the two lakes, you can see both at once. There are no accommodations or supplies in the lake area, so travel in a group of off-road vehicles and bring enough fuel, water and warm clothing. Sanjiangyuan National Park controls visitor access. Before setting out, check opening and reservation policies with the Maduo County government or the scenic area service center.
Opening hours
Subject to national park regulations