A look at Xizang's Karola Glacier and Yamdrok Yumtso

The Karola Glacier and Yamdrok Yumtso are both natural wonders in Xizang , also known as Tibet, that draw many travellers. At Yamdrok Yumtso, locals have been invited to participate in picking up litter around the area, which offers them job opportunities while protecting the environment.

Located in Shigatse City, the Karola Glacier drapes a white cap over the mountain slopes, making it one of the most accessible glaciers to view up close in Xizang. This visitor says that along his journey, many mountains were bare and had lost their snow, only this glacier remained pure white. When he and his friends saw it, they immediately pulled over to take photos, hoping to remember seeing the scene in summer. This Hong Kong tour group, with over ten members, overcame altitude sickness to make it here. This visitor from Hong Kong says that when she came last time, she was younger, so it was not as tough. She finds everything going smoothly so far.

In Shannan City, Yamdrok Yamdro is believed by Tibetans to be a turquoise pendant dropped to earth by a fairy. However, this scenic beauty is threatened not only by falling water levels due to global warming, but also by littering.

The site manager says tourists occasionally toss trash along roadsides or by the lake, especially during the peak travelling season from June to August.

Through government agencies and public welfare organisations, they have engaged local villagers in picking up litter. Each village receives about 200,000 yuan per year, and it is estimated that each participating local earns a few thousand yuan annually.

He explains the scenic area operator not only helps solve their employment issues but also ensures protection of the ecology.

Yamdrok Yumtso is over 4,400 meters above sea level. Amongst the three sacred lakes in Tibet(Xizang), it already has the lowest altitude. The viewing point for Yamdrok Yumtso is more than 500 meters higher than the lake surface itself. The manager adds that in recent years, the scenic area has also improved facilities to help visitors cope with altitude sickness.