At first glance, Karola Glacier looks very similar to an ordinary snow mountain, but its vast snow cover cascades down like a dramatic white waterfall.
What makes Karola Glacier unique is that it is the closest glacier to a highway in the world, offering travelers an up-close, powerful view without the need for a long trek. At the same time, its rapid retreat is a stark reminder of global climate change, disappearing at a speed visible to the naked eye.
If you are traveling from Lhasa to Shigatse, you can conveniently stop by both Yamdrok Lake and Karola Glacier along the way.
Facts
- Chinese name: 卡若拉冰川, Kǎruòlā Bīngchuān
- Elevation: 5,020 meters (16,470 feet)
- Location: On the border of Nangartse County and Gyantse County in Shannan Prefecture, beside Provincial Highway 307; about 3.5 hours' drive from Lhasa
- Opening: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Entrance fee: RMB 50 (USD 7)
- Duration: 1 hour
Karola GlacierContent Preview
How to Visit and Suggested Itinerary
Karola Glacier lies along the highway from Lhasa to Shigatse. Since it's an open scenic area, you can already see the glacier clearly from the road, and stopping briefly for photos is free.
If you want to get closer, you can walk about 300 meters to the viewing platform, where tickets cost RMB 50 (USD 7). The white stupa and colorful prayer flags stand right at this platform, adding to the atmosphere.
Karola Glacier viewing platformAlthough there is a path leading to a small pavilion halfway up the mountain, we do not recommend climbing. The view is not much better than from below, and the altitude makes the climb tiring and uncomfortable.
Instead, it is best to enjoy the glacier from the base, where you can capture stunning photos of the dramatic ice wall against the dark cliffs. Wearing bright-colored clothing makes your pictures stand out even more.
Taking photos in front of the glacierThanks to its convenient location, Karola Glacier is often paired with a visit to Lake Yamdrok. The glacier is just 1.5 hour's drive from the lake and lies right beside the road from Lhasa to Shigatse. This makes it an easy addition to either a Lake Yamdrok day trip from Lhasa or a longer journey continuing west toward Shigatse and Everest Base Camp.
Karola Glacier is breathtaking, but it is shrinking rapidly due to climate change. Scientists estimate it loses about 7% of its mass each year. We suggest taking the chance to admire this natural wonder while it still lasts.
Suggested Itinerary
- Day 1-3 Lhasa arrival+sightseeing
- Day 4 Lhasa to Shigatse, visit Lake Yamdrok and Karola Glacier
- Day 5-6 Shigatse and Tingri, visit Everest Base Camp
- Day 7-8 Back to Lhasa and Departure
For more details, you can check our 8-Day Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Tour.
How to Get to Karola Glacier
The only way to reach Karola Glacier is by car. From Lhasa, it takes about 3.5 hours' drive to the glacier, and since it sits right beside the highway (300 meters from the road), you don't need to make any detours.
If you also plan to visit Lake Yamdrok, the driving time is roughly:
- Lhasa to Lake Yamdrok: 2 hours
- Lake Yamdrok to Karola Glacier: 1.5 hours
If you travel with us, we'll arrange a comfortable private car to take you directly from your hotel to Karola Glacier, Lake Yamdrok, or other nearby attractions, so you can enjoy the journey at your own pace.
Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Karola Glacier is from May to October, when the weather is relatively mild. Roads are usually clear of snow, so the journey will be safer and more comfortable.
In winter (December to February), heavy snow can make the road conditions difficult, so it's best to avoid this season. Unlike Laigu Glacier, Karola is a hanging glacier, so its scenery doesn't change much throughout the year, and you won't see the blue ice here.
High Altitude Precautions
The glacier sits at a higher altitude (5,020 m) than both Lhasa (3,650 m) and Lake Yamdrok (4,441 m). Altitude sickness is common, especially when walking near the glacier. Avoid running or jumping, and take it slow.
Carrying oxygen bottles and candies is recommended. We offer private cars that are equipped with oxygen for your convenience.
Dress for Cold Weather
Even in summer, the temperature here remains low. Bring warm layers, including gloves and a hat, to stay comfortable during your visit.
Shopping or Not Depends on Yourself
At the bottom of the mountain, you may meet local Tibetans selling handmade crafts such as amber beads, necklaces, or prayer flags. Some also bring their yaks or lambs and charge visitors for taking photos with them.
Feel free to interact with the locals, but shopping and paid photo opportunities are not mandatory. With our no shopping tour, you can simply enjoy the glacier and the scenery without any pressure.
Tours With Us
We offer tours of Korala Glacier and the nearby attractions of Gyantse, Nangartse, and Yamdrok Lake. Let us arrange a personalized tour for you if you want to do some hiking or have an extended stay in the area.
See the following popular Tibet tours for inspiration:
- 10-Days Beijing-Lhasa-Shanghai
- 8-Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Tour
- 7-Days Tibet Tours by Train from Xining
- 5-Days Lhasa Classics and Lake Yamdrok -Tour
- 4-Days Lhasa Highlights Comfort Tour
You can also contact us to create a Tibet tour for you.
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