Ngoring Lake
鄂陵湖
The largest freshwater lake at the source of the Yellow River, at about 4,270 metres above sea level, with deep blue water. It is known with Zharinggol Lake as the 'sister lakes'.
Ngoring Lake is called Tso Ngo Rang in Tibetan, meaning long blue-green lake. It covers about 600 square km, and its water is deep and a brilliant blue. It is the largest freshwater lake on the upper reaches of the Yellow River. The Yellow River flows out of Zharinggol Lake and into Ngoring Lake before continuing east past Maduo county seat. From the northeast shore you can gaze across the lake, and the surrounding grasslands often have Tibetan wild asses, Tibetan gazelles and waterbirds. The lake is about 80 km from Maduo county seat, mostly on gravel roads. An off-road vehicle is recommended, and you should bring altitude sickness medication. Sanjiangyuan National Park controls visitor access, so before setting out, confirm the opening and reservation policies with Maduo County or the scenic area service centre.
Opening hours
Subject to national park regulations