Damxung Grassland
འདམ་གཞུང་།
A high-altitude pastureland at the foot of the Nyenchen Tanglha Range, dotted with yaks and black tents. Damxung County town is the supply and rest stop for trips to Namtso.
Damxung Grassland lies on the southeast slope of the Nyenchen Tanglha Range, at an average altitude of about 4,300 m. It is one of the main pastoral areas of Lhasa Prefecture, and 'Damxung' means 'selected pasture' in Tibetan. The Qinghai-Tibet Highway and Qinghai-Tibet Railway cross this broad valley. In summer, the view is filled with green meadows, yaks and herders' black tents, with snow peaks stretching along the west. It is a classic scene on the way to Namtso. Damxung County town (Dangquka Town) has restaurants, petrol stations and accommodation. It is the mandatory supply point for Namtso and the first choice for an overnight descent if altitude sickness strikes at Namtso. Every early August, with dates varying according to the Tibetan calendar, the Dangjiren Horse Racing Festival takes place. It is one of the best-known traditional festivals of northern Tibet, with horse racing, equestrian skills, yak races, singing and dancing. Note: the pastures belong to herders, so ask before taking photos or entering a tent. Keep away from the Tibetan mastiffs guarding the yaks. The county town is about 700 m higher than Lhasa, so watch for altitude sickness.
Opening hours
All day