Namtso Lake
གནམ་མཚོ།
The 'Heavenly Lake' at 4,718 meters, one of Tibet's three sacred lakes. The Nyainqentanglha snow peaks are reflected in its impossibly blue waters. A day trip to the Tashi Dor Peninsula for sunset and stargazing is the most breathtaking excursion from Lhasa.
Namtso lies on the border between Damxung and Bangoin counties, about 240 kilometers north of Lhasa. The lake sits at 4,718 meters and covers about 1,920 square kilometers. It is one of the highest large saltwater lakes in the world. Its Tibetan name means 'Heavenly Lake.' Together with Yamdrok Lake and Mapam Yumco, it is one of Tibet's three sacred lakes. The Nyainqentanglha Range, whose main peak rises to 7,162 meters, stays snow-capped year-round along the southern shore. The main attraction is the Tashi Dor Peninsula, which juts into the lake from its southeastern shore. It has the Praying Hands Stones, the Welcoming Stones, Tashi Monastery, and a footpath around the lake. From the peninsula, the classic experience is watching the sunset and starlight over the water and snow peaks. In recent years the scenic area has also opened Shengxiang Tianmen (Sacred Elephant Gate) on the northern shore. Reaching it requires a detour from Bangoin County. It is a long journey, but the scenery is spectacular. Tickets cost 120 yuan (60 yuan in the off-season). A scenic shuttle bus costs about 60 yuan and runs about 40 kilometers from the entrance to Tashi Dor. Route: From Lhasa, take the Qinghai-Tibet Highway to Damxung, about 3 hours. Cross Nagela Pass at 5,190 meters, where the viewing platform offers a panoramic view of Namtso, then descend to the lakeshore. The one-way trip takes about 4 to 5 hours. Day trips leave Lhasa at 7 a.m. and return by 9 p.m. Staying overnight, at simple guesthouses or tents on Tashi Dor, lets you see the stars and sunrise. The conditions are basic and the altitude is high, so altitude sickness is common. There is no direct public transport from Lhasa. Most visitors go on shared day tours at about 200 to 300 yuan per person, or charter a vehicle for about 800 to 1,200 yuan. Note that the altitude is over 4,700 meters. Acclimatize in Lhasa for 2 to 3 days before going. Walk slowly and bring oxygen. The pass and lakeshore are windy and cold, so bring a down jacket even in summer. Do not linger too long at Nagela Pass or on the lakeshore. Snow may fall at the pass during the rainy season. Swimming in the lake is prohibited. Photos with yaks and Tibetan mastiffs cost money, so ask the price first.
Opening hours
Approx. 06:00–18:00 (open May–Oct)