Namtso Lake

Known as the "Heavenly Lake" in Tibet, Namtso Lake is located in the broad prairie of north of Tibet and is surrounded by a tremendous Nyenchen Tanglha Mountain. In the local legend, Namtso Lake and Nyenchen Tanglha were a pair of beloved couple living together and deeply attached to each other. In fact, the most water source of the lake is the melted snow flowing from high mountains.

It is considered one of the three sacred lakes of Tibet and famous for its high altitude ( 4,720m ), vast area ( 1,900 square kilometers, 70km in length from east to west and 30 kilometers in width from south to north ) and beautiful scenery.

Highlights in Namtso Lake

Beautiful Scenery

Due to the water flowing from the snow mountain, so it is exceptionally clear. When there is gentle breeze blowing on the lake, the water waves and the blue-and-green waves are gleaming, and the entire lake looks like a huge mirror dotted with flowers.

Five Islands

There are five islands stretch from lands into the water from different directions. The largest one is Zhaxi byland, which has many bizarre stone peaks: some look like trunks, some like human beings and some like trees.

On the five islands survive many animals and birds, just like a heaven. Go there and arouse your rich imagination for the various kinds of vivid beautiful sceneries.

Buddhism Pilgrims

In every sheep year of Tibetan calendar, thousand of Buddhism pilgrims,from every corner of Tibet and other places such as Qinghai, Sichuan and Yunnan, cluster to Namtso for circumambulating and trekking. The circling time is around 20 to 30 dyas.

According to the tradition, if circling Namtso Lake on foot, you will get great happiness and luckiness. On the four sides of the lake stand four Buddhist monasteries which also worth your time.

Best Time to Visit

Because Namtso Lake is located in the plateau, with changeable weather, we suggest that summer from May to October is the best time to pay a visit there, but you must prepare at all times for wet weather, snow and cold winds.

In the midsummer, Namtso Lake is full of life and activity, you will have good chance to see: wile animals such as yaks, hares are leisurely looking for food along the long shores; countless migratory birds are flying here to find good place for laying eggs and feeding their next generation; active fishes are jumping out of the water for enjoying the warmth of the sunshine, etc. All scenes will interest and amaze you.

Travel Tips

1)The sea level of the lake is 4,720m and 1,100m higher than Lhasa ( 3658m ), please bring lots of fresh water and medication against high altitude sickness.
2) The best time of visiting is from May to October and you must prepare necessary cold-proof clothes for the quite changeable weather. Due to heavy and dangerous from late October, the load to the lake will be closed.
3) Pack your sunscreen and sunglasses with you for protecting yourself, and camera for photographing the beautiful scenes of Namtso.
4) If you want to take a night stay at Namtso, you are advised to take more warm clothes because the temperatures of day and night are quite different.
During the night, you will find the night sky filled with stars, and even see the nebula of the Miky Way. The sunrise and sunset are breathtakingly beautiful.
5) If you want to trek around for some time, high-octane food like chocolate for your energy supply.