Namtso Lake Tour

Most Asked Questions about the Namtso Lake Tour

• 1. What Is Namtso Lake, and Why Is it Worth Visiting?

  Namtso Lake, meaning “Heavenly Lake” in Tibetan, is one of the top three sacred lakes in Tibet. Located about 250 km northwest of Lhasa, it sits at an altitude of 4,718 meters, making it the highest and biggest saltwater lake in the world.

  As two of the most beautiful holy lakes around Lhasa (the other turquoise Yamdrok), Lake, Namtso Lake is more than just its dazzling sapphire water and snow-capped backdrop of Mt. Nyenchen Tanglha. For Tibetans, it is a holy lake, believed to be the residence of a powerful protector deity, and walking the kora (pilgrimage) around it is an act of deep spiritual merit.

  The journey from Lhasa to Namtso Lake offers you a perfect chance to witness not only Tibet’s pristine natural beauty but also nomadic life along the way when passing Damxung, where Tibetan nomads live. You can truly feel the peaceful power of nature and the heartbeat of Tibetan spirituality, all in one unforgettable journey.

• 2. How Far Is Namtso Lake from Lhasa? How long Is the Drive?

  The distance between Lhasa and Namtso Lake is around 250 km. With improved road conditions, currently, it takes around 3 to 4 hours (one way) to drive from Lhasa to Namtso Lake.

  The overland journey takes you through the Nyenchen Tonglha Mountains, with the altitude increasing from 4,300 meters to 4,500 meters. Along this route, you'll have the opportunity to admire the distant Nyainqentanglha Mountain Range. Don't forget to make a stop at the observation deck to capture the majestic and undulating mountain scenery.

  As you continue, you'll be treated to picturesque views of nomadic herding life in highland pastures, with sheep flocks grazing on lush green grass and yaks dotting the sacred landscape.

  The journey continues until you reach Nagenla Pass (5,190 meters) for a brief stop. After leaving Nagenla Pass, you will finally descend to Namtso Lake (4,718 meters).

• 3. How High Is Namtso Lake? Will I Get Altitude Sickness?

  Namtso Lake sits at around 4,718 meters (15,479 ft). Some travelers may experience mild altitude sickness symptoms. However, no worries! Our attentive local Tibetan experts will provide you with oxygen supplies on the tour vehicle and a portable oxygen canister for your smooth visit.

  Besides, for first-time travelers to Tibet, it's advisable to spend about three days in Lhasa to acclimatize to the high altitude while exploring Tibet’s iconic attractions. By the fourth day, you'll be well-prepared for the journey from Lhasa to Namtso Lake.

• 4. What Is the Best Time to Visit Namtso Lake?

  Namtso Lake starts to wake from winter in April, and the ice on the lake begins to thaw in May. Late May to October is the best time to visit Namtso Lake to see the heavenly views of the broad sky reflected on the Namtso lake's deep blue waters. You can relish picturesque Namtso Lake with clear blue skies and vibrant turquoise blue waters ringed by snow-capped mountains.

  From June to September, the daytime of Namtso Lake is warm with temperatures between 10-20°c. Nights can drop to close to freezing. Rain showers and thunderstorms are common. The landscape is lush and green, and the lake is at its highest level from the rain and melting ice.

  The mild weather is great for trekking or kora around Tashi Dor on clear days, or hiking to the top of the western hill. The vibrant colors of the summer Namtso Lake and the surrounding snow-capped mountains are ideal for photography. Besides, don’t miss out on the photo opportunities with lovely Tibetan yaks at the lake shore.

  From late September to mid-October, average daytime temperatures are between 5 and 15 °C, and it gets colder toward the end of the season. Rain is only occasional, with October being mostly dry.

  It's a perfect season for trekking and exploration of Tashi Dor Island and surrounding monasteries and spiritual retreats. The trails will have dried out and will be less crowded than in summer. Visibility is perfect for stargazing and landscape photography. Learn more about the weather and climate of Namtso Lake.

• 5. Is a One-day Trip to Namtso Lake Possible from Lhasa?

  Theoretically, it’s possible to visit Namtso Lake as a day trip from Lhasa. However, in reality, it feels quite rushed due to the long hours of driving and high altitude.

  For a more relaxed and rewarding experience, it’s recommended to arrange a two-day tour with an overnight stay either near the Namtso Town or in Damxung (4,300m), which is at a lower altitude for better sleep. This allows you to fully enjoy the lake’s stunning sunset, peaceful sunrise, and incredible stargazing at this sacred site.

• 6. Is the Road to Namtso Lake Paved and Safe?

  The road from Lhasa to Namtso Lake is well-paved and safe for travel. For the first half of the journey, you will actually travel on the expressway with perfect road conditions until reaching Damxung County where you will travel on narrow county roads.

  In the second half of the drive, you can expect occasional sharp turns over mountain passes. During winter and early spring, snow or ice may make some sections of the road slippery. But no worries! Our experienced local drivers always check the weather and road conditions to ensure you a safe and smooth journey.

• 7. Can We Stay Overnight at Namtso Lake? Are There Any Hotels Available?

  Accommodation directly at Namtso Lake is no longer available due to environmental conservation efforts and the protection of this pristine natural area. Visitors looking to stay overnight can opt to lodge in Damxung, a town approximately 60 kilometers from Namtso.

  Several guesthouses and hotels in Damxung offer basic amenities, making it a convenient base for those exploring the lake. While it may require a short drive to reach the lake's picturesque shores, staying in Damxung allows travelers to experience the remarkable beauty of Namtso during the day and enjoy a comfortable night's rest in the town.

• 8. Can I Combine Namtso Lake with Other Top Tibet Sites?

  Absolutely. Many of our guests combine Namtso with Lhasa city tours, Yamdrok Lake, Shigatse City, and the popular Tibet Everest Base Camp depending on your schedule and interests.

  Lhasa is your Tibet arrival point and the best place to acclimatize while visiting iconic landmarks like Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Sera Monastery. After 2 to 3 days in Lhasa, you can travel west to Yamdrok Lake and onwards to Gyantse, Shigatse, and finally Everest Base Camp, then return to Lhasa and finish with a two-day journey to Namtso Lake, staying overnight for sunset, sunrise, and stargazing.

  This route creates a scenic circle covering central and northern Tibet, allowing you to cover two of the best holy lakes in Tibet and two of the biggest cities in Tibet and get a glimpse of the nomadic life and rich Tibetan Buddhism in one epic journey. Our upgraded 10-day Lhasa to EBC and Namtso Lake Small Group Tour will be your go-to choice, highly recommended!

• 9. Any Great Spots to Photograph Namtso Lake?

  Definitely! Namtso Lake is one of the most photogenic alpine lakes in Tibet, especially for capturing its sacred atmosphere, changing light, and dramatic landscapes. Here are some of the best photo spots you need to know:

  At Largen La Pass (5,190m): Before reaching the lake, this mountain pass offers breathtaking views of the lake from above, with winding roads and distant peaks adding dramatic depth to your shots.

  Tashi Dor Peninsula: This is the classic location for capturing stunning panoramic shots of Namtso Lake with fluttering Tibetan prayer flags in the foreground. It may take some to hike to the top of the hill for the epic shots.

  Nomadic Camps and Yaks: Around the Namtso Lake or Namtso Town, you may encounter local nomads, yaks, and sheep grazing, perfect for adding a human and cultural element to your photography.

  Viewing Platfrom of Holy Elephant Gate: Located on the northern shore of Namtso Lake, this is the best spot to capture a sweeping panoramic view of Namtso Lake and the iconic massive rock formation shaped like an elephant kneeling at the lake’s edge, trunk dipping as if to sip the sacred water.

  Starry Night Sky: If the weather is clear and you stay overnight around Damxung or Namtso Village, Namtso’s high altitude and minimal light pollution make it one of the best places in Tibet for photographing the Milky Way.

• 10. Can I Still Visit Namtso Lake in Winter? Yes

  Few visitors see the breathtaking spectacle of Namtso Lake in winter. The stunning icy landscape is a mesmerizing vision that lasts from December until March. Icy road conditions can make it difficult to reach the lake, so when you arrive, it will be a serene experience of the frozen lake and snow-capped mountains.

  Down jackets, windbreakers, sweaters, and thermal underlayers are needed for the cold of this season. Winds can be fierce, particularly in January and February. Good quality gloves, scarves, hats, and a mask are also essential.

  Our local experts can guide you on a leisurely walk across the frozen surface of Namtso Lake and help you capture its stunning icy beauty with a drone. You can even bring along some biscuits to feed the black-headed gulls that hover gracefully along the lakeshore. Overall, visiting Namtso in winter offers a completely different experience — serene, magical, and unlike any other time of year.