Namtso

纳木错 · Area

Namtso is a high-altitude salt lake north of Lhasa and one of the three holy lakes of Tibet. It is a long day trip or an overnight stay, with views of the Nyenchen Tanglha range.

Altitude4,718 m (15,480 ft)
Distance from Lhasa240 km, about 4 hours by car
OpenMay to October
Days needed1 to 2

Overview

Quick facts about Namtso

Quick answer

Namtso is a high-altitude salt lake north of Lhasa and one of the three holy lakes of Tibet. It is a long day trip or an overnight stay, with views of the Nyenchen Tanglha range.

Altitude4,718 m (15,480 ft)
Distance from Lhasa240 km, about 4 hours by car
OpenMay to October
Days needed1 to 2
Best timeJune to September
Good to knowVery cold at night; not for the first day at altitude

Best time to visit

Average daily high and low in °C, and monthly rain in mm. Roads to this area can close in winter.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec17°-16°130 mm
Daily highDaily lowRain
BestGoodCold or limited access

Permit

What foreign visitors need before arrival.

Quick answer

Yes. All foreign visitors need a Tibet Travel Permit, and some areas need extra permits. We file them for you with every booking.

Nearby regions

Lhasa

Potala, Jokhang and the old town

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Shigatse and Gyantse

Tashilhunpo Monastery, Yamdrok Lake

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Everest region

North base camp and Rongbuk Monastery

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Nyingchi

Blossoms and canyons at low altitude

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Shannan

Yarlung Valley, Samye and Yumbulagang

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Nagqu

Changtang grassland and northern plateau

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Questions

Every foreign passport holder does. The Tibet Travel Permit is issued only through registered Tibet agencies, and it is checked at airports, train stations and hotels. We file it with every booking at no extra charge.
No. Foreign travellers need a booked tour with a licensed guide, plus a private vehicle for any route beyond Lhasa. A fixed-departure group seat is the cheapest way to travel.
April to October is the main season. May–June and September–October have the clearest mountain views; July and August are greener but wetter.
The train from Xining or Beijing is a slow, scenic climb that helps with acclimatisation. Flights from Chengdu, Xi’an or Kathmandu save a day or two.

Visiting Namtso?

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