Namtso Lake
One of Tibet's three great sacred lakes, a turquoise inland sea at 4,718 metres beneath the snow line of the Nyenchen Tanglha range. The long day trip from Lhasa crosses the 5,190-metre Nagenla pass; only attempt it after two to three days of acclimatisation.
Overview
Quick facts about Namtso Lake
One of Tibet's three great sacred lakes, a turquoise inland sea at 4,718 metres beneath the snow line of the Nyenchen Tanglha range. The long day trip from Lhasa crosses the 5,190-metre Nagenla pass; only attempt it after two to three days of acclimatisation.
| Type | Sacred Lake |
|---|---|
| Altitude | 4,718 m (15,479 ft) |
| Visit length | About 5 hours |
| Opening hours | Gate 08:00-18:00; road can close after snow outside summer |
| Good to know | One of Tibet's three great sacred lakes, a turquoise inland sea at 4,718 metres beneath the Nyenchen Tanglha range; a long day trip from Lhasa that should follow proper acclimatisation |
How to visit
Practical advice from our Lhasa team.
- Walk slowly. Steep stairs at altitude are harder — come on your second or third day, not the day you arrive.
- Taxi drop-off: Chartered cars reach the Tashi Do peninsula gate
- Bus: Organised day tours from Lhasa over the Nagenla pass, about 4 hours each way
Hotels near Namtso Lake
Sorted by walking or driving distance when we have it; otherwise hotels we use in the same city.
Best time to visit
Average daily high and low in °C, and monthly rain in mm. Roads to this area can close in winter.
Nearby
Questions
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