Namtso Lake Travel Information

The best season to visit Namtso Lake is between July and September for the grassland around the holy lake is in its best state of a year, but the road condition to the lake is relatively bad in this season due to the frequent rain.

Namtso Lake Travel Information – Trekking/Driving around Namtso Lake

Tourists planning to join the Tibet trekking tours around Namtso Lake are strongly suggested to budget 7 to 10 days. The lake shoreline is about 280 kilometers while the simple highway around the lake is about 320 kilometers. Tourists are strongly suggested to have a 2-3 days adaptation in Lhasa before heading to Namtso Lake with an altitude of 4750 meters. It takes about 8 to 10 days to finish the circumambulation if you have a good physical condition. For tourists with relatively weaker physical condition, 15 days might be needed.

It has high demand for the vehicle condition if you are planning to circumambulate around the lake by driving. It is easy to get lost around Namtso Lake since tere are many sideways. Tourists making a self-driving tour are highly suggested to ask a local Tibetan which is quite familiar with the environment around the lake to make this circumambulation with you. It takes about 1 to 2 days to drive around the holy lake.

To enjoy the breathtaking sunset landscape and sunrise view of Lake Namtso, a large number of tourists would like to stay for one night at Namtso Lake. It should be noted that there is no star standard hotels at Namtso Lake and there is only guesthouse with limited accommodation condition.

Namtso Lake Travel Information – Preparation for Trekking/ Driving around Namtso Lake

Namtso Lake is about 250 kilometers away from Lhasa. Most of the tourists making a Tibet tour would like to move to Namtso after 3-5 days adjustment in Lhasa. On the way to Namtso Lake from Lhasa, tourists have to climb over the La-ken-la Mountain Pass with an altitude of 5150 meters. There is strong wind and low temperature at the mountain pass even in the warm seasons. Hence, tourists should prepare enough warm clothes in case of catching a cold. In the precious years, Namtso Lake would be closed to tourists in winter is greatly due to the heavy snow at La-ken-la Mountain Pass.

Lake Namtso is a salt water lake and there is poor material supply around the lake. Tourists planning to trek around the lake should prepare a series of necessary stuffs, including the potable water, solid food, tent and sleeping bag. For tourists with too much luggage, it is pretty advisable to reserve a yak in advance. The yak could help you to carry the luggage and ensure you a more relaxing trekking tour.

For tourists don't have the plan to trek around Namtso Lake but don't want to miss the charm of Namtso, it is advisable to circumambulate around the Tashi Island and Yaowang Hill here. According to the local Tibetan traditions, tourists should circumambulate around the Tashi Island for odd circles clockwise and most of the Tibetans would circumambulate for 13 circles. Tourists could also present a Hada to Namtso Lake to pray for blessings.