Tips of Visiting Namtso Lake

Namtso Lake is the highest saltwater lake in the world. It looks like blue sky on earth, hence the name "sky lake". There are some tips for visiting Namtso Lake in Tibet tour. It will be helpful for enjoying Namtso Lake.

Tips of Visiting Namtso Lake

Travelers are suggested to stay in Lhasa for three to five days before going to visit Lake Namtso. Many travelers who did not pay attention the increase of altitude appeared symptoms of high altitude sickness when staying at the bank of Namtso Lake for one night.

Namtso Lake is about 190 kilometers away from south of Lhasa. When visit Namtso Lake, you will first reach Damxung County which is about 162 kilometers away from Lhasa. Then, it is about 40 kilometers from Damxung to Namtso Lake. On the way to Namtso Lake, you will pass by the Laken La Mountain Pass which is at the altitude of 5150 meters. Even in the warmest season, the wind at Laken La Mountain Pass is very strong, and the temperature there is very low. The road to the mountain pass is not very good. After passing by the mountain pass, there is a sect of road which is also very bad. It may become marsh in rain season.

When visit Namtso Lake, you should reach the Tashi Peninsula. Please do not go back after enjoying the Namtso Lake at the lake bank near to Laken La Mountain Pass.

If the weather is not good, such as rain or snow, please do not go to Namtso Lake because there may be strong snow at Laken La Mountain Pass. In addition, the car is very easy to get stuck in the road near bank of Namtso Lake.

Some travelers would like to trek around Namtso Lake. But it will be very arduous since the altitude is very high. Furthermore, you should take supply, tent and sleeping bag with you. Although Namtso Lake is a salt-water lake, the water in it is not very salty. It is drinkable after boiling or filtrating.

About tour to Namtso, you can depart Lhasa in the morning and go back to Lhasa after having a look of Namtso Lake in the same day. But most travelers would like to spend one night at the bank of Namtso Lake. In general, they will live on Tashi Peninsula. On Tashi Peninsula, there are Tashi Monastery and some restaurants and guesthouse. Since the temperature at night at Namtso Lake is very low, you should take enough clothes to keep warm. There are several houses providing accommodation. All rooms there can contain about 40 persons. If you can not rent a house, you have to stay in tents. If you visit Namtso Lake in high season of Tibet tour, you are suggested to book the room in advance. Of course, to take camping equipments with you is also a good choice.

Under the Tashi Peninsula, there is beautiful curve lake shoreline of Namtso Lake. It is extremely beautiful both in the morning and in the evening.