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How to Get to Namtso Lake from Lhasa?

Written by Senior Expert Roxy|Updated: 2025-02-14

As the pioneer of Tibet travel, we know multiple routes exist to reach Namtso Lake, such as from Xining, Xi'an, and other locations in China, but the most popular route begins in Lhasa. So, we recommend you can fly or take a train to Lhasa before planning your journey to Namtso Lake.

Traveling to Namtso Lake from Lhasa by car is the preferred option as no transportation hubs like airports, train stations, or bus stations exist in or around Namtso Lake.

Let's see how to get to Namtso Lake by continuing to read this guide. Besides traveling by car, biking and train options are also mentioned. Discover how to get to Namtso Lake easily and begin your Tibet tour!

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  • triangleLhasa to Namtso Lake Distance: Where is Namtso Lake?
  • triangleGet to Namtso Lake by Car (Highly Recommended)
  • triangleGet to Namtso Lake from Lhasa by Biking (Physical Challenge)
  • triangleGet to Namtso Lake by Train (Car Still Required)
  • triangleTravel to Namtso Lake with Asia Odyssey Travel

Lhasa to Namtso Lake Distance: Where is Namtso Lake?

Namtso Lake in Tibet
Namtso Lake in Tibet
Namtso Lake in Tibet
Namtso Lake in Tibet

Namtso Lake is located northwest of Lhasa city, approximately 216 kilometers away.

It lies in the central region of Tibet, about 60 kilometers away from Damxung County, Nagqu City. Surrounding the lake are amazing snow-capped mountains, rolling hills, and endless grasslands.

It sits at an impressive 4718 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest large saltwater lakes in the world.

On your journey to this sacred lake, you'll be amazed by the majestic Nyenchen Thanglha Mountain, soaring at a breathtaking 7162 meters, and the mystical Yampachen, often shrouded in a veil of mist.

Get to Namtso Lake by Car (Highly Recommended)

Get to Namtso Lake by Car
Get to Namtso Lake by Car
  • Elevation range: 3,650 m-5,190m
  • How Long to Spend: 1 Day
  • Route: Lhasa (3,650m) - Nyenchen Thanglha Mountain (7,162m) - Damxung County - Laken La Pass (5,190m) - Namtso Lake (4,718m) - Lhasa
  • Direct to Namtso Lake: Yes

For a comfortable trip, we suggest booking a private car with a local guide to visit Namtso Lake. The main road from Lhasa to Namtso, the Qinghai-Tibet Highway (G109), takes about 3-4 hours to traverse over 210 kilometers.

You'll pass through high-altitude areas and might feel a bit of a bumpy ride near the lake, but it's worth it!

Asia Odyssey Travel provides private tours with knowledgeable guides. Along the way, you can admire the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountain and spot wildlife like yaks, sheep, and even wild animals. After crossing the Laken La Pass, you'll reach the stunning Namtso Lake. Contact us Now!

Many pilgrims come to the lake to pray, meditate, and make offerings. It's a beautiful journey worth taking.

Get to Namtso Lake from Lhasa by Biking (Physical Challenge)

Cycling on the road, Tibet Bike Tour
Cycling on the road, Tibet Bike Tour
Cycling on the road, Tibet Bike Tour
Cycling on the road, Tibet Bike Tour
  • Elevation Change: 3,650 m-5,190m
  • How Long to Spend: 4 Days
  • Cycling Route: Lhasa (3,650m) - Yampachen (4,290m) - Nyenchen Thanglha Mountain (7,162m) - Damxung County - Laken La Pass (5,190m) - Namtso Lake (4,718m) - Yampachen - Lhasa
  • Direct to Namtso Lake? Yes

We see a lot of people cycling from Lhasa to Namtso Lake. The scenery along the way is incredible - think stunning mountains and crystal-clear water. If you're up for a challenge and want a truly unique adventure, biking to Namtso Lake is the way to go!

It takes about four days and covers roughly 440 kilometers round ride.

You can plan an 8-day Tibet Cycling Tour from Lhasa to Namtso Lake. It's a great idea to spend the first 3 days in Lhasa to get used to the altitude and check out the city's must-sees, like the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street. While you're there, you could also visit the Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery.

Get to Namtso Lake by Train (Car Still Required)

  • Elevation Change: 3,650 m-5,190m
  • How Long to Spend: 1-2 Days
  • Route: Lhasa (3,650m) - Nagqu (4,500m) - Damxung (4,300m) - Namtso Lake (4,718m)
  • Direct to Namtso Lake? Once you're off the train, you'll need to catch a ride to Namtso Lake.
  • Kindly Reminder: A tour guide is required to travel by vehicle in Tibet.

The nearest city to Namtso Lake is Nagqu, located approximately 210 kilometers away. You can take a regular train from Lhasa to Nagqu. Refer to the information below for departure and arrival stations, train schedules, and ticket prices.

Lhasa to Nagqu Railway Stations

Nagqu Railway Station
Nagqu Railway Station
Lhasa Train Station
Lhasa Train Station

Departure Station in Lhasa: Lhasa Railway Station

  • It is an important railway station in Tibet, serving as the terminus of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, the world's highest railway.
  • Located on Tongzhan Road in Duilongdeqing District, Lhasa, it is approximately 13 kilometers from downtown Lhasa and 7 kilometers from the Potala Palace. Passengers can take bus lines 1 or K04, which takes about 5 hours, or a taxi, which takes about 26 minutes, to reach the station.
  • There are six trains departing from Lhasa Station to Naqu daily, with the earliest departure time at 9:25 AM and the latest at 7:00 PM.

Arrival Station in Nagqu: Nagqu Railway Station

  • It is located in Omadige Village, Senyi District, Naqu City, Tibet.

Train Timetable from Lhasa to Nagqu

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Contact Us to Book the Train Schedules

Ticket Price & Facilities of Train Ride from Lhasa to Nagqu

Lhasa to Nagqu Ticket Price:

Normal Speed Train Hard Seat Hard Sleeper Soft Sleeper
Z - Trains 50.5 RMB 128.5 RMB 198.5 RMB

Seat Comfort: The train seats are narrow, with little legroom and no armrests between seats. There are 5 seats per row, and the backrests are not adjustable.

Other Amenities: Train facilities are limited. There are fixed communal tables provided, and hot water and restrooms are available at the connections between carriages.

Quick tip: You might see some travel blogs suggesting shuttle buses to Namtso Lake, but these can be unreliable. They often get canceled or change their routes, and sometimes they only run for part of the year.

Travel to Namtso Lake with Asia Odyssey Travel

Many tourists spend a day exploring Namtso Lake. The indigo sky and the lake surface mirror each other, as if they were connected. The wind blows, and the bleating of lambs and the songs of herders can be heard from all directions. The local staff are very friendly and greet you with "Tashi Delek." There are yaks by the lake, and horses rolling around playfully.

If biking is your thing, consider an 8 Days Tibet Cycling Tour from Lhasa to Namtso Lake. Spend the first three days soaking up the sights and sounds of Lhasa.

For a more comprehensive Tibetan experience, our 12-day group tour takes you to Everest Base Camp, the enchanting Lulang Forest, and of course, the magnificent Namtso Lake.

Pick the Tibet Tours You Like:

Let Asia Odyssey Travel handle the details of your Tibet tour. We'll help you secure your Tibet Travel Permit and create a personalized itinerary that fits your interests and preferences. Contact Asia Odyssey Travel!

If you have any questions about this article, please contact us by submitting the following form and we'll immediately get back to you.

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