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Best Things to See at Namtso Lake
Excellent Scenery - Turquoise water & Surrounding Mountains
Namtso Lake is an otherworldly destination that boasts some of the most stunning scenery in the world. The crystal-clear turquoise water and the majestic surrounding mountains create a truly excellent sight that will take your breath away.
Summer is the best time to visit Namtso Lake, and those who have been lucky enough to experience it will tell you that standing on the edge of the lake is like being transported to a different world. The pure and tranquil atmosphere of Namtso seems to wash over you, cleansing your soul and renewing your spirit. As you gaze out over the water, you are enveloped in a sea of blue that seems to stretch on forever. The color of the water changes throughout the day, from deep blue to light green, and is truly mesmerizing. Every moment offers a new perspective, a new shade of blue, and a new sense of wonder. The surrounding mountains only add to the majesty of the scene, creating a stunning backdrop that elevates the beauty of the lake to a whole new level.
Sunrises and Sunsets
Watching the sunrise or sunset over Namtso Lake is an unforgettable experience. The colors of the sky are reflected in the water, creating a magical and romantic atmosphere. If you are lucky enough to stay in Namtso Lake during the months of June, July, August, and September, you will be treated to a spectacular display of nature's beauty.
As the sun begins to set in the afternoon, the sky takes on a warm and fiery glow, casting the surrounding mountains and the crystal-clear water of Namtso Lake in a soft and golden light. The tranquility of the scene is simply enchanting, and visitors are often left spellbound by the sheer beauty of it all.
At night, the starry sky comes alive, with countless twinkling lights dotting the dark canvas above. The graceful figure of shooting stars can sometimes be seen across the sky, adding to the magic and wonder of the night.
he next morning, as the sun begins to rise on the horizon, the sky is painted in soft pastel hues of pink, orange, and purple. The streaks of sunlight slowly illuminate the landscape, casting a warm and inviting glow over the lake and the surrounding mountains.
Best Things to Do at Namtso Lake
Trekking near Namtso Lake
Tibet can be considered as a perfect place for adventurers owning to its fabulous trekking routes. One such amazing route is Nyenchen Tanglha trek to holy Lake Namtso. it usually takes 4-5 days to finish the whole trip. The hike begins in the Dangxiong Valley and passes through a forest. Visitors hike to the Nien Ching Tangura Mountains, passing through dreamy glacial valleys and meadows. Visitors can also see many streams as they cross the route.
Have a Walking Tour on Tashi Dor Island
Tashi Dor Island, also known as Auspicious Love Island, is the larger peninsula of Namtso and an important scenic spot for visiting Namtso. As you explore the peninsula, you will be captivated by the beauty of the Tashi Temple, which still rings its morning bell, filling the air with a sense of peace and tranquility. The temple is a stunning example of traditional Tibetan architecture, and its intricate details and vibrant colors are truly captivating. The limestone terrain of the peninsula has been eroded by the sky lake, creating a unique and otherworldly karst landform that is like nothing else on earth. The quiet caves that are distributed throughout the peninsula offer a sense of mystery and intrigue, inviting visitors to explore and discover the secrets hidden within. On the peninsula, there is a large cave called Padmasambhava Cave. It is said that in the cave there is a natural lotus flower pagoda.
Take a visit to the Holy Elephant Gate
Located on the north bank of Namtso, The Holy Elephant Gate is a breathtaking sight that will leave you in awe. The shoreline of the lake forms two perfect arcs that resemble the shape of an elephant, standing majestically beside the holy lake. The beauty of the elephant gate is further enhanced by the surrounding blue sky and white clouds, the crystal-clear blue waters of the lake, and the snow-capped mountains in the distance.
Visitors to The Holy Elephant Gate are treated to a truly magical experience, with the majestic scenery providing the perfect backdrop for capturing unforgettable photos. Whether you're an avid photographer or simply looking to soak in the beauty of Namtso, The Holy Elephant Gate is a destination that should not be missed.
Shoot Stars at Night at Namtso Lake
The night sky at Namtso Lake is especially conducive to stargazing, with its clear and pristine atmosphere providing the perfect conditions for viewing the stars. Many travelers come together to spend the night on the lake, creating a sense of community and camaraderie that is truly special. One of the best places to enjoy the starry sky is on the Tashi Dor Island next to Namtso Lake, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the surrounding landscape and marvel at the stars above. Although the accommodations on the island are relatively simple, they provide the perfect base for exploring the area and enjoying the natural wonders of Namtso Lake.
Why Namtso Lake Becomes the Paradise of Photographers?
Namtso Lake has become a paradise for photographers and shooting enthusiasts, and it's not hard to see why. The high altitude and excellent light conditions make it the perfect location for capturing stunning photographs, even with non-professional cameras or hobbyists.
The clear and pristine atmosphere of Namtso Lake results in better visibility and very little light scattering, allowing photographers to take breathtaking pictures of the surrounding landscape. Whether you are an experienced photographer or simply a shooting amateur, Namtso Lake offers the perfect backdrop for capturing unforgettable moments and memories.
Of all the places to photograph, the sunset in Namtso Lake is perhaps the most captivating. Surrounded by majestic mountains, the sunset glow of Namtso Lake is a sight to behold, shining with golden hues and casting a magnificent glow over the shoreline. The beauty of the scene is simply enchanting, capturing the hearts of all travelers who witness it.
The value of the beauty of Namtso Lake is not only limited to being recorded by the camera, but also worth keeping for memory. The absolute beauty of Namtso Lake is something that must be experienced in person, and the memories will last a lifetime.
Photographing Tips about Namtso Lake
1. Best Times to Photograph Sunsets:Shooting time: 7:00pm - 9:00pmShooting season: May - October (best)
2. Two Great Locations for Shooting the Sunset of Namtso Lake
We actually recommend two perfect sites to shoot the Namtso Lake sunset. One is Yinbin Stones on the Tashi Dor Island and another is located on a small and steep cliff on the north shore of the lake, not far from the tourist attraction of Shengxiangtianmen.
3. Equipment Recommendation
Carry Lightweight Photography Gear, because carrying heavy backpacks at high altitudes makes altitude sickness more likely. A lightweight tripod definitely helps when shooting Namtso Lake.
How to Have a Namtso Lake Trekking Tour?
Most visitors travel to Namtso Lake by car, trekking offers a chance to meet shepherds, learn about traditional Tibetan customs, and immerse yourself in the stunning natural landscape. The most popular trekking itinerary to Namtso Lake is the Nienching Tanggula Mountain to Lake Namtso hike. This route offers an endless stream of mountains and rivers, taking you on a journey through some of the most beautiful grasslands, glaciers, and valleys in Tibet. The hike is regarded as one of the most wonderful hiking routes in Tibet by hikers, providing an unforgettable adventure that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Nienching Tanggula Mountain - Namtso Lake
The trekking itinerary starts at Damxung County, where you will depart on foot towards Namtso Lake. Along the way, you will spend two full days hiking for 7-8 hours each day, taking in the stunning scenery and immersing yourself in the beauty of nature. Accommodation during the trekking tour is camping, providing a unique and authentic experience that is like no other.
On the fourth day of the trek, you will hike for 7-8 hours on foot to reach the holy Namtso Lake, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the crystal-clear turquoise waters and majestic surrounding mountains.
Start: Damxung CountyFinish: Namtso LakeAccommodation: campingDay 1: Departure from Damxung CountyDay 2: 7-8 hours on footDay 3: 7-8 hours on footDay 4: 7-8 hours on foot to Namtso Lake
Contact Us for More Trekking InfoBest Time to Visit Namtso Lake in Tibet
Choosing the best time to visit Namtso Lake is crucial to ensure a truly unforgettable experience. December, January, and February should be avoided due to the strong snowfall, which can result in the closure of sights, hotels, and restaurants. For the best experience, we recommend visiting Namtso Lake from June to September, with August being the prime month to visit.
During this time, the temperature is pleasant, the sky is pure, and the grasslands are lush and green, creating a stunning and picturesque landscape that is like no other. The weather conditions are ideal for outdoor activities such as trekking, camping, and stargazing, providing a chance to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and create unforgettable memories.
How to Get to Namtso Lake from Lhasa City?
Namtso is more than 240 kilometers from Lhasa, it takes five hours to drive to the lake, and the road is quite good, driving is very convenient. There are three ways you can choose to go to Namtso Lake.
By Renting a Private Car (highly recommended)
The most highly recommended option is to rent a private car with a local driver and guide, which provides a comfortable and flexible way to travel. The journey from Lhasa to Namtso is approximately 240 kilometers and takes around 4-5 hours. Asia Odyssey Travel offers car charter service for tourists and equipped with experienced tour guide. Let us know if you need us.
Join in a group tour in Lhasa
It is a great way to join a tour group from Lhasa to Namtso Lake. Many travel agencies or hotels in Lhasa have one-day or two-day trips to Namtso. They are only responsible for the round trip and you have to pay for accommodation and entry ticket. Cars are usually small or medium buses, depending on the number of passengers. The tour car usually set out around 7 am.
Contact Us for More Transfer InfoWhere to Stay at Holy Namtso Lake
When visiting the Holy Namtso Lake, it's important to note that there are no hotels due to the extreme weather and environment. For those who prefer better accommodation and dining options, it's recommended to stay in Damxung County.
Prepare for High Attitude Sickness
The altitudes of Namtso Lake are about 4718 meters, nearly 1,100 meters higher than Lhasa. The oxygen is thin especially during early morning and night. Therefore, it's better to stay in Lhasa for at least 2 days before going to Namtso. Keep healthy on your travel.
Namtso Lake VS Yamdrok Lake: Which One to Choose?
Namtso Lake and Yamdrok Lake are both stunning natural wonders located in Tibet, each with their own unique features and attractions. Here's a comparison of the two:
Size: Namtso Lake is larger than Yamdrok Lake, with a surface area of approximately 1,920 square kilometers compared to Yamdrok Lake's surface area of approximately 638 square kilometers.
Altitude: Namtso Lake is located at a higher altitude than Yamdrok Lake, with an elevation of 4,718 meters compared to Yamdrok Lake's elevation of 4,441 meters.
Scenery: Both lakes offer stunning scenery, with Namtso Lake being known for its crystal-clear blue waters and majestic surrounding mountains, while Yamdrok Lake is known for its turquoise waters and picturesque surrounding landscape.
Accessibility: Namtso Lake is more difficult to access than Yamdrok Lake, with a longer distance from Lhasa and fewer transportation options available. Yamdrok Lake is easier to access, with a shorter distance from Lhasa and more transportation options available.
How to Plan Your Namtso Lake in a Tibet Tour?
1 Day Namtso Lake Tour
Most travelers would like to take one day to visit Namtso Lake from Lhasa. A one-day Namtso Lake tour from Lhasa is an excellent way to experience the natural beauty of this destination, even if you have limited time. The tour typically begins early in the morning with pick up from your hotel in Lhasa. The drive from Lhasa to Namtso Lake takes approximately five hours, but you will enjoy the stunning scenery along the way. Once you arrive, you will have ample time to explore the area, take a walk along the shoreline, climb up to one of the nearby hills for panoramic views, or simply relax and appreciate the beauty of the crystal-clear blue waters and majestic surrounding mountains. Tashi Dor Island is a must-visit attraction at Namtso Lake, with a Buddhist shrine, prayer flags, and breathtaking views of the lake. After watching the sunset, it's time to head back to Lhasa. The drive back takes around five hours, with drop off at your hotel in the evening. This one-day tour is an excellent option for those who want to experience the beauty of Namtso Lake but have limited time.
Namtso Lake Tour Planning for 2 Days
Day 1: Depart from downtown Lhasa in the morning and drive to Namtso Lake. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Namtso Lake and visit the beautiful Tashi Peninsula. Watch the sunset over the lake. Stay overnight in Damxung County
Day 2: Drive to Yangpachen to enjoy the hot springs. Stop at Nagenla to admire the magnificent scenery near the Nyainqentanglha Mountains. Visit Chimelong Nunnery to learn about Tibetan Buddhism and the lives of the nuns who live there. Visit Tsurphu Monastery, one of the most important monasteries in Tibetan Buddhism. Return to Lhasa in the evening.
Explore Tibet with Asia Odyssey Travel
Local based in Lhasa and Tibet over 10 years, our local team at Asia Odyssey Travel has carefully designed Tibet tours that offer a truly authentic and unforgettable experience. You can choose to travel in the comfort of a private tour with a flexible itinerary, or join a group tour that's budget-friendly without compromising on quality. Whatever your preference, Asia Odyssey Travel has a tour that caters to your needs and desires, ensuring that your journey to Tibet is an unforgettable adventure.
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