Namtso
纳木错 · Damxung County, Lhasa, Tibet, China
Namtso is the largest lake in the Tibet Autonomous Region, at 4,718 metres above sea level, with blue-green water facing the Nyainqentanglha Mountains across the lake; it is one of the sacred lakes of Tibetan Buddhist believers.
Know before you go
- Do not photograph pilgrims circling the lake or practitioners at close range
- do not throw anything into the lake
- do not land on the islands without permission
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Stories & people
Stories & people
History
Retreats on the Frozen Lake
The cave hermitages on the shore of Namtso are traditionally associated with Padmasambhava and his disciple Yeshe Tsogyal, and have drawn Tibetan pilgrims for centuries. In the past, practitioners walked across the ice at the end of winter to the islands to go into retreat, returning only when the lake froze again the next winter; this practice is no longer permitted.
Source: Wikipedia: Namtso
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
Namtso lies on the border between Damxung County in Lhasa and Baingoin County in Nagqu, Tibet Autonomous Region, at the northern foot of the Nyainqentanglha Mountains, about 112 kilometres from Lhasa. It is a salt lake at 4,718 metres above sea level, with a surface area of about 1,920 square kilometres and 5 uninhabited islands. Tashidor Monastery stands on the southeastern shore, and by the lake beside it rise stone pillars regarded as holy rocks, which local people call the Welcoming Rock and the Palms-Together Rock. Namtso is one of the sacred lakes of Tibetan Buddhist believers. The cave hermitages along its shore have drawn pilgrims for centuries; pilgrims are said to be especially numerous in the Year of the Sheep in the Tibetan calendar.
Local customs
- Walk along the shore to see the light on the lake and the reflections of the snow-capped mountains
- look out over the islands from around Tashidor Monastery
- watch the lake turn from blue to gold in the evening
- and in winter, once the surface has frozen, see the ice-bound lake plain.
Etiquette & taboos
Etiquette & taboos
Don’t DON'T
- Do not photograph pilgrims circling the lake or practitioners at close range
- do not throw anything into the lake
- do not land on the islands without permission
Locals appreciate DO
- Check the signs on site before taking photos
- dress and behave with decorum
- keep warm, as the lake area is windy and cold
Plan your visit
Practical info
Travel tips
- Namtso is at a very high altitude, and visitors new to the plateau may experience altitude sickness such as headaches and shortness of breath, so slow down, drink plenty of water, and descend or seek medical help promptly if you feel unwell. The weather around the lake can change suddenly, so bring windproof and warm clothing as well as sun protection
- ticket and shuttle prices are as officially announced by the scenic area.
- From Lhasa, head north on the Qinghai-Tibet Highway and then cross the Nagenla Pass, a drive of about half a day
- you can also join a one-day or two-day tour from Lhasa. Summer and autumn are the best times to visit, when the lake colour is at its richest and the grassland and wildflowers are at their best
- in winter the lake freezes, and road conditions and opening arrangements are as officially announced.
Photos
Photos
Sources & verification notes
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