Namtso Lake

    Name in Chinese: 纳木措 Nà Mù Cuò [na:mu:tsɔ:]

    Duration of Tour: Half a Day

    Location: Damxung County, Lhasa Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region, China

    Highlights: the Lake’s Spectacular Scenery, Tibetan Culture, Photography and Hiking

    Reputations: One of the Top Three Holy Lakes in Tibet, the World’s Highest Lake, a National Park

    Namtso Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Tibet. It is the third largest saltwater lake in Mainland China, is a vast alpine lake with the highest altitude in the world. The lake is at an elevation of 4,718 meters(15,479 feet). It measures 70 kilometers(43 miles) by 30 kilometers(19 miles), covering an area of 1,920 square kilometers(741 sq.mi). Its deepest point is 120 meters(394 feet). The view of Namtso Lake is stunningly beautiful. The lake lies on a vast moorland which is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The reflection of the surroundings on the sapphire water is amazingly gorgeous. Nyenchen Tanglha Mountain stands sheer above the lake. Its summit is 7,162 meters(23,497 feet) above sea level. The setting sun casts an orange glow over the snow-capped mountain peaks. The exotic wild beauty of Namtso Lake is absolutely fantastic.

    The name of the lake, Namtso is a Tibetan word, meaning “the lake in heaven”. The lake is regarded as one of the most holy pilgrimage destinations for Tibetan Buddhists. Most of Tibetans are devout Buddhists. The practice of making a pilgrimage to Namtso Lake can be traced back to the twelfth century. It has been regularly done by Tibetans since Master Taglung Tangpa Chenpo(1142-1210) practised his Tantra by the lake. Taglung Tangpa Chenpo was a celebrated Buddhist scholar of the Kar-gyu-pa Sect of Lamaism. He was also the founder of Taglung Monastery. The Taglung Monastery was built in the year of 1180. It is located in Zhoulin County, about 90 kilometers(56 miles) to the south of the lake.

    There is a huge rock on the northern shore of Namtso Lake. It is called the Rock of Holy Elephant. The rock is sculpted naturally into the shape of elephant by weathering and erosion. There is a hole on the rock. The hole looks like the gap between the trunk and legs of the elephant. Locals also call it the Gate to Heaven.

    Travel Tips

    How to Get to Namtso Lake

    Namtso Lake is situated about 240 kilometers(149 miles) to the north of downtown Lhasa. The journey to Namtso Lake from Lhasa takes about five hours by car. Tourists will have a long hard day for the visit. Lhasa is the capital city of Tibet Autonomous Region. Currently, Lhasa Kongga International Airport operates flights to 47 domestic cities, such as Chengdu, Xi’an, Chongqing, Xining, Kunming, Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. There is only one international flight operating between Lhasa and Kathmandu(Nepal). The tourists may also travel to Lhasa from Xining or Chengdu by train.

    How to Avoid Altitude Sickness

    Due to the high elevation of the lake, you need to stay in Lhasa for a few days before heading for Namtso Lake, so that you would have acclimatized themselves to the high altitude.. Tips for you to prevent the AMS include keeping hydrated, avoiding a cold, acclimatizing to altitude gradually, avoiding rapid ascent and strenuous exercise, restraining from smoking and drinking alcohol.

    Weather

    Namtso Lake has a harsh climate. The high altitude of the lake means that you need to bring winter clothes, sunhats and some suncream when you go to visit the lake.

    Photography Tips

    A tripod, a filter, telephoto lenses and wide angle lenses are needed. Professional photographers need to spend at least one night in a hotel in the town of Damxung. Some hotels in or nearby the town are equipped with oxygen generators.

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Author: Tina Luo

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