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In Milin, there is a beautiful plateau lake known as "Heaven Beyond Heaven" and "Heavenly Divine Lake". It is Naracuo. Since it can only be reached on foot, even locals only go there when they circumambulate the lake or collect Cordyceps; even fewer foreign tourists have been there.
Naratso is located to the west of Mount Namjagbarwa, at an altitude of 4,300 meters. Legend has it that it is the two tears of Namjagbarwa, mysteriously hidden in the deep mountain canyon between Mount Namjagbarwa and Mount Doxiongla. It is like a piece of jade or an exquisite sapphire, clean and beautiful, exquisitely inlaid among the snow-capped mountains and flowers, which makes people dazzled.
Naratso was formed by the melting of glaciers. People who have visited Naratso in person would rather believe that this jade-like lake at an altitude of 4,300 meters comes from the tears of Mount Namjagbarwa, because it is mysterious and beautiful. It takes 3 to 4 hours to circle the lake. The mud on the lakeshore is quite similar to the deep-sea mud used in cosmetics. If local people have skin diseases, they can be cured by circling the lake and washing with lake water.
In spring, Naratso, surrounded by a sea of flowers, is full of vitality.
In the summer, Naratso Lake often hides in clouds and mist, letting raindrops beat against its surface. This is a rare time of year when you can see Naratso Lake in action. On more days, the lake is as calm as a mirror, and the lakeside is covered with green plants, but it is already a restricted area for living, constantly reminding visitors of the majesty of nature.
Nyingchi, which officially enters autumn after September each year, captivates visitors with its vibrant colors. The waters of Nara Co Lake grow increasingly blue. Mount Namjagbarwa and Mount Nara, towering before the lake, seem almost within reach, their snow and rock formations much more distinct than those seen from within the canyon. Besides being closer, the scenery also benefits from the beautiful autumn weather.
In winter, Mount Namjagbarwa is covered with snow and ice, completely blending in with the snow-capped mountains.
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Open all day
Naracuo, located in Tibet's Nyingchi region, is a picturesque high-altitude lake that holds cultural and natural significance. The area is known for its serene landscapes and is an important site for Tibetan Buddhism. It also offers a unique glimpse into the natural beauty of the Tibetan plateau, making it a popular destination for eco-tourism and spiritual retreats.
Naracuo is located in the Nyingchi region of Tibet, about 100 kilometers east of Nyingchi city. The most common way to get there is by taxi or private vehicle from Nyingchi. There are no metro or direct public transportation options, so a guided tour or private transfer is recommended.
The lake is open year-round, though the best times to visit are during the spring and summer months (May to September) when the weather is mild, and the surrounding landscape is lush and vibrant. Winter visits can be beautiful but come with colder temperatures and limited accessibility.
There is no formal entrance fee for visiting Naracuo Lake, but some nearby cultural sites or temples may charge a small admission fee. Tickets for these sites can typically be purchased on-site or through local travel agencies.
Booking tickets in advance is not typically required for Naracuo Lake itself. However, if you plan to visit nearby attractions, such as temples or guided tours, it is recommended to book tickets a few days ahead, especially during peak travel seasons.
A visit to Naracuo Lake can take between 2 to 4 hours depending on the activities you choose, such as hiking or taking a boat ride. If you're visiting nearby cultural sites, it may take an additional couple of hours.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin and Tibetan, with some English-speaking guides available for international tourists. Audio guides in English may also be available at certain cultural sites around the lake.
Start by visiting the main viewpoint at Naracuo Lake, then take a boat ride on the lake to fully enjoy the scenic views. Afterward, explore the hiking trails around the lake or visit nearby temples to experience the cultural aspects of the area. End your visit with a peaceful walk along the shoreline.
There are no light shows or night visits available at Naracuo Lake, as it is primarily an outdoor, nature-focused destination. However, some local travel agencies may offer night-time cultural experiences or temple visits in nearby towns.
Naracuo Lake is not as crowded as some of Tibet's more famous sites, but it can get busier during the summer months and around Tibetan festivals. The least crowded times to visit are weekdays during the spring or autumn, outside of major holidays.
Basic facilities like toilets and rest areas are available near the lake. There are a few local shops and food stalls selling Tibetan snacks and souvenirs, but for larger meals or shopping, it’s better to head to Nyingchi city, which is about a 1.5-hour drive away.
Due to the high-altitude location and the rugged terrain around the lake, accessibility for elderly or disabled visitors may be challenging. However, there are some relatively flat areas near the lake that can be enjoyed by visitors with limited mobility, especially with assistance.
Cash is commonly used in Tibet, and mobile payments such as Alipay or WeChat Pay are accepted in most areas, including the nearby towns. Credit cards may be accepted in larger hotels or shops in Nyingchi city but are not widely used around the lake.
There are limited restaurants and cafes near Naracuo Lake, mostly offering traditional Tibetan food like yak meat, momo (dumplings), and tsampa (roasted barley flour). For more variety, you can find restaurants in Nyingchi city.
Vegetarian food options are available, primarily based on vegetables, grains, and Tibetan bread. Halal food options may be limited, but you can find some Muslim-friendly eateries in Nyingchi city.
There are a few basic guesthouses and lodges near Naracuo Lake, but for more comfortable accommodations, it's recommended to stay in Nyingchi city, where you’ll find a variety of hotels ranging from budget to mid-range options.
Yes, there are souvenir shops near Naracuo Lake selling traditional Tibetan crafts, including handwoven textiles, prayer beads, and locally-made jewelry. You can also buy Tibetan herbs and incense.
After visiting Naracuo, you can take a taxi or private vehicle to Nyingchi city or to other attractions in the region. For longer trips, you can take a bus or taxi to Lhasa or other Tibetan cities.
