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Namtso (Nam Co) is the world's highest saltwater lake, at an altitude of 4,718 meters. It stretches 70 kilometers from east to west, 30 kilometers from north to south, and covers an area of 1,920 square kilometers. It is the largest lake in Tibet and a sacred site for pilgrims. "Namtso" means "Heavenly Lake," "Spiritual Lake," or "Divine Lake." Five islands stand proudly amidst the vast expanse of emerald waters. Buddhists believe they are the incarnations of the Five Buddhas. Those who visit the sacred lake to pay homage to the Buddha and burn incense devoutly pay homage to them.
According to believers, every Year of the Sheep, the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Dharma-expanding gods gather at Namtso Lake, setting up an altar and holding a grand Dharma ceremony. Visiting at this time to worship, circumambulate the lake, and chant sutras once is worth more than 100,000 times of regular worship, circumambulating the lake and chanting sutras, and the blessings are immeasurable. Therefore, every Year of the Sheep, monks and believers travel great distances to Namtso Lake for circumambulation. Around the 15th day of the fourth month of the Year of the Sheep in the Tibetan calendar, the crowds of believers are as numerous as the sea, creating an unprecedented grand occasion.
This holy lake in the eyes of Tibetans attracts believers from Tibet, Qinghai, Sichuan, Gansu and Yunnan every year to travel thousands of miles to complete the arduous journey in search of spiritual transcendence.
Traveling to Namtso is best done during the rainy season, from June to September. From October to November, Namtso is inaccessible due to heavy snow. From November to May, the weather is cold and dry, making it unsuitable for visiting the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.
Recommended play time: 1 day
120 yuan/person
Namtso Lake holds religious significance for Tibetan Buddhists, who consider it a sacred lake. Pilgrims often circumambulate the lake, and it is also renowned for its natural beauty and high-altitude ecosystem.
Located about 112 km north of Lhasa city. Visitors typically reach Namtso via private car, taxi, or organized tour. Public buses are limited, and walking is only feasible for short stretches near the lake.
The lake is accessible year-round, but the best times to visit are May to October when roads are open and weather is mild. Early morning or late afternoon offer optimal light for photography.
Entrance fee is approximately ¥100–¥150 per person. Tickets are purchased at the park entrance; online booking is rare but possible through certain tour operators.
For peak season or group tours, booking 1–2 weeks in advance is recommended. Individual travelers can often purchase tickets on-site.
Half a day to a full day, depending on whether you hike around Tashi Dor Peninsula or simply enjoy the lakeshore.
Guided tours are available through local travel agencies, mainly in Chinese and English. Audio guides are generally not provided.
Start from the southern entrance, visit Tashi Dor Peninsula, hike along the lakeshore, and end at a viewpoint for sunset. Include stops for photography and short rest breaks.
Night visits are generally not recommended due to limited facilities and high altitude. No light shows are available.
The lake is moderately crowded during peak season (summer and holidays). Weekdays and early mornings are the least crowded times.
Basic facilities include restrooms, small food stalls, seating areas, and limited souvenir shops near the entrance or Tashi Dor Peninsula.
Accessible for elderly and children near main viewpoints; however, rough terrain around some trails may limit accessibility for disabled visitors.
Cash is preferred; some shops or food stalls may accept mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay, but card acceptance is limited.
Small local food stalls and Tibetan guesthouse eateries near the lake; full-service restaurants are mostly available en route from Lhasa.
Vegetarian options are usually available; vegan and halal options are limited and should be arranged in advance.
Souvenir stalls sell Tibetan handicrafts, prayer flags, jewelry, and local artwork inspired by Namtso Lake.
