The place closest to heaven! Complete guide to shooting the autumn night sky at Namtso Lake

Girls! If I have to say the most stunning starry sky I've ever seen in my life, it must be at Namtso Lake! As the highest saltwater lake in the world, the starry sky here is so clear it feels within reach～
✨Best stargazing time:
Late September to mid-October is the clearest season for the night sky at Namtso! The rainy season has just ended, the atmosphere is highly transparent, and the Milky Way hangs high above the lake surface, simply breathtaking.
📸Recommended starry sky shooting spots:
1️⃣ West side of Zhaxi Peninsula🌟
This is an excellent spot to shoot the Milky Way and its reflection on the lake! It’s recommended to shoot between 2-4 AM when light pollution is minimal and the Milky Way is clearest and most spectacular.
2️⃣ Near Hezhang Rock📷
The uniquely shaped Hezhang Rock as the foreground, paired with a sky full of stars, makes for a fantastic composition! There are almost no tourists here at night, so you can create peacefully.
3️⃣ In front of the prayer flag array🌠
The colorful prayer flags look especially mysterious under the starry sky. Long exposure can capture the flags swaying in the wind, creating a dreamy effect.
🎬Professional shooting parameters:
Equipment preparation📀
• Full-frame camera (good high ISO performance)
• Wide-angle large aperture lens (such as 14-24mm f/2.8)
• Stable tripod (it’s windy by the lake)
• Shutter release cable (to avoid shake from pressing the shutter)
Specific settings⭐
ISO 3200-6400, aperture f/2.8, shutter speed 20-30 seconds are common parameters. Adjust according to moonlight: lower ISO when moonlight is strong, higher ISO when weak.
Stacking technique🌌
Shoot 10-20 continuous photos from the same angle, then use software stacking to reduce noise, making the starry sky clearer and more detailed.
📅3-day starry sky photography itinerary:
Day 1: Lhasa → Namtso (acclimate to altitude)
Arrive at Zhaxi Peninsula in the afternoon, familiarize yourself with shooting spots, shoot the blue hour lake scene at dusk, and rest early at night to prepare for early morning shooting.
Day 2: Full day starry sky creation
Get up at 2 AM to shoot the Milky Way, rest after sunrise. In the afternoon, scout new shooting spots, and try different starry sky compositions at night.
Day 3: Sunrise shooting → return
Shoot the Namtso sunrise early morning, organize your work in the morning, and return to Lhasa at noon.
🎒Special equipment checklist:
Warm clothing🧥
Night temperatures at Namtso in autumn can reach -5℃ to 0℃, so prepare:
• Thick down jacket
• Warm gloves (touchscreen gloves are more convenient for camera operation)
• Wool hat (head warmth is very important)
• Heat packs (stick near the camera battery compartment to prevent freezing)
Auxiliary tools🔦
• Headlamp (red light mode does not affect night vision)
• Spare batteries (cold drains power quickly, bring at least 3)
• Memory cards (starry sky photos are large files, prepare 128GB or more)
• Rain cover (to prevent dew at night)
💡Shooting tips:
Foreground use🌲
Bring a small flashlight to light up foreground prayer flags or mani stones with light painting, adding depth to the image.
Star trail shooting⭐
To shoot star trails, you need to shoot continuously for 1-2 hours and then composite the rotating star trail effect in post.
Weather observation☁️
Observe cloud changes in the afternoon; if a few high clouds appear at dusk, it can actually be a good time to shoot as clouds add dynamic elements to the scene.
⚠️Important reminders:
• Always shoot at night with a companion and bring walkie-talkies
• Camera batteries drain quickly in cold; bring extra and keep them warm in inner pockets
• Respect local customs; do not step on prayer flags or mani stone piles for shots
• Prepare altitude sickness medication; Namtso is at 4718 meters, avoid strenuous exercise
The starry sky at Namtso is the purest night sky I’ve ever seen, with the Milky Way seemingly within arm’s reach. This beauty is worth staying up late for—remember to dress warmly!