Winter at Namtso

Namtso Heavenly Lake - Travel Guide. Namtso is one of the three holy lakes of Tibet, which in Tibetan means 'Heavenly Lake'. It is located in the southern part of Shigatse, Tibet Autonomous Region, at an altitude of 4718 meters. The lake stretches 70 kilometers from east to west and 30 kilometers from north to south, covering an area of 1920 square kilometers. It is a stunningly beautiful and mysterious tourist attraction. On a sunny and breezy day, the majestic Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains are reflected in the lake, creating a tranquil and peaceful scene. 1. Best Viewing Spots The Nagenla Pass, at an altitude of 5190 meters, is one of the best spots to view Namtso from a distance. From there, one can see the vast expanse of azure water. Namtso, like a gem lost by the heavens and quietly set among the mountains, is breathtaking. 2. Best Season to Visit The best time to visit Namtso is from June to September during the summer and autumn months. Namtso is inaccessible due to heavy snowfall in October and November, and the weather from November to May of the following year is cold and dry, making it unsuitable for mountain excursions. 3. Food Recommendations Most of the restaurants on Tashi Peninsula are Tibetan restaurants run by Tibetans, along with some Sichuanese restaurants. Due to high transportation costs, most dishes are quite expensive, ranging from 30 to 50 yuan. It is advisable to bring your own dry food and water. Alternatively, you can dine in Damxung County, where Tibetan and Sichuanese restaurants are the main options. 4. Transportation 1. You can choose a travel agency in Lhasa to provide a one-day tour to Namtso, usually departing in the morning, arriving in 3-4 hours, playing for 2-3 hours, and then returning the same way. 2. You can also charter a car or join a carpool within Lhasa, following the same route. The advantage is the flexibility of the itinerary, and you can also choose to stay overnight by the lake. 5. Entrance Fee Namtso is a 4A-level scenic area. During the peak season (May 1 to October 31), the ticket price is 120 yuan per person, and during the off-season (November 1 to April 30 of the following year), it is 60 yuan per person. Half-price discounts are available for children under 6 years old, full-time undergraduate and below students with a valid student ID, seniors between 60 and 70 years old (excluding 70 years old), active military personnel, disabled veterans, and individuals with a valid disability certificate. 6. Precautions 1. Namtso is near the Qinghai-Tibet Highway, but please note that there are no gas stations nearby. 2. Namtso experiences significant temperature differences between day and night, with strong ultraviolet radiation. Be sure to keep warm, protect against the sun, and carry medication for altitude sickness. 3. Do not take photos of the yak horns by the lake casually, as they are chargeable. Do not secretly photograph yaks to avoid disputes with locals. 4. Drinking butter tea, dairy products, and eating beef and mutton in moderation can enhance your adaptability to the high-altitude climate. 5. Rest more when you first arrive on the plateau, drink more water, eat more fruits, abstain from smoking and alcohol, and avoid running and strenuous exercise. 6. The road from Lhasa to Namtso requires crossing a mountain pass at an altitude of 5190m, which is often covered with snow. Namtso's weather is unpredictable, with sudden downpours or hailstorms, and extremely low temperatures at night, so it is advisable to prepare a thick down jacket. 7. In winter, the Nagenla Pass is often covered with ice and snow. Therefore, for safety, it is recommended to call the local tourism bureau before traveling to Namtso to confirm whether the road is passable.