Namtso Lake
Highlight tourist attraction in Lhasa
Namtso Lake (Tibetan meaning: heavenly lake) is located in the central of Tibet Autonomous Region, which is the highest lake in the world and the second largest lake in Tibet. The lake surface is 4,718 meters above sea level. It looks like a rectangular shape. The length of the lake is over 70km and the width is over 30km, covering an area of more than 1,920 km2. Namtso Lake is one of the three holy lakes in Tibet (the other two are Lake Yamdrok and Lake Manasarovar) and it is also one of the must see attractions in Tibet tour.
The distance between Lhasa to Namtso Lake is about 250km. The south of the Namtso Lake faces Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains which has a year-round snow over the summit. Namtso has five uninhabited islands. These islands are rarely subject to outside interference, so many birds choose here as their habitats, known as Birds Islands. The largest island (4,854 meters) is in the northwest corner of the lake, with the length of 2 km. The lake is surrounded by vast expanse of lakeside plains which is the heaven for yaks. Herdsmen in northern Tibet usually take their cattle and sheep to graze here before winter. The lake owns rich natural resources such as rare animals, abundant minerals and various typical wetland characteristics.
Every Sheep Year in Tibetan calendar, pilgrims from far away come to worship by circling around the lake clockwise. This holy lake attracts both pilgrims and visitors to seek transcendence of their souls.
Namtso Lake Tips
There is much to learn before visiting it.
Tips:1. Be prepared of the cold weather. Warm clothes is necessary.
2. The opening time is from 6:00am to 6:00pm, the best season to visit Namtso is from June to Sep.
3. The admission fee is 120 RMB.