Namtso is the third largest saltwater lake in China and the highest saltwater lake in the world.
It is 4718 meters above sea level and approximately rectangular in shape, with a length of more than 70 kilometers from east to west and a width of more than 30 kilometers from north to south, covering an area of about 1920 kilometers.
It is considered a holy place by pilgrims. During spring, the weather is pleasant and the snow in the distant Nyenchen Tanglha has not yet melted, giving the landscape a refreshing white and blue color. In summer, Namtso is a dreamy paradise with its blue and sparkling lake, flocks of wild ducks, and green grass covering the lakeside. Autumn is the most beautiful season to visit Namtso, as the lake appears bluer than any other time of the year. During winter, the lake transforms into a frozen wonderland with ice stretching out for miles, while the blue sky and the white lake surface set off against each other.
There are two main places to visit in Namtso, one is the Tashi Dor Island on the south bank, and another is the Elephant Gate on the North bank. Tashi Dor Island is located on the south bank of Namtso, 250 kilometers away from Lhasa, about 4.5 hours by car. It is the largest peninsula in Namtso, with many boulders. At sunrise and sunset, you can climb to the highest place, the view is particularly beautiful. You can also hike along the lake, enjoy nature, and see the seagulls.
Elephant Gate of Namtso
Features
Chinese Name: Na Mu Cuo（纳木错）
Location: 240km from Lhasa
Climate: Semi-humid and semi-arid transition zone
Ice Age: 5 months (complete freezing time is nearly 3 months), it begins to melt in May
Travel Information
Tour route: Lhasa -- Nyenchen Tanglha -- Damxung County -- Laken La（那根拉山口）-- Tashi Dor（扎西半岛）-- Lhasa
Open hours: 10:00-21:00 ( 1st January - 15th March )
08:00-21:00 ( 16th March - 31st October )
08:30-21:00 ( 1st November - 31st September )
Departure time of sightseeing bus: 09:30-18:00
Closing time of sightseeing bus (Tashi Dor): 10:00-20:00
Best Time to Travel: July to September
Transportation: Since there is no direct shuttle bus to Namtso, it is a cost-effective and worry-free way to go with a tour group, and the cost performance is also appropriate, not to mention worrying about not finding a route and not knowing where to take pictures.
Precaution: The altitude of the whole scenic spot in Namtso is quite high, so some drugs or oxygen cylinders can be properly prepared. It’s windy, so you must wear your hat and thickest clothes, and check the weather in advance. Poor accommodation, prepare in advance.
