Namtso Lake -the Paradise for Photographers

Culture Experience

Namtso Lake, in Tibetan, means "the Heaven Lake". It is honored as the holy lake both for Tibetan Buddhism and Bön. Natmso Lake is the birthplace of the ancient Zhang Zhung which was a powerful kingdom 18,000 years ago on Tibet. Today, Namtso is more popular among Buddhists. It is believed to be the ashram of Cakrasamvara of Tibetan Esoteric Buddhism. There are four monasteries situated on the four directions of Namtso.

It has become a tradition for Buddhists to make the Kora around Namtso Lake. Pilgrims walk or prostrate along the lake side, and pray to the Lake. The year of Goat is the best year to do the Kora.

Natural Sightseeing

Namtso Lake has broad and vast stretching of waters as far as you can see. The pure water waves slightly under the pure and blue sky. Along the shore are enormous well-proportioned Mani stones. The colorful prayer flags hanged on the hills and monasteries make Namtso Lake holy and mysterious. A lot huge stones have existed along the Namtso for thousands years, and are related to some beautiful Tibetan stories.

Namtso Lake is also the heaven for animals. It is natural pasture for nomads of northern Tibet. You have chance to see the sheep and yaks grazing leisurely on the grassland. Many wild animals also inhabit here, such as wild yaks, donkey, wild fox, etc.

Best time

The sunset and sunrise are most exciting moment for photography which both last only about a half hour. The sunrise occurs about 7 o’clock usually earlier in summer and later in winter. Shoot the peaceful southern side of Tashi Penisula and golden Nyainqentanglha mountains. The sunset happens within 8 pm to 9 pm. Shoot the northern lakeshore of Tashi Penisula. Actually, the landscape of Namtso Lake is diverse. You can also find many amazing scenes in other hours.

Best Locations

Yingbin Stones – two huge and tall stones stands on the lakeshore. Colorful prayer flags hang over the stones, and wave in the wind. Marnyi stones and yak skulls surround the Yingbing Stone. This is the perfect foreground scene for shooting.

Gassho Stone – two large stones fold like two palms. This site is a great place to shoot the sunset. Chase the golden sunlight passing through crevice of two stones.

Hilltop of Tashi Peninsula – walk several minutes on the paved roads to the hilltop of Tashi Pennisula where is the best location to shoot the sunrise and sunset. On the hilltop, you can also get the wider view of Namtso, and clearer scene of snow mountains afar.

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Where is the Namtso Lake located?

Namtso Lake is located on the junction between Damxung County and Baingoin County. Due to better facilities and road condition, Damxung County is often used as the final transfer base for Namtso Lake.

Transfer to Namtso

Tourists usually visit Natmso Lake from Lhasa. There is highway connecting Lhasa city and Namtso Lake with a length of 220km. The visit to Namtso is usually arranged after the two or three days of Lhasa tour, which is a great add-on sightseeing for the cultural experience in Lhasa.

Travel with China Discovery

If you want to get rid of hustle of public transportation and troublesome navigation, you can book a private tour package which covers sightseeing, dining and transfer from us. Our local tour guide and driver will escort you to Nsmtso Lake with speed and convenience, and take care of all the details. You just need to focus on sightseeing.

Due to the extreme weather and environment, there is no hotel at Namtso Lake. Tourist can only stay at tent guest houses or camp at the Tashi Penisula shore. Travelers can go to Damxiong County for better accommodation. But if you want to watch the sunrise, you must stay nearly to the lake. Usually, travelers transfer to Namtso in the early morning from Lhasa, and sightsee 2~3 hours, and drive back to Lhasa because of the poor accommodation and high altitude.

Only some basic foods of Sichuan Cuisine, Tibetan food and snacks are offered in the eateries in the tent area. And the prices are much higher than in Lhasa. You are suggested to bring some food or snacks from Lhasa.