A Glimpse into Namtso National Park – The Sacred Lake on the Roof of the World

Introduction to Namtso National Park

Namtso National Park is located between Damxung County of Lhasa and Baingoin County in Nagqu, nestled on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau—often referred to as the “Roof of the World.” The park encompasses a variety of natural and cultural attractions, including the sacred Namtso Lake, the main peak of the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains, Bird Island, ancient rock carvings, and the geothermal region of Yangbajain.

At the heart of the park is Namtso Lake, one of the three great sacred lakes in Tibetan Buddhism and one of the highest saltwater lakes in the world. Under the sun’s rays, the lake shimmers in a deep sapphire blue, earning it the name “Heavenly Lake.” It is revered as a major pilgrimage site in Tibetan Buddhism.

Scattered across the lake are three relatively large islands. These islands are rarely disturbed by human activity and serve as safe havens for a variety of bird species, giving rise to the name “Bird Island.” To the south of Namtso lies the snow-clad Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains, while to the north and west stretch the plateau’s undulating hills and vast lakeshores.

Local folk songs and legends describe the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains and Namtso Lake not only as sacred mountain and lake but also as devoted lovers or husband and wife, bound together in life and spirit. The mountains are made even more striking by their reflection in the lake, while the lake appears even more exquisite in the shadow of the majestic peaks.

Opening Hours

• March 16 – October 31: 08:00–21:00
• January 1 – March 15: 10:00–19:30
• November 1 – December 31: 08:30–20:00

Winter Sightseeing Shuttle Schedule: 10:10–18:00 (every 30 minutes)

Preferential Policies

• Children:
  • Ages 6 (exclusive) to 18 (exclusive), or height 1.2m (exclusive) to 1.5m (inclusive): discounted admission during peak season; sightseeing shuttle ticket required
  • Children under 6 or height 1.2m or below: free admission and shuttle
• Seniors:
  • Ages 60 (inclusive) to 70 (exclusive): discounted admission during peak season with valid senior certificate or ID; shuttle ticket required
  • 70 and older: free admission and free shuttle with valid ID or senior certificate
• Students:
  • Full-time undergraduate and vocational students with a valid student ID and annual registration stamp are eligible for discounted admission during peak season (excluding graduate students, exchange students, adult learners, part-time students, self-study candidates, and distance education students); shuttle ticket required
• Damxung County Residents (Tibet): Free admission and shuttle with valid ID
• Holders of Refugee Certificates issued by the Department of Religious and Ethnic Affairs or the United Front Work Department: Free admission and shuttle with valid documentation
• Tibetan Residents: Free admission with valid documentation; shuttle ticket required
• Military Personnel:
  • Active-duty military and disabled veterans with valid military IDs (Soldier ID, 2016 Military Officer ID, Armed Police Officer ID, Conscript ID), as well as retired and disabled military officers: free admission; shuttle ticket required
• Persons with Disabilities:
  • Holders of the second-generation Disability Certificate of the People’s Republic of China or third-generation smart disability certificate: free admission; shuttle ticket required
  • Those classified as Category I or II (blind, physically disabled, intellectually disabled, or mentally disabled) may bring one caregiver for free; shuttle ticket required
• Journalists:
  • Journalists from mainland China with valid press cards from the National Press and Publication Administration
  • Journalists from Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan with corresponding press credentials
  • Foreign journalists with J-1 or J-2 visas issued by Chinese diplomatic missions
  • All eligible for free admission; shuttle ticket required
• Disabled Military and Police Officers:
  • Non-active-duty personnel with disability certificates issued by the Ministry of Civil Affairs, including chip-enabled certificates and those stamped by provincial authorities
  • Police officers with official disability documentation: free admission; shuttle ticket required