Introduction to Namtso Lake Tourist Attraction

Namtso, meaning “Heavenly Lake” in Tibetan, is one of the three sacred lakes in the Tibetan region. Vast in size, it is China’s second-largest saltwater lake after Qinghai Lake. Along its southwestern shore stretches the snow-capped Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains. On sunny days, the majestic mountains reflect beautifully in the tranquil lake, creating a serene and harmonious landscape.

Lake Circumambulation (Kora)

In Mongolian, Namtso is called “Tengger Lake.” It is said to be the spiritual sanctuary of Chakrasamvara, a principal deity in Vajrayana Buddhism. Namtso is a revered pilgrimage site in Tibetan Buddhism. Every Year of the Sheep in the Tibetan calendar, it is believed that Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and protective deities gather at Namtso to hold grand religious ceremonies. Pilgrims who perform a lake circumambulation and recite scriptures during this year gain blessings equivalent to over 100,000 times the merit of a regular pilgrimage. For this reason, countless monks and laypeople make the arduous journey to Namtso in the Year of the Sheep.

Each year during the Saga Dawa Festival on the 15th day of the fourth month in the Tibetan calendar, many devotees come to perform the sacred lake kora.

One-Day Tour of Namtso

Many travel agencies in downtown Lhasa offer one-day tours to Namtso. These typically depart in the morning, take 3 to 4 hours to reach the lake, allow 2 to 3 hours for sightseeing, and then return the same way. This is the standard option for those not hiring a private car. Alternatively, travelers can arrange a private car or carpool to enjoy a more flexible itinerary. This option also allows for an overnight stay at the lakeside.

Upon exiting Damxung County, you’ll cross Nagenla Pass, which sits at an altitude of 5,190 meters. From here, you’ll see the vast blue expanse of the lake in the distance. Near the shore stand two towering rocks known as the “Welcoming Stones” or “Husband and Wife Stones,” believed to be the gate guardians of Namtso. Legend has it that Namtso is a goddess who watches over the wealth of the northern Tibetan grasslands. Merchants often come here to pray for her blessings before starting a journey, which is why these rocks are also known as the “Wealth God Stones.”

Next to Tashi Peninsula, there are wooden cabins that serve as both restaurants and inns—offering food and accommodation along the lakeside. Visitors who travel by private car can stay overnight here. This allows you to enjoy the sunset in the evening, catch the sunrise from Tashi Peninsula in the morning, and on clear nights, gaze up at the sky to see the distinct outline of the Milky Way.

Opening Hours

• January 1 – March 15: 08:00–20:00
• March 16 – April 30: 09:30–18:00
• May 1 – December 31: 08:00–20:00

Shuttle Bus Hours (from Tourist Center): 09:30–19:00
Return Shuttle Time (from Tashi Peninsula): 10:00–20:00

Preferential Policies

• Children:
  • Ages 6 (exclusive) to 18 (exclusive), or height 1.2m (exclusive) to 1.5m (inclusive): discounted admission during peak season; shuttle bus ticket required
  • Children under 6 or below 1.2m: free admission
• Seniors:
  • Ages 60 (inclusive) to 70 (exclusive): discounted admission during peak season with senior certificate or ID; shuttle bus ticket required
  • 70 and older: free admission with valid ID or senior certificate; shuttle bus ticket required
• Students:
  • Full-time undergraduates and vocational students with valid student ID and current year registration stamp are eligible for discounted admission during peak season (not including graduate students, exchange students, adult education, part-time students, self-study students, or distance learners); shuttle bus ticket required
• Residents of Damxung County (Tibet): Free admission with valid ID
• Holders of Refugee Certificates issued by the Department of Religious and Ethnic Affairs or the United Front Work Department: Free admission with valid documents
• Tibetan Residents: Free admission with valid ID; shuttle bus ticket required
• Military Personnel:
  • Active-duty soldiers and officers with valid IDs (Soldier ID, 2016 Military Officer ID, Armed Police Officer ID, Conscript ID), disabled military personnel, and retired/disabled military officers are granted free admission; shuttle bus ticket required
• Journalists:
  • Journalists from mainland China with a valid and current press card from the National Press and Publication Administration
  • Journalists from Hong Kong and Macau with a press card from the All-China Journalists Association
  • Taiwan journalists with a press card issued by Taiwan Affairs Offices
  • Foreign journalists with J-1 or J-2 visas endorsed by Chinese embassies
  • All eligible for free admission; shuttle bus ticket required
• Persons with Disabilities:
  • Holders of the second-generation Disability Certificate of the People’s Republic of China or the third-generation smart disability certificate are eligible for free admission
  • Categories I and II, including the blind, physically disabled, intellectually disabled, and mentally disabled, may be accompanied by one caregiver; shuttle bus ticket required
• Disabled Military and Police Personnel:
  • Those with certificates issued by the Ministry of Civil Affairs for disabled militia or military personnel, as well as injured police officers and disabled government staff with official disability certification, are eligible for free admission; shuttle bus ticket required