Nam Tso Lake Trekking

Situated 190 km north of Lhasa, Nam Tso Lake is one of Tibet's most famous pilgrimage lakes. In Tibetan language its name means 'sky lake.' It is a sanctuary for many migratory and local bird species. This is the second largest saltwater lake in China, measuring approximately 70 kilometers long by 30 kilometers wide.

Trekking across the Menace Thanglha Mountains to the pebbled shores of the holy Nam Tso takes 6 to 7 days. The trek commences and ends at Damzhung Valley, which is situated 160 km north of Lhasa on the Tibet-Quinghai Highway. The spectacular trek climbs out of the Damzhung Valley via Largen-La (4970 m) then descends to the mystical environs of Tashi Do hermitage and the vast Nam Tso. From Tashi Do, we trek back to the Damzhung Valley via the remote region of Nyenchen Thanglha and the Kang-La (5150 m) pass.

The best season for trekking in Nam Tso Lake is late May to Mid-October, however you must be prepared at all times for wet weather, snow and cold winds. The summer rains can be quite persistent during July and August; occasionally snowfall blocks passage at Largen-La.

According to your time frame, we can customize the trekking program to take between 2 to 7 days or more. You can combine the Nam Tso Lake Trek with a Lhasa Tour (as indicated in the sample itinerary below) or any other Tibet tour that ends or commences in Lhasa.

Route: Lhasa – Nam Tso Lake trekking – overland to Kathmandu
Mode of transport: Tourist Bus
Time: late May to Mid-October
Departure dates: Any time on request
Group size: Any

Sample Itinerary

Day 01: Flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa / Overnight in hotel
Day 02: Lhasa tour: Potala Palace, Sera Monastery & Norbulingkha Palace
Day 03: Lhasa tour: Jokhang Temple, Drepung Monastery & Barkhor Market
Day 04: Morning drive to Damxung and start trekking to Nam Tso
Day 05: Nam Tso Lake trekking
Day 06: Nam Tso Lake trekking
Day 07: Nam Tso Lake trekking
Day 08: Trek back to Nagenla Pass and drive back to Lhasa
Day 09: Lhasa - Gyantse (3950 m)
Day 10: Gyantse - Shigatse (3900 m)
Day 11: Shigatse - Lhatse (3950 m) via Sakya Monastery
Day 12: Lhatse - Tingri (4330 m)
Day 13: Tingri - Nyalam (3750 m)
Day 14: Nyalam - Zhang-Mu then drive back to Kathmandu

Cost includes:
All Tibet travel permits
Ground transportation by private vehicle as indicated in itinerary
Accommodation in Tibet on twin sharing basis with breakfast
All entrance fees on sightseeing tours
English speaking Tibetan Guide
Flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa
Tibet visa
All applicable taxes and service charges

Price doesn't include:
Meals other than breakfast in Tibet (one meal costs approximately US$8 to US$10)
Nepal re-entry visa fee if necessary (US$25 for 15-day; US$40 for 30-day; US$100 for 90-day)
Travel and medical evacuation insurance
Urgent visa fee for Tibet if necessary (only required if you do not have a week to process visa)
Tips for staff
Any additional expenses due to unforeseen circumstances

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