Namtso National Scenic Area

A Complete Guide to Namtso Things to Prepare in Advance Documents: Prepare your ID card. Visitors from some areas may also need to apply for a border defense permit, which can be done in advance at your local police station. Altitude Sickness Prevention: Take anti-altitude sickness medicine, such as Rhodiola, 1–2 weeks in advance. Avoid strenuous exercise when you first arrive in high-altitude areas. Clothing: The temperature at Namtso is low, and the temperature difference between day and night is large. No matter when you go, bring warm clothes such as down jackets, thermal pants, scarves, and gloves. Transportation Guide Group Tour: Sign up at major travel agencies in Lhasa. The itinerary is generally 1–2 days, including round-trip transportation, tour guide services, and scenic spot tickets, which is worry-free and convenient. Self-driving: Starting from Lhasa, take the G6 Beijing–Tibet Expressway and transfer to the Namtso Scenic Area Highway. The whole journey is about 220 km and takes 3–4 hours. Self-driving allows you to arrange your itinerary freely, and you can also enjoy the scenery of the northern Tibetan grasslands along the way, but pay attention to road conditions and weather. Carpooling: Find carpool partners at youth hostels, inns, and other places in Lhasa. Share the cost, which is economical, but you need to communicate the itinerary and cost in advance. Tour Route Tashi Peninsula: The core scenic area of Namtso, there are various karst landforms, such as stone pillars and caves. Stroll along the lakeside trail, admire the azure lake water and the magnificent view of the distant Nyainqentanglha Mountains, and you can also see herds of yaks and sheep grazing on the grassland. Holy Elephant Gate: Located on the north bank of Namtso, it is named after a natural stone gate by the lake that resembles an elephant drawing water. This is an excellent place to watch the sunrise and sunset over Namtso. Standing next to the Holy Elephant Gate, you can take in the beautiful scenery of Namtso, and it is a great place to take photos. Important Notes The altitude is high and the ultraviolet rays are strong in the scenic area, so be sure to take sun protection measures, and bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun hats. Respect local religious beliefs and customs, and do not trample on prayer flags or Mani stones. Protect the environment, do not litter, and maintain the ecological environment of the scenic area.