Namtso Lake Transportation
Namtso lake is located at the junction of Lhasa and the Nagqu, more than 240 kilometers from Lhasa, and the south of the Lake is Nyainqentanglha Range, Transhimalaya in its north. The other sides are vast plateau hilly region, which makes it a huge mirror lying on the grassland in the northern part of Tibet.
How to Get in Namtso Lake
Without any available airport, railway station or bus station at Namtso and nearby, driving is the only transportation which can reach to Namtso Lake directly. There are some tour buses operated by travel agencies running between Namtso Lake and Lhasa, but most of them would only stop in the lakeside and you have to walk into the Tashi Peninsula(the important attraction at Namtso).
Transfer from Lhasa
Namtso lake is far higher than Lhasa(3700 meters). When you arrive in Lhasa, you'd better stay in Lhasa for at least two days before going to a higher altitude. At present, you can go to Lhasa by train or by air, taking train is the most popular way to go to Lhasa, visitors can see the most amazing scenery along the Qinghai-Tibet railway, which is the highest railway in the world. It is very convenient to go to Lhasa by train from Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai and Xining. Of course, the easiest way is to fly to Lhasa.
The distance from Lake Namtso to Lhasa is more than 240 kilometers, and there is no direct bus to get there. In Lhasa, the most popular way to go to Namtso Lake is to rent a car and drive to the lake for 5 hours. You can rent a minibus or a car with other passengers to the lake, because if you rent a car your own, the processing of making a itinerary and signing a contract could be troublesome. Therefore, it is best to share a bus or car with other tourists. You can find car rental information on the message boards of many youth hostels in Lhasa, such as Dong Cuo International Youth Hostel, Phuntsok Kasang International Youth Hostel in Lhasa, Kyeri hotel and Banakshol hotel. In addition, you can join the tour group of the local travel agency. The local travel agency will arrange everything for you, including finding a car or bus to go to Namtso Lake. It's more convenient. In the peak season, the Lhasa and Namtso Lake tour groups can be easily found.
Tips
1. For foreign tourists to Tibet, you need to take Namtso Lake as a stop in your itinerary, because international tourists are not allowed to travel in Tibet without a guide or private vehicle. You can contact us MysteriousTibet by Email: contact@YunnanExploration.com or telephone: +86-871-63511469. Our attentive can arrange a Tibet tour and help you get the necessary permit for you.
2. For those who want to travel at Namtso Lake more than one day, there is a campsite by the lake, with running water and limited electricity. In the summer, many locals set up tent hotels by the lake to provide food and accommodation for thousands of tourists. The price is reasonable, ans there are Tibetan dishes to choose from.
3. There are several interesting and scenic sites on the way to Namtso Lake. On the road to Damxung County, you will pass the stunning scenery of the Nyainqentanglha Ranges, and from Damxung to Namtso you will travel over the Nagenla Pass, at an altitude of 5,200 meters. The pass is the main landmark to tell that you are not far from Namtso Lake.
