Namtso Lake is the largest lake in Tibet, the second largest salt water lake in China (the first largest is Qinghai Lake), and the world’s highest lake. It is located between the Damxung County of Lhasa and the Bango County of Nagqu region.
In Tibetan language, “Namtso Lake” means “Heavenly Lake”. Lake Namtso is situated at an altitude of 4718m, and along with Yamdrok Tso and Manasarovar is considered as a holy lake revered by Tibetans. The lake has a special place in Tibetans’ heart and it literally means ‘celestial or sacred lake’. Namtso stretches as far as 70 kilometers from the east to the west side of the lake.
The dazzling turquoise water brides the horizon, making it difficult to tell whether you are. Walking on the water or the lofty snow-capped mountainous range looming far ahead is within your reach. Namtso is surrounded by many monasteries tourists can visit. The lake is also a major draw for migratory birds and brown bears, and wild yaks and Tibetan sand fox, and other plateau species. The best time to travel to Lake Namtso is from May to September.
