Overview

Namtso , known as the " Heavenly Lake " is the largest salt water lake in Tibet . Some 4990 meters above sea level, it is situated at the edge of the severely-weathered chang thang plateau to the north of Lhasa . The loop walk across the Nyanchen Thang-la Mountains to the pebbled shores of Namsto takes 7 or 8 days.

Nam-tso lake is the highest lake in Tibet and the magnificent pool perfectly embodies its place near the heavens. Its waters beautifully mirror the color of the sky, deepening from a pure, clear turquoise during the day to a sapphire bleu at dusk. Reached by crossing the Largen-la pass, this, the second largest salt lake in China , rests on the green and brown plains of Tibet , amid the guarding peaks of the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains . Here, where the influence of man and his machines is diminished to the drone of a jeep engine, the waves and placidity of Nam-tso revel in their holiness. Due to its juxtaposition with mountains and plains, Nam-tso is visually inspiring at any time of the day. The natural changes in light can alone shift the shades of the magical colors of earth and water from pink, to brown, to purple.

Although just sitting lakeside is impressive enough , it is best to view the vastness of Nam-tso, whose sacred waters are known for their healing properties, by circumambulation the kora. The walk which begins at the Tashi Dor Monastery and continues in a clock wise direction, can be completed within an hour, and gives you views of the prayers flag, stupas, surrounding mountains, and the lake, of course. At the end of the kora is a prayer wall made from thousands of mani rocks hand caved with Buddhist mantras. Just pass the wall, on the right side, you can climb up the hill for a great view of the sunset or sunrise. The Tashi Dor Monastery also offers a tranquil place from which to view the lake and its backdrop of mountains. The Monastery also has a cave chapel. Before coming to Nam-tso, it's a good idea to acclimatize for a few days in Lhasa .

Short Itinerary

Itinerary Detail

Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu
Day 02: In Kathmandu
Day 03: Kathmandu / Lhasa
Day 04: Lhasa / Drepung / Norbulinka
Day 05: Lhasa / Potala palace, Sera, Jokhang temple & Barkhor
Day 06: Lhasa – drive to Damshung, prepare Yaks, trek 2hrs
Day 07: Trekking
Day 08: Trekking
Day 09: Trekking, arrival at Tashi Dor, Namtso lake, drive to Lhasa
Day 10: Transfer airport airport - flight to Kathmandu or Beijing

Date And Cost

AVAILABILITY OPTIONS

Cost Includes

Arrival/departure transfers, accommodation in hotel with daily breakfast, all entrance fees, all land transportation as per itinerary, English speaking local tourist guide, Tibet travel permit, Price dose not includes: Daily lunch and dinner, travel & health insurance ,emergency expenses. We provide Cook, cooking equipments, sleeping tents with mats, dining tent with toilet tent, all food during trekking and camping, private transfers, all entrance fees for the sights, hotel stay in Lhasa on B.B as per request, Yak/Yak men for the trek, all necessary permits and guide.

Cost Excludes

Personal expenses, Tibet visa fee & service, flight ticket Kathamndu-Lhasa-Kathmandu,insurance etc

Equipment List

April to October lite clothings are required. The recommended items are: Sleeping bag,shirts,comfortable walking shoes, Long John Trousers and shirts, sweater, jackets, dust mask, socks, sun hat, sun glasses, sun tan lotion, utility knife, water bottle/theroms (litre) flashlight. Water purification tabs, medicine for headaches, fewer, colds stomach disorders etc. Toilet papers and tissue papers.

Altitude Sickness

No special inoculations are required but because 0f Tibet's high altitude travellers with a pre-existing problem of heart, lungs or anemia should consult a doctor before even thinking about a visit. Most other travellers, once they are acclimatized, rarely suffer more than mild discomfort from the altitude. Over exertion seems to contribute to mountain sickness and dehydration may be a predis-posing factor. Sensible precautions should include:
Stick to a schedule of mild activity and rest for the first two days. Drink plenty of fluids. Two to five liters a day are recommended to maintain clear, copious urine.

Don't smoke, if you are a chronic smoker, keep it to a minimum. Avoid sedatives such as sleeping medicine or tranquillizers. They tend to depress respiration and limit oxygen intake. DIAMOX (acetazolamide), a mild diuretic which stimulates oxygen intake, is used by doctors for climbers making sudden ascents. This is prescription drug. One 250 mg. tablet taken on the plane from Chengdu or Kathmandu and another at bedtime the first night in Lhasa' may help to forestall discomfort for people known to be susceptible to mountain sickness. Consult a doctor.

It is not unusual to wake up at night at high altitudes gasping for breath. Don't panic ! This complaint, known as "Periodic Breathing", is normally quite harmless, caused by a change in the control of breathing within the brain while you sleep. Normal breathing can be quickly re-established by relaxation, rhythmic deep-breathing, and the understanding that there is nothing to worry about.