Namtso Lake Tour

The Namtso Lake route map provides a visual representation of the journey to Namtso. This short journey primarily focuses on exploring Lhasa and the stunning Namtso Lake. The route map highlights important landmarks, high passes, and the Tibetan landscapes along the way. With the route map, you can easily see the driving distance, elevation, and travel time to make your trip easier. 

The journey begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa with a view of the mountain ranges. After arriving in Lhasa, you will spend time acclimatizing while exploring major cultural and spiritual landmarks, including Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery. 

Kathmandu → Lhasa (Acclimatization and Sightseeing)

After acclimatization, the route continues with a long drive from Lhasa to Namtso Lake.

Lhasa → Damxung → Namtso Lake (4,718 M)

Upon reaching Namtso Lake, you will explore one of Tibet’s most sacred and beautiful lakes. After enjoying the peaceful environment of Namtso Lake, you’ll return to Lhasa via the same path, often passing through Yampachen. 

Namtso Lake → Yampachen → Lhasa

Finally, the journey concludes with a return flight from Lhasa to Kathmandu. This marks the end of a short yet culturally rich and visually stunning Tibetan adventure.

Lhasa → Kathmandu

Namtso (also known as Lake Nam or Nam Co) is a mountain lake in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. It is the largest saltwater lake in the region, located on the border between Damxung County (Lhasa) and Baingoin County (Nagqu). The lake is situated at an elevation of 4,718 M above sea level. Likewise, it covers approximately 1,920 to 2,000 square KM (740 – 770 sq mi), making it the second-largest saltwater lake in Tibet, after Qinghai Lake, and the largest lake in Tibet. 

The name “Namtso” means “Heavenly Lake” in Tibetan, which reflects its spiritual importance and beauty. The most sacred site on the lake is the Tashi Dor (or Zhaxi) Monastery, located at the southeastern corner of the Zhaxi Peninsula. Since it has been an important pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists for centuries, devotees travel from different regions to walk around the lake as part of a religious practice. Moreover, every Tibetan Year of the Sheep (every 12 years), thousands of pilgrims complete a kora (circumambulation) around the entire lake, which covers over 100 KM. 

In addition, Namtso is known for its harsh and unpredictable weather due to its high altitude. Snowstorms are common as the Nyainqêntanglha mountain range lies nearby. Besides, the lake freezes completely from late winter to early summer. 

A Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) is necessary for the Namtso Lake Tour. However, in some cases, you need an Alien’s Travel Permit (ATP) for a visit outside central Lhasa. Still, the need for ATP depends heavily on current regulations and the route, and most Namtso Lake Tours only require TTP.

Tibet Travel Permit (TTP)

A Tibet Travel Permit is a must for the Namtso Lake Tour. It is issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB) and is required to board flights or trains to Lhasa. All foreign tourists (excluding Chinese nationals from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau) require this permit. The TTP is valid only for the area listed in your itinerary and for the specified dates.

Likewise, you can’t apply for the permit on your own. You must have an authorized China Travel Agency apply for the permit on your behalf. A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity and a Chinese visa (or a group visa if entering from Nepal) are required to obtain the permit.

The processing time for the TTP is 8-10 working days. Moreover, the Tibet Travel Permit is free of charge from the Tibetan Tourism Bureau. When you book a Tibet tour through a licensed agency, the permit is included in the package at no additional charge. 

Alien’s Travel Permit (ATP)

The Alien’s Travel Permit is needed for anywhere beyond Lhasa. However, Namtso Lake can be visited as a side trip from Lhasa using just the Tibet Travel Permit, as it is described as being in the “northern suburb of Lhasa.” It is issued by the Public Security Bureau (PSB). But you don’t have to worry about obtaining the permit, as your travel agency will handle it on your behalf if needed. 

Additional Permits (Only for Extended Tours)

For a standard Namtso Lake Tour, additional permits are not required, but may apply if you extend your trip:

• Military Area Entry Permit: Required if you plan to travel to military-sensitive areas in Tibet, such as Mount Kailash in Ali or Rowok Lake in Chamdo.
• Border Defense Permit: This is required for areas near China’s borders or military zones, such as Mt. Kailash (Ngari), Nyingchi, eastern Tibet, and some remote trekking routes.
• Foreign Affairs Permit: Only needed for extremely sensitive border areas.

Chinese Visa / Tibet Group Visa

Before anything else, you need a legal entry into China for the Namtso Lake Tour, and Tibet is a part of China, and there is no separate Tibet visa. 

If you are entering from mainland China: 

• A Standard Chinese Tourist Visa (L Visa) is required

If you are entering from Nepal (Kathmandu):

• You need a Tibet Group Visa, issued by the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu
• Your individual Chinese visa (if any) becomes invalid for this route

Known as the “Pearl of the Plateau” and the “Holy City”, Lhasa attracts visitors with its stunning high-altitude scenery and unique blend of Tibetan culture. Some of the must-visit places in Lhasa during the Namtso Lake Tour are: 

Potala Palace 

Quick Facts:

• Location: Lhasa, Tibet
• Altitude: 3,700 M
• Built: 1645 (current structure)
• Floors: 13
• Rooms: 1,000+
• Status: UNESCO World Heritage Site

At the center of Lhasa, Tibet, the Potala Palace is the highlight of any Lhasa Tour. It is one of the region’s iconic landmarks, located on Marpo Ri (Red Mountain) at an altitude of around 3,700 M Similarly, the palace served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas from 1649 until 1959. Today, it serves as a museum and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Potala Palace dates back to the 7th century, when the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo built an earlier structure on the same site. The current palace was built in 1645 under the leadership of the Fifth Dalai Lama, marking its role as the political and religious center of Tibet. 

Jokhang Temple

Quick Facts:

• Location: Lhasa, Tibet
• Built: Around 642 AD
• Founder: King Songtsen Gampo
• Significance: Holiest temple in Tibetan Buddhism
• Key Feature: Jowo Shakyamuni statue
• Status: UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Jokhang Temple is the most sacred and important temple in Tibetan Buddhism. The temple lies in Lhasa’s old town and was built in the 7th century. Today, the temple serves as a spiritual center of Tibet and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the “Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace.”

Originally built to house sacred Buddhist statues brought by queens, the temple later became home to the respected Jowo Shakyamuni statue, believed to represent the Buddha at the age of twelve. Thus, it is also called the “Vajrasana of Tibet“, symbolizing its deep connection to the Buddhist tradition and its importance as a center of faith and devotion. Besides, Jokhang Temple reflects a unique blend of Tibetan, Nepalese, and Indian architectural styles.

Barkhor Street

Quick Facts:

• Location: Lhasa, Tibet
• Length: 1,000 M (circular route)
• Origin: 7th century
• Function: Pilgrimage circuit (kora) and marketplace
• Significance: Oldest street in Lhasa

Barkhor Street is the oldest and busiest street in Lhasa, surrounding the sacred Jokhang Temple. The street developed in the 7th century during the reign of King Songtsen Gampo, following the construction of Jokhang Temple. Over time, it became known as the “Holy Path” by Tibetan Buddhists and developed into one of the three main circumambulation routes (kora) of Lhasa.

Despite modernization, Barkhor Street has maintained its authentic cultural atmosphere. It also functions as a marketplace filled with shops selling Tibetan handicrafts, religious items, and local products. Still, more than just a marketplace, the street is a living cultural and spiritual corridor where religion, history, and daily life coexist.

Drepung Monastery

Quick Facts:

• Founded: 1416
• Founder: Jamyang Chojey
• School: Gelug (Tibetan Buddhism)
• Historical Capacity: Up to 10,000 monks
• Status: One of the “Great Three” monasteries 

The Drepung Monastery is one of the most important monasteries in Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery lies at the foot of Mount Gephel, about 5 KM west of Lhasa. It is one of the “Great Three” Gelug monasteries of Tibet and was once the largest monastery in the world.

Drepung Monastery was founded in 1416 by Jamyang Chojey, a disciple of Je Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. Likewise, it played a key role in Tibetan governance and spiritual education, serving as a center for learning, debate, and Buddhist practice for centuries. 

Sera Monastery

Quick Facts:

• Location: Lhasa, Tibet
• Founded: 1419
• Founder: Jamchen Chojey (disciple of Tsongkhapa)
• School: Gelug (Tibetan Buddhism)
• Area: 28 acres 
• Key Feature: Monk debate sessions

The Sera Monastery is one of the major monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism on the northern outskirts of Lhasa at the base of a hill. It is one of the “Great Three” Gelug monasteries of Tibet, alongside Drepung and Ganden, and is known for its strong tradition of Buddhist learning and debate. 

Sera Monastery was founded in 1419 by Jamchen Chojey (Sakya Yeshe) and is closely linked to Tsongkhapa’s teachings and visions. The monastery has a large complex spanning 28 acres, with multiple religious and residential buildings. It includes the Great Assembly Hall (Tsokchen), three main monastic colleges (Zhacangs), dormitories (Kamcun), chapels, and courtyards, and houses valuable scriptures, statues, and murals.