Namtso Lake

Namtso lies at over 4,700 metres, one of the highest large lakes in the world, and the drive from Lhasa crosses a pass above 5,000 metres before dropping to the shore. The water is a strong blue against pale grassland, with the Nyenchen Tanglha range standing along the southern side, snow-covered in every season. Most visitors stop at Tashi Dor, a headland of two rock outcrops on the eastern shore where a path runs around the base past prayer flags, caves and a small monastery. The air is thin enough that walking that short circuit feels far harder than it looks, and nights here are cold all year.

What you actually see

• Tashi Dor headland - the twin rock outcrops and the walking circuit around their base.
• The Nyenchen Tanglha range - the snow wall along the far shore, visible end to end on clear days.
• The Lakenla pass - the crossing above 5,000 metres on the road in, with a long view back over the plateau.
• Prayer flags on the shore - the strung lines and stone cairns at the pilgrimage points.

When to go

The road is normally open from roughly May to October and can be blocked by snow outside that window. Summer gives the greenest grassland and the mildest nights, though afternoon cloud is common. Clear mornings show the range at its best. Acclimatise in Lhasa for several days first, and expect very cold, very basic rooms if you stay overnight.

Honest expectations

Altitude is the main problem here: headaches are near universal and some people have to leave the same day. Accommodation at the lake is rudimentary, without heating and with shared facilities. The shoreline near the car park is busy with photo props and tethered animals. Weather can close the pass at short notice.

Nearby

Damxung on the road back, and the hot springs at Yangbajing.