Duration
16 Days
Activity
Trekking
Difficulty
Moderate
Max.Altitude
4720m
Group
1-12 Per(s)
Best Season
Summer, Spring, Winter
Arrival/Route
Your Hotel in Kathmandu
NamTso Lake, located approximately 190 km northwest of Lhasa at an altitude of 4,718 meters, is one of Tibet's most renowned lakes and a significant pilgrimage site. In Tibetan, "Nam" means sky and "Tso" means lake. The lake is a sanctuary for various species of migrating and local birds. As the second largest saltwater lake in China—after Qinghai Lake (Koko Nor) in Qinghai Province—NamTso stretches about 70 km in length and 30 km in width. The Nyenchen Tanglha (Tangula) range, with peaks exceeding 7,000 meters, looms majestically to the south of the lake.
NamTso is a tidal lake, and its shoreline features distinct ring marks indicating previous lake levels. Easily accessible from Lhasa, the drive to NamTso crosses the high pass of Yangpachen (5,630 meters). While it takes about 21 days to circumnavigate the entire lake, the journey is worth it for the spectacular turquoise waters and breathtaking mountain views. The surrounding wide open spaces, often dotted with the tents of local nomads (drokpas), offer a captivating experience. The best time for trekking around NamTso is from late May to October, though visitors should be prepared for unpredictable weather, including rain, snow, and cold winds. Given its remote location, it’s essential to bring camping gear, kitchen equipment, and other supplies for the trek.
Overview Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel
Day 02: Kathmandu sightseeing
Day 03: Fly to Lhasa 3,660 m and drive to your hotel
Day 04-05: In Lhasa with sightseeing tour at places of great interest
Day 06: Drive to Nizhong
Day 07-12: Trek to NamTso (lake ).
Day 13: Explore around Namtso Lake.
Day 14: Drive back to Lhasa and transfer to hotel.
Day 15: Drive to Gonggar Airport and fly back to Kathmandu.
Day 16: Kathmandu, free day.
Package plans (Itinerary)
Upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our staff and guide. We will transfer you to your hotel in the heart of Kathmandu. After you’ve refreshed in your room, we will conduct a briefing to provide you with all the details about your upcoming trek.
Today, we’ll focus on preparing for your trek while also exploring some of Kathmandu’s renowned World Heritage Sites. We’ll visit the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, a major Hindu pilgrimage site, and the Swayambhunath Stupa, commonly known as the Monkey Temple, which offers panoramic views of the city. Our tour will also include Boudhanath Stupa, a significant Buddhist temple, and Patan Durbar Square, known for its stunning architecture and rich history. This blend of preparation and sightseeing will give you a deeper appreciation of Kathmandu’s cultural heritage before your trek begins.
Early in the morning, after breakfast, you will be transferred from your hotel to Kathmandu International Airport. You’ll board a flight offering breathtaking panoramic views as you travel to Tibet. Upon arrival at Gonggar Airport, our Tibetan guide will warmly receive you. A scenic drive of less than two hours will take you to your hotel in Lhasa. After checking in and refreshing, you’ll have the afternoon free to enjoy a leisurely walk around the Market Square.
Today, enjoy a guided tour of Lhasa, exploring its most significant historical and religious sites. We’ll start with the Jokhang Temple, a sacred center of Tibetan Buddhism, and then stroll through the vibrant Barkhor Market Square. Next, we’ll visit the magnificent Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lama, and the serene Norbulingka Summer Palace, known for its beautiful gardens and historical significance. We’ll also explore the Sera Monastery, famous for its lively debates among monks, and the Drepung Monastery, one of Tibet's largest and most important monasteries. This comprehensive tour will provide you with deep insights into Lhasa's rich cultural and spiritual heritage.
After breakfast, we’ll embark on a scenic drive to Nizhong. Upon arrival, we’ll arrange yaks for the upcoming trek. You will spend the night in a tented camp, ready for the adventure ahead.
Overnight in tented camp.
Situated at an altitude of 4,718 meters, Nam-Tso Lake is approximately 190 km north of Lhasa. The lake's salty waters are renowned for their stunning turquoise hue. You will spend the night in a tented camp by the lake, enjoying the serene and breathtaking surroundings.
After your time at Nam-Tso Lake, we will drive back to Lhasa. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel for the night.
We will drive to Gonggar Airport and board your flight back to Kathmandu.
Enjoy a free day in Kathmandu to relax or explore at your own pace. You might want to revisit local sites, do some shopping, or simply unwind before your onward journey.
Included
- Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card (permit).
- Well Trained English speaking Trekking guide.
- Accommodation in Hotel / Lodge during the trek.
- Meals three times a day (breakfast, lunch & dinner).
- Food and accommodation as well as Insurance and equipment for guide and porters.
- Local community area permit.
- Trek completion certificate as award
- All Government and local taxes.
Excluded
- Your personal nature expenses and travel insurance.
- Food during your stay in Kathmandu
- Drinks (tea, coffee, coke, beer), beverage, hot shower and heater charge during trekking.
- Entry permit for temple and stupa during Kathmandu sightseeing
- Kathmandu airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle (on request)
- Hotel Accommodation in Kathmandu (on request)
- Kathmandu sightseeing with well trained city tour guide (Pashupatinath, Syambhunath, Baudanath, Patan city) (on request)
- Two guest = 1 porter (his food, accomodation, insurance, salary (on request)
Namtso (4718 m) is the highest lake in the world with an area more than 500 sq.km. The lake is beautifully spread in the area of 1920 km2.
Route Map
Important infos
Important documents and items
- Valid passport, 2 extra passport size photos, airline tickets
- Separate photocopies of passport, visa form (easily obtained at Kathmandu airport), proof of insurance
- Dollars, pounds or Euros in cash for purchasing Nepalese visa at Kathmandu airport, for paying for restaurants and hotels, for gratuities, snacks, and to purchase your own drinks and gifts
- Credit cards, Bank/ATM/Cash machine cards for withdrawing funds from cash machines (bring a photocopy of your cards), traveler's checks, etc.
ON THE TRAIL DAYPACK
- Extra layers, gloves, wind breaker and poncho
- Sunscreen
- Lip Balm with Sunscreen
- Broad brimmed hat or bandana (for sun protection)
- Iodine Water Tablets (personal preference)
- Water Bottles or Camel Back
- Sunglasses
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Favorite Snacks
- Waterproof bags to protect electronics or paperwork
- Camera with extra batteries and memory cards
- Umbrella (works great in a light rain or to protect from the sun)
- Duct tape or moleskin for blisters
- Toilet Paper
- Trekking Poles (optional)
- Thermos (optional for hot beverages)
CLOTHING: BASE, MIDDLE AND OUTER LAYERS
- Moisture wicking long sleeve tee-shirts (2)
- Moisture wicking tee-shirts (1)
- Long underwear pants (2)
- Underwear (5 to 7)
- Heavy Fleece or Down Jacket
- Long sleeve shirts (2)
- Sweatshirt (optional)
- Fleece Pants
- Trekking Pants (2)
- Shorts (optional)
- Gortex or Waterproof Jacket with hood
- Rain Poncho that covers your day pack
- Waterproof Pants
- Wide brimmed hat
- Wool hat (Should cover ears) or Balaclava
- Lightwight Gloves
- Insulated Wool or Down Mittens
- Gaiters (optional)
FOOTWEAR: SHOES AND SOCKS
- Hiking boots with ankle support
- Camp shoes or Tennis Shoes
- Plastic bag to carry spare shoes
- Hiking socks (10)
- Sock Liners (optional)
SLEEPING BAG
- Sleeping bag rated to -15° C/ 0° f
- Sleeping bag liner (optional)
- Sleeping bag stuff sack
DUFFEL BAGS AND DAY PACKS
- Duffel Bag for Carrying Your Gear (we provide this for the trek)
- Day Pack for Carrying what you need on the trail
- Small Lock(s) for duffel bag and day pack
- Waterproof cover for daypack
- Drybags in several sizes
- Stuff sacks for dirty clothes/shoes
FIRST AID KIT AND TOILETRIES
Our team brings along a basic first aid kit but we recommend you also carry the following;
- Advil or Ibuprofen
- Diamox (for altitude sickness)
- Personal Prescriptions
- Medical Tape (for preventing treating blisters)
- Antibiotics (Cipro for travelers’ diarrhea)
- Diaper Rash Cream (Can treat rashes or chaffing)
- Basic toiletries (Soap, Deodorant…)
- Wet wipes
- Panty Liners and Tampons
- Face lotion
- Hair brush
- Hair ties
- Hand warmers
- Ear plugs for sleeping
OTHER ITEMS
- Portable Solar Charger
- Journal, pen and paper
- Reading book
- Voltage converter (from 220 to 110)
- Plug adapter (2 round pegs to 2 flat pegs)
- Lightweight pillow case (in case your teahouses provide you with pillows) or use your own stuff as a pillow
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