Namtso Lake Trekking-16 days

Trip Level
Moderate
Destination
Tibet
Max Altitude
4720m
Trip Duration
16 Days

Overview

NamTso Lake is situated approximately 190 km north-west of Lhasa at an altitude of 4718 m. It is one of the most famous lakes in Tibet as well as being a very important pilgrimage site. In the Tibetan "Nam" means Sky and "Tso" means Lake. The lake plays sanctuary to many species of migrating birds and other local birds. It is the second largest saltwater lake in China, the first being Koko Nor (Qinghai Lake) in Qinghai province. It is approximately 70km long and 30km wide. The Nyenchen Tanglha (Tangula) range, with peaks of more than 7000m, towers over the lake to the south. It is a tidal lake and the ring marks of earlier lake levels are clearly visible by the shoreline.

The Lake is easily accessible from Lhasa. While driving to NamTso from Lhasa, we cross over the high pass of Yangpachen (5630 m.). It takes at least 21 days to circle the shores of the entire lake. In clear whether the water is a miraculous shade of turquoise and there are magnificent views of the nearby mountains. The wide open spaces, dotted with the tents of local drokpas (nomads) are intoxicating. The best season for trekking in NamTso Lake is late May to October, however, you must be prepared at all times for wet weather, snow and cold winds. It is a very remote region so we should carry camping, kitchen equipment and other provision for the entire trekking part.

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.


Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel

On reaching at Kathmandu international airport received by our staff and guide with warm welcome then transfer to your hotel in center of Kathmandu city, after getting refreshed in your rooms join for briefing regarding your trekking.

Day 02: Kathmandu sightseeing

Today we do preparation and Katmandu sightseeing in world heritage site, pashupatinath temple, Swyambhu temple (Monkey Temple), Baudanath (Buddist temple) and Patan Durbarsquare.

Day 03: Fly to Lhasa 3,660 m and drive to your hotel

Early morning after breakfast you will be transferred from the Hotel to the International Airport Kathmandu. You fly with sweeping panoramic flight to Tibet, on arrival you will be received at the Gongar Airport by our Tibetan guide. Less than two hours of good drive reaches you at Lhasa and to the best Lhasa's Hotel, afternoon free for short walk around the Market Square.

Day 04-05: In Lhasa with sightseeing tour at places of great interest

Guided tour in Lhasa of JOKHANG TEMPLE, BARKHOR MARKET SQUARE, POTALA PALACE, NORBULINGKHA SUMMER PALACE with SERA & DREPUNG MONASTERIES. At Lhasa with an interesting tour of important sites around its historical and religious places.

Day 06: Drive to Nizhong

Today after breakfast, we start scenery driving to the Nizhong where, we arrange yak for trekking. Overnight in tented camp.

Day 07-12: Trek to NamTso (lake ). Overnight in tented camp.

Day 13: Explore around Namtso Lake. At 4718 meters, Nam-Tso (lake) is approximately 190km north of Lhasa. Its salty waters have a stunning shade of turquoise. Overnight in tented camp.

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.


Cost Details

All airport pick-up and drop-off transport services by private vehicles.

Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card (permit).

Well Trained English speaking Trekking guide.

Porter  for your luggage.

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.

Farewell dinner.

Your travel insurance and Personal nature expenses.

Drinks (tea/coffee, beer, cokes, mineral water), beverages and hot shower.

Tips for trekking staff.

Entrance fees while sightseeing.

Meals &  accommodation while you are in Kathmandu.

Equiment Checklist

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

Map

map

Departure Dates

No fixed departures.