Namtso Lake (4,718m) is one of the three holiest lakes in Tibet. The 'Heavenly Lake,' as it is known, is a place of surreal beauty and a popular destination for visitors all year round.

Late May to October are usually said to be the best times to visit Namtso Lake. However, the real truth is that the lake has a unique appeal for different travel preferences and interests in each season. So, please follow our expert guide to discover the best season to visit Namtso Lake for you.

Best Season to Visit Namtso for the Best View and Weather: From Late May to October

Namtso Lake is roughly halfway between Lhasa and Nagqu City in the central region of Tibet. The Nyenchen Tanglha Mountain range is to the southeast, and the vast plateau with the Nagqu grasslands is to the northwest. At 4,718m, Namtso Lake is one of the highest saltwater lakes in the world.

The lake's unique climate comes from the surrounding mountain ranges, which puts Namtso Lake in a rain shadow. The surrounding flat terrain shapes temperature and wind patterns. The local climate is generally cold and dry, with heavy winds. Below-zero temperatures can last from late autumn to early spring.

Namtso Lake starts to wake from winter in April, and the ice on the lake begins to thaw in May. Late May to October is the best time to visit Namtso Lake to see the heavenly views of the broad sky reflected on the Namtso lake's deep blue waters. You can relish picturesque Namtso Lake with clear blue skies and vibrant turquoise blue waters ringed by snow-capped mountains. Also, read the best time to visit Mt. Kailash and Manasarovar Lake.

Travelers visit Namtso Lake in May.

From June to September, the daytime of Namtso Lake is warm with temperatures between 10-20°c. Nights can drop to close to freezing. Rain showers and thunderstorms are common. The landscape is lush and green, and the lake is at its highest level from the rain and melting ice.

The mild weather is great for trekking or kora around Tashi Dor on clear days, or hiking to the top of the western hill. The vibrant colors of the summer Namtso Lake and the surrounding snow-capped mountains are ideal for photography. Besides, don’t miss out on the photo opportunities with lovely Tibetan yaks at the lake shore.

Travelers take photos with Tibetan Yaks at Namtso Lake.

From late September to mid-October, average daytime temperatures are between 5 and 15 °C, and it gets colder toward the end of the season. Rain is only occasional, with October being mostly dry.

It's a perfect season for trekking and exploration of Tashi Dor Island and surrounding monasteries and spiritual retreats. The trails will have dried out and will be less crowded than in summer. Visibility is perfect for stargazing and landscape photography. Discover the perfect Tibet small group tours to visit Namtso Lake and beyond. 

Best Season to Visit Namtso for Festivals and Pilgrimage: May, July, and August

May, July, and August are special times for visiting Namsto Lake. These are when you can enjoy stunning lake views and immerse yourself in festivals and cultural traditions. The holy lake is an important pilgrimage site. Pilgrims can be seen walking the kora route around the lake and prostrating at the shore in prayer. The kora can take up to 30 days to complete, and the warmer weather attracts more people to join.

This is particularly true during the May Saga Dawa festival. It commemorates Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death. During the auspicious days of Saga Dawa, pilgrims seek out the holiest sites to participate in religious activities.

Pilgrims walking the kora at Namtso Lake.

Dress modestly for participating in or observing religious and spiritual activities and follow local customs and etiquette. If you're not sure about anything, ask your guide.

August is the time for horse racing festivals in Damxung around Namtso Lake. Starting from August 8th and August 14th, the grand Damxung Horse Racing Festival is the largest in Tibet. Thousands of people participate in horse races, archery, and other contests of skill. The festivities are full of cultural performances and chances to try local delicacies. 

Damxung Horse Racing Festivals around Namtso Lake.

Additionally, In the summer, the nomads usually move across the grasslands with their herds to find the best grass and water for their animals. If you travel to Namtso Lake in summer, you might have a chance to see the herds of yak and sheep that graze on this excellent pasture land, and visit the nomads or ride their horses.

In summer, you may see the herds of yaks and sheep beside Lake Namtso.

Visit Namtso Lake from Late Oct to March: Brave the Cold for Stunning Frozen Namtso Lake

The frozen winter months from late October to March are definitely the low season for visiting Namtso Lake. Cold weather, snow, and ice keep many people away.

However, If you are fearless in braving the cold, visiting the Namtso Lake from late October to March will reward you with jaw-dropping sights. The ice-covered expanse is an otherworldly spectacle set in a snow-covered landscape. With few tourists around, it is an authentic experience of Tibet's wilderness. Check out the popular winter tours in Tibet.

Winter conditions are cold. Daytime temperatures range between -5° and 5°cm, and they can drop to -20°c at night. Strong winds sweep over the lake area, making it feel even colder with the wind chill. Snowfall is uncommon, and winter skies are usually crystal clear. The sun can be intense, so sun protection is essential.

Stunning frozen Namtso Lake in winter.

One thing to remind you is that the heavy snow can block the road over Nagenla Pass (5,190m) in winter, so be flexible with your travel plans. If the road to Namtso Lake is closed, a great workaround is that you can enjoy Yangpachen Hot Springs, which is located on the way to Namtso Lake from Lhasa.

Travelers enjoy Yangpachen Hot Springs.

What Else to Know, Apart from Namtso Weather and Best Travel Season

Namtso Lake is 240km north of Lhasa and is usually visited as a full-day trip. Currently, it's not possible to stay overnight at the lake, so you need to pack carefully for a long trip. It takes around five hours to drive from Lhasa. Most people arrive before noon, which means the sun will be at its peak strength.

Pack everything you need for a full day. The temperature can change a lot from late morning to evening, so have several layers of clothing available. Bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Rain can happen suddenly in the summer, so a weatherproof outer shell is important. Lip balm and a scarf or face mask can help when conditions are windy.

The lake is at a high elevation, and the route crosses over the high-altitude Nagenla Pass (5,190m). You’d better get acclimatized in Lhasa for a few days before visiting. Make sure to be well-rested before the trip. Stay hydrated and avoid smoking or excess caffeine to help prevent altitude sickness in your Tibet tour.

Travelers having fun at Namtso Lake.

Bonus: Top 2 Namtso Lake Tours for a Once-in-a-life-time Experience in Tibet

As a prestigious local Tibet travel agency serving 6k+ global travelers annually, we offer you two of the best Namtso Lake small group tours.

One is the 6-day Lhasa and Lake Namtso small group tour, which combines the exploration of holy Lhasa city with an excursion to picture-postcard Namtso Lake. You can spend the first 3 days getting acclimatized to the high altitude in Lhasa and visit iconic attractions like Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Sera Monastery, etc. then journey to Namtso Lake across the Damxung Prairie.

6 Days Lhasa to Lake Namtso Small Group Tour

Tour Route: Lhasa - Namtso Lake - Damxung - Lhasa

Price from USD779 p.p

The other is the 10-day Lhasa to EBC and Namtso Lake small group tour. You can visit Lhasa and Shigatse, two of the biggest cities and cultural centers of Tibet. Some of the highlights include marveling at Mount Everest at EBC and strolling around turquoise Yamdrok Lake and heavenly Namtso Lake, two of the holiest lakes in Tibet, etc. It’s a perfect chance to get the best of Tibet in one go.

10 Days Lhasa to EBC and Namtso Lake Small Group Tour

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - EBC - Shigatse - Lhasa - Namtso Lake - Damxung - Lhasa

Price from USD1299 p.p

Conclusion

The heavenly Namtso Lake is a geological marvel and one of Tibet's must-visit destinations. Visiting is a chance to take in the stark natural beauty and see the cultural life of pilgrims and local nomads. Tours from Lhasa are available all year round. The best choice depends on what you want to experience there. Contact us for more information, and start planning your Namtso Lake tour today.