Yamdrok Lake and Namtso Lake are two of the three most sacred lakes in Tibet, and each offers unique experiences and stunning views, making it tough to choose between them. In this article, we’ll explain the differences between Yamdrok Lake and Namtso Lake to help you decide which one to include in your Tibet tour. Read on to get inspired!

Yamdrok Lake or Namtso Lake: Different Locations

Yamdrok Lake is the closer lake to Lhasa, located about 100 km to the southwest in the Shannan Prefecture of the Tibet Autonomous Region. From Lhasa, you can drive there in around 3 hours along the S307 Provincial Road, which runs along the lakeshore for many kilometers. You can then continue on to Gyantse, which is 90 kilometers to the west.

Namtso Lake is in the opposite direction from Lhasa, about 250 km to the northwest along the Qinghai-Tibet Highway. The road is smooth and modern, making the drive a pleasant journey. It takes around five hours, passing through beautiful countryside and the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountain Range.

Yamdrok Lake or Namtso Lake: Different Altitudes

At 4,441 meters, Yamdrok Lake is situated at a high altitude. During the drive from Lhasa, you’ll cross the even higher Gampala Pass (4,790 meters), where you can enjoy stunning views of the lake in the distance. Namtso Lake is at a higher elevation, 4,718 meters, and the journey takes you over Nagenla Pass (5,200 meters).

Both lakes are in high-altitude environments, so it’s important to be cautious about altitude sickness. We recommend spending a few days in Lhasa to acclimate before visiting the lakes.

Yamdrok Lake or Namtso Lake: Different Shapes

The irregular shape of Yamdrok Lake has been compared to different things. It has been said to look like a Chinese character, a coiling scorpion, and a fan. The mountainous lakeshore is marked with numerous bays and inlets, particularly along wide southern edge. It narrows to the north, and covers an area of 638 km2.

Namtso lake has a more regular shape. It is somewhat rectangular, stretching 70 kilometers from east to west, and over 30 km from north to south. Fewer rocky outcrops break up its shoreline. There are five uninhabited islands scattered around its waters.

Yamdrok Lake or Namtso Lake: Different Water Colors

The vibrant turquoise waters are one of the most striking features of Yamdrok Lake. Freshwater flows into the lake from melting snow and ice in the mountains. The relatively shallow depth, averaging 23 meters, adds to the rich color. The blue hues of Yamdrok Lake shift with changing light, creating a stunning array of colors from light blue to dark blue and peacock blue.

In contrast, Namtso Lake mirrors the color of the sky. The changing light takes it from a light jade to a deep azure throughout the day. After the ice has melted, around the end of May, Namtso is a stunning expanse of blue with the surrounding snow-capped mountains reflected in the waters.

Yamdrok Lake or Namtso Lake: Different Tour Highlights

The first highlight of a Yamdrok Lake tour is the view from Gampala Pass. The lake and mountains stretch off into the distance, with prayer flags fluttering in the wind. Depending on the season, the lake can be packed with wildlife. Wild birds like black-necked cranes visit the shores which also serve as pasture for yaks and goats. The waters are teeming with fish.

You can ascend to the Lurila Platform for a stunning view of the azure Yamdrok Lake and the majestic snow-capped peaks of Gulha Kangri. Additionally, the Rutok Temple, known as the most isolated temple in the world, is located in the middle of the lake.

Namtso Lake is not only a stunning spot for admiring the scenery but also an important pilgrimage site for believers. As you trek or cycle around the lake, you'll frequently encounter pilgrims walking the kora route, often prostrating themselves in worship. During the summer, the surrounding grasslands are lush and bustling with nomadic herders.

While visiting Namtso Lake, you can also explore Tashi Dor Island. This area features fascinating karst caves, stone forests, and other unique natural formations, offering close-up panoramas of the breathtaking landscape.

Yamdrok Lake or Namtso Lake: Slightly Different Visiting Seasons

The best times to visit Yamdrok Lake and Namtso Lake differ slightly. In winter, the road to Namtso Lake is usually closed due to snow and ice, making it dangerous or impassable from December to March. The ideal time to visit Namtso Lake is from early April to October. Spring can still be cold, with high winds and temperatures below 0°C. In summer, from June to August, average temperatures range from 12-15°C, but be sure to check the forecast for rain. Wet weather can make crossing the mountain passes challenging, and fog can reduce visibility. Autumn brings colder temperatures but no rainfall, making it a good time to visit.

Yamdrok Lake can be visited year-round, but the best conditions are in spring and autumn. From April to June and September to mid-November, temperatures are mild, and there is little to no rain. Summer is warm but rainy, with most rain falling at night. Winter is cold and windy, but it's also the time when migrating birds from colder areas visit the lake.

Recommended Itineraries to Visit Yamdrok Lake and Namtso Lake In One Tour

If you're still wondering which lake to visit, why not explore both? Our 10-day Lhasa to Everest Base Camp with Lake Namtso tour offers a fantastic way to experience both Yamdrok Lake and Namtso Lake.

The tour starts in Lhasa, where you'll visit iconic sites like the Potala Palace and Drepung Monastery. Over three days, you'll acclimatize to the high altitude before traveling to Shigatse via Gyantse. The first stop is Yamdrok Lake, where you'll also have lunch with a local family. The journey from Shigatse to Everest Base Camp (EBC) is breathtaking, with the famous mountain gradually revealing itself as you approach from mountain passes. You'll spend the night with a view of the towering Everest and witness an incredible sunrise over the peak.

After returning to Lhasa, you'll drive to Namtso Lake through the vast Damxung Grassland. The first view of the lake is from Laken La Pass (5,190m). From there, you'll descend to tour the lake and Tashi Dor Island. On the return trip, you can also visit Chimelong Monastery, the largest nunnery in the area, and Tsurphu Monastery, which is filled with precious relics and artifacts.

If you have limited time or prefer not to visit Mount Everest, consider joining our 8-Day Central Tibet and Namtso Small Group Tour. This shorter route includes all the highlights of Lhasa, Yamdrok Lake, Shigatse, and other sites in central Tibet, before heading north to Namtso Lake, Damxung, and the famous monasteries. This tour offers a comprehensive experience of Tibet’s central region without the need to travel to Mount Everest.

Conclusion

A better question than which lake to visit is how to see both Yamdrok and Namtso Lakes. Both are within driving distance from Lhasa and have overlapping visiting seasons. Standing on the shores of these two lakes provides a profound appreciation of the role of nature in local culture. Our small group tours can take you to one or both lakes. Contact us for more information, or book your tour today.