Namtso Lake Trek and Overland to Nepal

Namtso, the Heavenly Lake, is one of the highest large saltwater lakes in the world, lying on the border of Damxung County in Lhasa and Baingoin County in Nagqu, beneath the snow peaks of the Nyenchen Tanglha range. After sightseeing in Lhasa, including the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera, Drepung and Norbulingka, you drive to Damxung and trek over the grassland to the lake, camping on its shores. The journey then crosses Tibet overland via Gyantse, Shigatse and Sakya Monastery to Lhatse and Nyalam, heading for the Nepal border. Border status: as of September 2026 the Nepal-Tibet land crossings (Gyirong/Kyirong-Rasuwagadhi and Zhangmu-Kodari) were reported closed to tourists. While they remain closed, the trip ends with a flight from Lhasa instead of the overland exit to Kathmandu. All foreigners need a Tibet Travel Permit, arranged through a licensed Tibetan agency, plus a Chinese visa or visa-free eligibility; areas outside Lhasa need additional permits and a guide is compulsory throughout. Tibet can close to foreign visitors at short notice, typically around February-March.

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   Day 1Fly to Lhasa