China Famous Lakes Travel Guide: 15 Most Beautiful Lakes to Visit in 2026

Why China's Lakes Are Worth Traveling For

China has over 2,800 natural lakes larger than 1 square kilometer, ranging from sea-level urban jewels to Himalayan sacred waters above 4,700 meters. What makes Chinese lakes extraordinary is not just their beauty, but the layers of culture, mythology, and spirituality woven into their shores. A lake in China is never just water — it is a poem, a pilgrimage, a painting come to life.

For international travelers, China's lakes offer an incredible diversity: you can cycle around Erhai Lake in Yunnan's spring sunshine in the morning, and within a single trip find yourself standing before the sapphire expanse of Kanas Lake in Xinjiang's Altay Mountains. Whether you seek the cultural depth of West Lake (a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011), the spiritual power of Tibet's three holy lakes, or the adventure of reaching Sayram Lake — the "last tear of the Atlantic" — this guide will help you plan the perfect lake journey.

The data speaks for itself: West Lake received over 52.7 million visitors in a single day during peak 2026 Spring Festival. Qinghai Lake's winter "blue ice season" saw a 192.5% year-on-year increase in visitors from November 2025 to January 2026. China's lakes are more popular than ever, and this guide ensures you experience them at their best.

15 Famous Lakes at a Glance

1. West Lake (Xihu) — The Poet's Lake

Few places in China carry as much literary weight as West Lake. For over a thousand years, poets, painters, and emperors have been drawn to its willow-lined causeways, lotus ponds, and misty hills. The Song Dynasty poet Su Dongpo compared it to the legendary beauty Xi Shi: "However you compare West Lake to Xi Shi, whether lightly made up or richly adorned, she is always beautiful." The lake was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011, recognized not just for its scenery but as a cultural landscape that has inspired Chinese garden design for centuries.

The Ten Classic Scenes

The traditional "Ten Scenes of West Lake" have defined the lake's aesthetic since the Southern Song Dynasty. Each scene captures a specific moment — a season, a time of day, a weather condition:

• Su Causeway in Spring Dawn — A 2.8km causeway built by Su Dongpo in 1090, lined with peach and willow trees. Best at sunrise in March-April.
• Broken Bridge in Melting Snow — The most romantic spot in Chinese folklore, where the White Snake legend's lovers reunite. The bridge appears "broken" when snow melts unevenly.
• Three Pools Mirroring the Moon — Three stone pagodas in the south lake, lit with candles during Mid-Autumn Festival. Featured on the 1 RMB banknote.
• Lotus in the Breeze at Quyuan Garden — Hundreds of lotus varieties bloom June-August. Free entry. Arrive before 7 AM for crowd-free photos.
• Evening Bell at Nanping Hill — The bell of Jingci Temple rings at dusk, its sound carrying across the water.
• Viewing Fish at Flower Harbor — Red carp pool surrounded by peony gardens. Free entry.
• Leifeng Pagoda in Evening Glow — The 5-story pagoda on Sunset Hill, rebuilt in 2002. Best photographed from Long Bridge Park at golden hour.
• Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds — North and South peaks visible on clear days from the lake's western shore.
• Listening to Orioles in the Willows — Willow grove along the eastern shore, planted since the Tang Dynasty.
• Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake — A pavilion on Bai Causeway, ideal for moon-viewing in September.

How to Experience West Lake Like a Local

The biggest mistake first-time visitors make is trying to walk the entire 15km perimeter in one day. Instead, focus on one section per time block:

• 6:00-8:30 AM: Start at Maojiabu — the most untouched corner of West Lake, with morning mist, wooden bridges, and no tour groups. Walk to Su Causeway for the dawn light through willows.
• 9:00-11:00 AM: Take a boat from Hubin Pier to Three Pools Mirroring the Moon island (55 RMB, round trip + island entry). The 5 PM departure offers the best sunset views from the boat.
• 1:00-3:00 PM: Visit Leifeng Pagoda (40 RMB) for the best panoramic view of the entire lake. Use the elevator if the stairs are too much.
• 3:30-5:00 PM: Walk from Long Bridge Park (the top photography spot for Leifeng Pagoda reflection) through Willow Grove to Jixian Pavilion.
• 5:30-7:00 PM: End at Hubin Pedestrian Street for the sunset behind the lake, followed by the music fountain show (free, starts at 7 PM).

Transportation

High-Speed Rail: Shanghai Hongqiao to Hangzhou East — 45-58 minutes, 73 RMB. Beijing South to Hangzhou East — 4.5 hours, 539 RMB.

Metro: Line 1 Longxiangqiao Station (Hubin area) or Line 3 Huanglongdong Station (Maojiabu area).

Around the lake: Shared bicycles (30 RMB/day), electric sightseeing cars (40 RMB full loop, hop-on-hop-off), or walking.

2. Qinghai Lake — The Inland Sea

Qinghai Lake is the largest inland saltwater lake in China — so vast that local Tibetans call it "Tso Ngonpo" (Blue Sea). At 3,205 meters above sea level, it stretches beyond the horizon, covering an area larger than Rhode Island. In summer, the lakeside explodes with golden rapeseed flowers, creating a surreal contrast of blue water, yellow flowers, green grassland, and snow-capped mountains in the distance.

What Makes Qinghai Lake Special

Unlike China's cultural lakes, Qinghai Lake is about raw, elemental nature. There are no pavilions or poetry inscriptions here — just 360 kilometers of shoreline, nomad tents, yak herds, and migratory birds. The lake is a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, and Bird Island (Niao Dao) on the western shore hosts over 100,000 migratory birds from May to July, including bar-headed geese, cormorants, and black-necked cranes.

The 360km cycling route around the lake has become one of China's most popular long-distance rides, typically completed in 3-4 days. The road is well-paved, relatively flat, and passes through Tibetan villages, grasslands, and desert sections.

Best Ways to Experience Qinghai Lake

Transportation

Nearest city: Xining (150km, 2.5 hours by bus). Xining has direct flights from Beijing (2.5h), Shanghai (3h), Chengdu (1.5h), and Guangzhou (3h).

Bus: Xining Railway Station to Qinghai Lake Erlangjian — departures at 7:30, 8:00, 9:00, 10:00 AM. Return at 2:00, 3:00, 4:00 PM. 40 RMB one way.

Private car: 600-800 RMB/day from Xining, recommended for flexibility and photography stops.

3. Kanas Lake — The Color-Changing Mystery

Hidden deep in the Altay Mountains near the borders of Kazakhstan, Russia, and Mongolia, Kanas Lake is arguably China's most photogenic lake. Its water shifts color through the year — jade green in spring, sapphire blue in summer, and a stunning turquoise-gold in autumn when the surrounding Siberian larch forests turn yellow. Local Tuva people speak of a "lake monster" — a massive creature glimpsed in the depths — which scientists believe may be large Hucho taimen (a species of giant salmon).

The Three Bays

Between the Kanas River's source and the lake, three oxbow bends create some of China's most photographed water scenes:

• Dragon Bay (Long Wan): Shaped like a sleeping dragon, with a small island in the center. Morning mist creates an ethereal atmosphere.
• Moon Bay (Yueliang Wan): Two crescent-shaped pools that change color with the seasons. This is the most photographed spot in Kanas — arrive before 9 AM for the best light.
• Sleeping Dragon Bay (Wo Long Wan): A wider bend with a serpentine island, surrounded by dense forest.

Guanyu Pavilion — The Panoramic View

For the iconic bird's-eye view of Kanas Lake, hike or take the shuttle bus to Guanyu (Fish-Watching) Pavilion at 2,030m. From here, the entire lake unfolds below, with the snow-capped Friendship Peak (4,374m) visible in the distance on clear days. The hike up takes about 1,068 steps (30-40 minutes). The shuttle bus is included in your ticket.

Tuva Villages

The Kanas area is home to Tuva people, a Turkic ethnic group of about 2,500 who live in wooden houses and practice animism and Tibetan Buddhism. Hemu Village (ticket 75 RMB, 60 RMB seniors) is the largest Tuva settlement and offers homestays, horse riding, and sunrise viewing from the hilltop platform. Baihaba Village (ticket 75 RMB) sits on the border with Kazakhstan and is known as "the most northwestern village in China."

Transportation

Flight: Fly to Burqin Kanas Airport (KRL) — seasonal flights from Urumqi (1h), Chengdu, and Xi'an. Airport to scenic area: 1 hour by taxi (150-200 RMB).

Overnight bus: Urumqi to Burqin — 10 hours, 180 RMB. Then Burqin to Kanas scenic area: 2 hours, 50 RMB.

4. Erhai Lake — The Ear of the Wind

Named for its ear-like shape ("Er" means ear in Chinese), Erhai Lake is the soul of Dali. Framed by the 19 peaks of Cangshan Mountain to the west and rolling hills to the east, the lake stretches 42km north to south and 6km east to west. Along its shores, the Bai ethnic people have lived for over 4,000 years, their white-washed houses with gray tile roofs and intricate wood carvings dotting the landscape.

The 120km Cycling Loop

Cycling around Erhai Lake is one of the most rewarding experiences in all of Yunnan. The full loop is approximately 120km and can be completed in 1-2 days on an e-bike (recommended) or 2-3 days on a regular bicycle. The eastern shore (Huanhai East Road) offers the most spectacular views, with the lake on your right and Cangshan's snow peaks on the horizon.

E-bike rental: 40-80 RMB/day from Dali Old Town. Battery range is 60-80km, so plan to swap or recharge at Shuanglang (midpoint). Car rental: From 568 RMB/day including driver.

Must-Visit Stops Around Erhai

Transportation

High-Speed Rail: Kunming to Dali — 2 hours, 145 RMB. Dali Station to Erhai Park: bus 8 or taxi (15 RMB, 10 minutes).

Flight: Dali Airport (DLU) has direct flights from Kunming (50 min), Chengdu, Guangzhou, and Shanghai. Airport to Dali Old Town: 30 minutes by taxi (80 RMB).

5. Namtso Lake — The Heavenly Lake

At 4,718 meters above sea level, Namtso is the highest large lake in the world and one of Tibet's three sacred lakes. "Namtso" means "Heavenly Lake" in Tibetan, and standing on its shore, you understand why — the water is an impossible shade of deep blue, and the snow-covered Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains (7,162m) rise dramatically on the southern shore. Tibetans believe the lake is the incarnation of a goddess, and pilgrims circumambulate the lake in a journey that takes 7-10 days on foot.

What to Expect at Namtso

The journey from Lhasa to Namtso takes about 4-5 hours by road, crossing the Nagela Pass at 5,190m — one of the highest paved road passes in the world. The sudden view of Namtso from the pass, a strip of electric blue appearing between brown mountains, is one of the most dramatic reveals in all of Tibetan travel.

Once at the lake, most visitors spend 2-3 hours at Tashi Peninsula (Tashi Do), where limestone formations create caves, arches, and natural viewing platforms. Prayer flags are strung across the rocks, and pilgrims leave offerings of barley, butter lamps, and white scarves (khatas).

Practical Advice for High Altitude

• Acclimatize in Lhasa first: Spend at least 2-3 days in Lhasa (3,656m) before attempting Namtso. Your body needs time to produce red blood cells.
• Oxygen canisters: Available at Lhasa pharmacies for 30-50 RMB. Bring 2 per person.
• Do not stay overnight: The lakeshore guesthouse is at 4,718m — sleeping at this altitude is dangerous without proper acclimatization. Day trips from Lhasa are strongly recommended.
• Temperature: Even in July, the lake wind is freezing. Bring a down jacket, gloves, and hat regardless of season.
• Best months: April to October. The road may be closed November-March due to snow.

Transportation

Lhasa to Namtso: 240km, 4-5 hours one way. Organized day tours from Lhasa cost 280-460 RMB per person (includes transport, guide, ticket). Private car: 800-1,200 RMB/day.

6. Qiandao Lake (Thousand Island Lake) — 1,078 Emerald Jewels

Qiandao Lake was created in 1959 when the Xin'an River Dam flooded a valley, submerging two ancient cities (He Cheng and Sui An, dating back 1,800 years) and creating 1,078 islands. The water is so clean (visibility up to 12 meters) that it supplies drinking water to much of eastern China, and Nongfu Spring — China's top bottled water brand — sources its water here.

Two Main Routes

Meifeng Island is the crown jewel — from its summit, you see hundreds of islands scattered across emerald water, creating the iconic "thousand islands" photograph. Take the cable car up (additional fee) or walk the 200+ steps.

Transportation

High-Speed Rail: Hangzhou East to Qiandaohu Station — 45 minutes, 28 RMB. Then bus to scenic area pier: 15 minutes, 5 RMB.

Shanghai to Qiandao Lake: Shanghai Hongqiao to Qiandaohu — 2 hours direct HSR, 98 RMB.

7. Lugu Lake — The Kingdom of Women

Lugu Lake is famous not just for its beauty — crystal-clear water reflecting surrounding mountains — but for the Mosuo people who live on its shores. The Mosuo are one of the world's last matriarchal societies, where women own property, make decisions, and children take their mother's surname. Romantic relationships follow the "walking marriage" (tisese) tradition, where men visit women at night but return to their own mother's household by morning.

What to Do at Lugu Lake

• Boat ride on a pig-trough boat (zhucao chuan): 30-50 RMB. These traditional wooden boats are carved from a single log, shaped like a pig trough. The Mosuo boatmen row you to small islands in the lake center.
• Luoshui Village (Yunnan side): The main tourist village with guesthouses, restaurants, and Mosuo cultural performances (bonfire dancing in the evening, free).
• Lige Peninsula (Yunnan side): The most photographed spot — a thin strip of land jutting into the lake, best at sunrise.
• Caohai Lake (Sichuan side): A wetland area connected to Lugu Lake, crossed by a 300m walking bridge. Free.
• Gem Goddess Mountain (Gemushan): Hike or ride a cable car (100 RMB) to 3,700m for a panoramic view of the entire lake.

Transportation

From Lijiang: 200km, 4 hours by bus (60-80 RMB) or shared car (100-150 RMB). Departures at 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM from Lijiang Bus Station.

From Dali: 300km, 6-7 hours. Better to go via Lijiang as a stopover.

8. Yamdrok Lake — The Turquoise Scorpion

One of Tibet's three sacred lakes (alongside Namtso and Manasarovar), Yamdrok Lake is shaped like a scorpion when viewed from above. Its water ranges from deep sapphire to bright turquoise depending on the light, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and grazing yak herds. Tibetans believe it is the transformation of a goddess, and that its waters can bestow blessings and wisdom.

The most dramatic way to see Yamdrok is from the Kamba La Pass (4,794m) on the road from Lhasa — the first glimpse of the lake's turquoise expanse appearing below the pass is unforgettable. Most travelers visit Yamdrok as part of a southern Tibet loop that includes Karola Glacier and Gyantse.

Transportation

Lhasa to Yamdrok: 110km, 2.5 hours. Organized day tours from Lhasa: 200-350 RMB/person (includes Yamdrok + Karola Glacier + Gyantse). Private car: 600-900 RMB/day.

9. Jiuzhaigou Valley Lakes — Nature's Palette

Jiuzhaigou is not a single lake but a 50km valley containing over 100 lakes (called "haizi" or "sea eyes" by Tibetans), connected by waterfalls and streams. The water gets its impossible colors — turquoise, emerald, sapphire, amethyst — from dissolved calcium carbonate and algae. Fallen trees are preserved on the lake bottoms, their branches visible through the crystal-clear water.

Must-See Lakes in Jiuzhaigou

• Five Flower Lake (Wuhua Hai): The most colorful lake in Jiuzhaigou, with water shifting between turquoise, jade, and amber. Fallen tree trunks create an underwater forest. Only 5m deep but appears bottomless.
• Five Color Pond (Wucai Chi): The smallest but most vivid lake — a pool of liquid sapphire. Best photographed in late afternoon.
• Long Lake (Chang Hai): The largest and deepest lake in Jiuzhaigou, at 7.5km long and 103m deep. Snow-capped mountains reflect on its surface.
• Mirror Lake (Jing Hai): So named because the water is perfectly still in the morning, creating mirror reflections of the surrounding forest. Best before 8 AM.
• Nuorilang Waterfall: At 270m wide, one of China's largest waterfalls, frozen into an ice wall in winter.

Transportation

Flight: Fly to Jiuzhaigou Huanglong Airport (JZH) — 1 hour from Chengdu, 2 hours from Chongqing. Airport to park entrance: 1.5 hours by bus (45 RMB).

Bus: Chengdu Chadianzi Bus Station to Jiuzhaigou — 8 hours, 170 RMB. Departures at 7:00, 7:30, 8:00 AM.

10. Sayram Lake — The Last Tear of the Atlantic

Sayram Lake earned its poetic nickname because it is the westernmost lake in China — the last place where moist Atlantic air currents reach before being blocked by the Tianshan Mountains. The result is an oasis of wildflowers, alpine meadows, and impossibly blue water in the high grasslands. In June, the lakeshore explodes with wildflower blooms — poppies, lupines, and edelweiss — while Kazakh nomads set up yurts and graze their horses along the water's edge.

The 90km driving loop around the lake takes about 2 hours by car and offers constantly changing perspectives — from rocky cliffs on the north shore to gentle grasslands on the south. The West Sea Grassland (Xihai Caoyuan) on the southern shore is the most scenic section, with wildflowers, horses, and snow peaks in the background.

Transportation

From Urumqi: 550km, 6 hours by car. Or take the high-speed train to Bole Station (4 hours), then taxi to Sayram Lake (1 hour, 100 RMB).

From Yining (Ili): 180km, 2.5 hours. Often combined with the Ili Lavender Festival route in June.

11. Tianshan Tianchi (Heavenly Lake) — The Queen's Mirror

Tianshan Tianchi sits at the foot of Bogda Peak (5,445m), one of the easternmost peaks of the Tianshan range. According to legend, the Queen Mother of the West (Xi Wangmu) used this lake as her mirror. The lake is a deep crescent of jade-green water surrounded by spruce forests and jagged peaks — the contrast between the alpine lake and the arid Gobi Desert just 100km away is one of China's most dramatic geographical transitions.

Key Viewing Points

• Main Lake Platform: The standard viewing area reached by shuttle bus. The classic postcard view of Tianchi with Bogda Peak behind.
• Wangmu Temple: A Daoist temple dedicated to the Queen Mother of the West, accessible by a short hike above the lake.
• Dengpan Mountain Trail: A 3-hour round-trip hike to a higher viewpoint with unobstructed views of Bogda Peak. Recommended for fit hikers.
• Boat ride: 100 RMB for a 20-minute cruise on the lake, offering views from the water.

Transportation

From Urumqi: 110km, 2 hours. Direct tourist buses from Urumqi Nanjiao Passenger Station depart at 9:00 AM (round trip 100 RMB). Private car: 400-600 RMB/day.

12. Slender West Lake (Shouxi Hu) — A Garden on Water

Unlike the vast natural lakes on this list, Slender West Lake is a designed landscape — a narrow waterway enhanced over centuries by Yangzhou's wealthy salt merchants during the Qing Dynasty. Emperor Qianlong visited six times, and each turn of the meandering creek reveals a carefully composed scene: a bridge here, a pavilion there, a willow dipping into the water. The name "Slender" comes from its narrow, elongated shape compared to Hangzhou's West Lake.

Highlights

• Five Pavilion Bridge (Wuting Qiao): The symbol of Yangzhou — a bridge with five connected pavilions, built in 1757. Best viewed at night when illuminated.
• Fishing Platform (Diaoyu Tai): A waterside pavilion where Emperor Qianlong once fished. The classic photographic frame of the Five Pavilion Bridge is from here.
• White Dagoba (Bai Ta): A 27.5m Tibetan-style stupa, reportedly built overnight with salt to impress Emperor Qianlong, then rebuilt in stone.
• Night tour: The illuminated gardens, traditional music performances, and boat rides make the night ticket (98 RMB) worth the extra cost. Boats depart every 20 minutes.

Transportation

High-Speed Rail: Shanghai to Yangzhou — 1.5 hours, 120 RMB. Nanjing to Yangzhou — 50 minutes, 50 RMB. Beijing to Yangzhou — 4.5 hours, 380 RMB.

13-15. Three More Lakes Worth the Journey

13. Basum Lake (Tibet) — The Green Jade Gorge

Location: Gongbo'gyamda County, Nyingchi, Tibet | Elevation: 3,538m | Ticket: 120 RMB (includes boat to island) | Best months: April-October

Basum Lake (also called Basum Tso or Draksum Tso) is a deep green lake nestled in a forested gorge in eastern Tibet. Unlike the barren landscapes around Namtso and Yamdrok, Basum is surrounded by dense forests of pine, rhododendron, and oak. A small island in the center holds a 1,500-year-old Buddhist meditation cave (Tsodzong Gyelbu Monastery), reached by a 2-minute boat ride. The lake is part of the Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon National Park.

14. Heaven Lake (Tianchi, Changbai Mountain) — The Border Crater

Location: Changbai Korean Autonomous County, Jilin Province (China-DPRK border) | Elevation: 2,189m | Ticket: 105 RMB + 85 RMB shuttle bus | Best months: June-September

Heaven Lake sits in the caldera of Changbai Mountain (Baitoushan), a volcano straddling the China-North Korea border. The crater lake is 9.82 sq km and 373m deep, with water so clear it appears cobalt blue. The lake is only accessible from June to September — the rest of the year, the road is buried in snow. Even in summer, clouds often obscure the view, and seeing the lake clearly is considered lucky. Below the crater, volcanic hot springs feed pools where you can boil eggs in the mineral water.

15. Lushan West Sea — 1,600 Islands in a Hidden Sea

Location: Yongxiu County, Jiujiang, Jiangxi Province | Area: 308 sq km | Ticket: 65 RMB + boat 80 RMB | Best months: March-May, September-November

Originally called Zhelin Lake, this reservoir was created by the Zhelin Dam in 1972 and contains over 1,600 islands — more than Qiandao Lake. Far less touristy than its Zhejiang cousin, Lushan West Sea offers pristine blue water, dense forest islands, and the spectacular Fenghuang Mountain sunrise viewing platform, where dawn reveals thousands of islands emerging from a sea of clouds. It can be combined with a visit to nearby Mount Lu (Lushan, UNESCO World Heritage).

China's Lakes by Category

Best Lake to Visit Each Month

3 Recommended Lake Itineraries

Route 1: Classic Eastern Lakes (7 Days)

Shanghai — Hangzhou — Qiandao Lake — Yangzhou

Budget estimate: 3,800-7,500 RMB per person (excluding flights)

Route 2: Western Frontier Lakes (10 Days)

Urumqi — Kanas — Sayram Lake — Tianshan Tianchi

Budget estimate: 6,500-12,000 RMB per person (excluding flights to/from Urumqi)

Route 3: Sacred Tibetan Lakes (8 Days)

Lhasa — Yamdrok Lake — Namtso Lake — Basum Lake — Nyingchi

Budget estimate: 8,000-15,000 RMB per person (including Tibet permit, guide, vehicle)

Practical Travel Tips for China's Lakes

Altitude Sickness Guide

Packing Essentials

Photography Tips

• Golden hour: Arrive 30 minutes before sunrise or sunset. For most lakes, morning light is better because afternoon brings wind and choppy water.
• Polarizing filter: Essential for high-altitude lakes — cuts glare and intensifies the turquoise color of water.
• Drone regulations: Drones are prohibited at West Lake, Jiuzhaigou, and most Tibet lakes. Check local regulations before flying. A permit from CAAC is required for all drone flights in China.
• Reflection shots: Best taken before 8 AM when the wind is calm. Mirror Lake in Jiuzhaigou and Erhai Lake are the best reflection spots.

What to Eat Near Each Lake

7-Day Lake Trip Budget Estimator

Based on a 7-day trip visiting 2-3 lakes, per person, excluding international flights to/from China.

Budget tips: West Lake and Erhai Lake are free to visit. Choose lakes in the same region to minimize transport costs. Travel in shoulder season (March, November) for 30-50% lower hotel rates.

Essential Chinese Phrases for Lake Travel

Visa & Entry Requirements

For Regular Lakes (Most Provinces)

Most lakes in this guide are in provinces covered by China's visa-free or transit visa policies:

• 240-hour transit visa exemption: Available for citizens of 54 countries, allowing stays up to 10 days without a visa when transiting through designated ports. Covers Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Chengdu, Guangzhou, and more.
• 30-day visa-free entry: Available for citizens of France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Malaysia, Thailand, and several other countries through 2025-2026.
• Regular L (tourist) visa: Apply at any Chinese embassy or consulate. Processing time: 4-7 business days.

For Tibet Lakes (Namtso, Yamdrok, Basum)

All foreign visitors to the Tibet Autonomous Region must have:

• Tibet Travel Permit (TTP): Arranged by a registered Tibet travel agency. Takes 15-20 days. You cannot board your flight or train to Lhasa without it.
• Guide and vehicle: Mandatory. You cannot travel independently in Tibet.
• Military permit: Required for Namtso and other restricted areas. Your travel agency will arrange this.

Frequently Asked Questions