Getting there

Nam Co is located in the north of Damxung County, 170 kilometers from Lhasa.

You'd better stay in Lhasa for at least two days, to get accustomed to high altitudes, then depart for the lake. Try buttered tea if you like the taste, as it can help relieve altitude sickness.

On the way, you have to cross over the Nakenla Mountains with an altitude of 5,190 meters above sea level, where you can catch the first sight of Nam Co. However, it takes at least one hour from the mountain to Zhaxi Peninsula via coach.

Most tourists usually take a daytrip to Nam Co, because accommodation is not convenient at the scenic spot. Those who want to stay overnight might have only one choice - local Tibetans' tents.

Don't forget to bring sunglasses and sunscreen lotions with high index - SPF 30+ for instance - and apply the lotion to your skin every two or three hours to avoid sunburn.

Because the weather changes regularly, waterproof dresses and climbing boots are essential.

It is forbidden by local religion to take stones either from the lake or any mani piles, or to swim in the lake.

And take a bag for your own garbage, because waste baskets are few and far between.

China Daily

(China Daily 08/30/2007 page19)