Nagqu in Tibet: Basic Facts, Attractions, and Travel Tips

 

Fast Facts about Nagqu 

Area: 430,000 square kilometers
Altitude: With an average elevation exceeding 4,500 meters (14,800 feet)
Population: 490,000 (including 98.98% Tibetan, with smaller percentages of other ethnic groups)
Geography: Nagqu is bordered by Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region to the north, Qinghai Province to the northeast, and various other Tibetan prefectures including Chamdo to the east and Ngari to the west. The southern borders touch Lhasa, Nyingchi, and Shigatse cities.
Weather/Climate: Nagqu experiences a dry-winter subalpine climate with extreme temperatures. The average Annual Temperature: Approximately -2.1℃. While coldest Recorded temperatures can drop to -40℃. The annual average precipitation is about 420 mm (16.5 inches), with most rainfall occurring during the summer months.

Nagqu city is the administrative center of Nagqu Prefecture

History and Overview of Nagqu 

Located in northern Tibet, Nagqu is an important part of the Tibetan Plateau as the largest of the seven regions in Tibet, covering an area of 430,000 square kilometers, and is also the largest prefecture-level city in China, slightly larger than Sweden. Its name derives from the Nagqu River, which is a tributary of the upper Nujiang River. 
  
Nagqu has a long history dating back to the late Paleolithic period, about 10,000 to 50,000 years ago, when the chipped stone tools were found by archaeologists. Historically, Nagqu was part of the Zhangzhung Kingdom, which is believed to have existed from around 500 BC and is significant in Tibetan history. In the 7th century, it fell under the influence of the Supi tribe and later became part of the Tubo Kingdom during the reign of King Songtsen Gampo, who unified Tibet. 

Furthermore, Nagqu has also been an important center for Tibetan nomadic culture. The area’s vast grasslands have long supported a nomadic way of life, with herders moving seasonally with their yaks and sheep. The population of Nagqu is predominantly Tibetan, and the local culture is deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhism and nomadic traditions. Visitors to Nagqu will experience a way of life that has remained relatively unchanged for centuries.

The Main Attractions in Nagqu 

Nagqu is not as well-known as other Tibetan destinations like Lhasa or Shigatse, but it owns several unique attractions that make it worth visiting. Here are some of the popular attractions and activities in Nagqu:

Namtso Lake
Namtso Lake, known as "Heavenly Lake" in Tibetan, is one of the three sacred lakes in Tibet (along with Yamdrok Lake and Manasarovar Lake). Located about 250 kilometers north of Lhasa, it is the largest saltwater lake in Tibet. The lake is 4,718 meters (15,479 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest lakes in the world. The surrounding landscape is dominated by the snow-capped Nyenchen Tanglha mountain range, while the area includes vast grasslands and several uninhabited islands. All of these contribute to the lake's breathtaking scenery.

Namtso Lake is one of the most stunning and sacred natural landmarks in Tibet

Changtang Grasslands
Located in Nagqu, and often referred to as the "Northern Grasslands," Changtang is part of the northern Tibetan Plateau at an average elevation of over 4,500 meters (14,764 feet). The vast, open landscapes extend approximately 2,400 kilometers from east to west and 700 kilometers from north to south. The Changtang Grasslands are home to the Changpa nomads, who maintain a traditional lifestyle of herding yaks and sheep. Their characteristic camps can be seen throughout the area, usually adorned with colorful prayer flags. A visit to Changtang is therefore a unique opportunity to experience the Tibetan nomadic culture. 

Sepu Kangri 
Sepu Kangri is a remarkable mountain located in Biru County, within the Nagqu Prefecture of the Tibet Autonomous Region. The name "Sepu" translates to "White Snow God," and it is revered as one of the sacred mountains in Bon tradition, which is the indigenous religion in Tibet. At a height of 6,956 meters (22,822 feet), it forms the highest peak in eastern part of the Nyenchen Tanglha range. You’ll see stunning scenery around Sepu Kangri, including magnificent glaciers and blue alpine lakes, so it’s a popular destination for trekking and exploration. There is also a small 800-year-old monastery to visit on the way up.

Sepu Kangri is a relatively unexplored holy mountain located in Nagqu 

Dodoka Monastery
Dodoka Monastery is a less visited Buddhist monastery of the Nyingmapa sect located in Biru County, Nagqu Prefecture of Tibet. It is known for its sky burial practices, a traditional Tibetan funeral custom where the deceased's body is left to be consumed by vultures. This ritual symbolizes the transitory nature of life and the importance of detachment from the physical world. The most unique aspect of the monastery is the wall of human skulls that has been constructed within its grounds. When a monk from the monastery dies, their skull is added to this wall, creating a macabre yet fascinating structure.

Nagqu Horse Racing Festival
The Nagqu Horse Racing Festival is the most significant annual event in Nagqu Prefecture, Tibet, celebrated around early August. The festival has deep historical roots, originating from ancient military reviews among the Tubo tribe. Participants showcase their riding skills in various formats, including traditional races and skill-based competitions like archery on horseback. This festival attracts tens of thousands of herdsmen and their families from across the Tibetan plateau, who set up a vibrant "tent city" on the grasslands, creating a lively atmosphere filled with cultural activities and competitions. 

Some More Nagqu Travel Tips

As one of the coldest and most desolate regions in Tibet, Nagqu is known for its sparse human settlements and abundant wildlife. A trip to this remote area therefore requires good planning and preparation. Here are some insider tips to help you make the most of your visit to Nagqu: 

How to travel to Nagqu?

Nagqu is accessible by train via the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, which connects to major cities such as Lhasa. The train ride offers beautiful views of the Tibetan countryside and takes about 3.5 hours from Lhasa. Driving from Lhasa is also an option, but takes about 7 hours ( 328 km).

Meanwhile, Nagqu is also the ending point of the northern route (G317) of the Sichuan-Tibet Highway. Along this 2,030-kilometer scenic route, you'll pass through pastoral areas with numerous snow-capped mountains, vast alpine meadows, jasper-like lakes and many cultural sites. In addition, you will be amazed by the magnificent scenery across the Changtang Plateau from Nagqu.

Where to stay in Nagqu? 

As you know Nagqu is a more remote area compared to larger cities like Lhasa or Shigatse, so accommodation options are more limited and basic. Nagqu Hotel or Snowland Hotel are the recommended accommodation options in the area, offering standard rooms with basic amenities such as Wi-Fi, heating, and private bathrooms. 

When is the best time to visit Nagqu?

The best time to visit Nagqu is during the summer months (June to September) when the weather is milder, and the grasslands are lush and green. This period also coincides with the Nagqu Horse Racing Festival, a major cultural highlight.

Recommended Tour Including Nagqu:
10 Days Chengdu to Lhasa G317 Road Trip