Nagqu Tibet: Attractions, Transporation, Weather, Tour

Nagqu Travel Guide - Attractions, Transporation, Weather, Tours

Nagqu, named after Nagqu River and also known as Nagchu, Naqu or Nakchu, is a prefecture-level city located in the northern part of Tibet – between Tanggula Mountains and Nyainqentanglha Mountains. It borders Xinjiang and Qinghai Province, and neighbors Chamdo Prefecture to east, Lhasa, Nyingchi, Shigatse to south and Ngari to west. It helds strategic importance in the history. Covering an area of 450,543 square kilometers, Nagqu is the largest prefecture in Tibet. Apart from a small area of farming-pastoral region in east, it is mainly a pasturing area. With many greatest rivers (the Yangtze River, Nujiang River, Lhasa River etc.) originated here, Nagqu has rich water resource which contributes to shaping the beautiful views.

Nagqu – Flourishing Region with Unique Scenery!

Being sparsely populated, Nagqu features in its protected wildlife, unpolluted grassland, bright snow mountains, azure blue lakes and unsophisticated Tibetan life. Among the various wild animals growing in Nagqu, there are over 10 species are existemic rare animals, including wild yaks, Tibetan antelopes, snow panthers, barhead gooses and so on. Tibetan people always live harmoniously with these animals. If you visit Nagqu during the special festivals, you can also see the Tibetan people on traditional costumes.

Top Nagqu Attractions and Activities

Though Nagqu is not a very popular destination in Tibet, it never fails to strike the tourists’ heart by its fascinating views. Its long-stretching snow-covered ranges, endless stream of spring, and boundless prairies will be the first impression to people. As you travel deeper in Nagqu, more than natural beauty, you will learn its history, culture, art etc. The most eyes-catching attractions in Nagqu must be Qiangtang Pairie and Nyqinqentanglha Mountains. In addition to them, there are Ancient Xiangxiong Ruins, Basu Rock Paintings, Yarlung Scenic Area etc. The most featured activity in Nagchu is Horsing Racing Fair, which shows performance as well as games.

How to Get to Nagqu

Nowadays, Nagqu is developed with relatively convenient transportation and you can get to Nagqu by train or driving.

Train to Nagqu: With the construction of Qinghai-Tibet Railway Station, Lhasa is reached by trains from gateway cities - Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing etc. All the trains between Lhasa and these gateway cities will take a stop in Nagqu Railway Station, so you can easily take a train to Nagchu from Lhasa or these major cities from China. On your train to Nagchu, you will have an unforgettable sightseeing journey. The major sights contain Qinghai Lake, Qarhan Salt Lake, Kunlun Mountains and Hohxil Nature Reserve. If you travel to Nagqu from Lhasa, it only takes about 3.5 hours.

Driving to Nagqu: Some tourists like to travel to Lhasa by flight firstly and then turn to Nagqu by driving. It is a longer trip to drive to Nagqu from Lhasa, but you can stop for sightseeing or photography whenever you want. The road connects Nagchu and Lhasa is about 330km and it takes nearly 6~7 hours. You can also drive to Nagchu after your Namtso tour, which takes about 5 hours to get there.
Best Time to Visit Nagqu

Nagqu has a humid subtropical climate with typical features of lack of oxygen, large temperature difference between day and night, no absolute frost-free period, and cold climate throughout the year. There aren’t distinctive seasons in Nagqu and all seasons have a low temperature. Nagqu’s winter is cold and summer is cool. The annual average temperature is about -0.9℃ to -3.3℃.

The best time to visit Nagqu is May ~ September when you can enjoy picturesque scenery and it is relatively warmly. But rainy seasons also range from May to September and you are suggested to wear waterproof clothes and shoes.

If you want enjoy the wonderful Tibetan shows and exciting horse-racing competition, you can visit Nagqu during the Nagqu Horse Racing Fair, predicted to take palace in August of September of 2017.
Where to Accommodate in Nagqu

Nagqu accommodation mostly centralized in Nagqu County – capital of Nagqu prefecture. Despite that no luxuries hotels is available at present, there are several starred comfortable hotels and economic guesthouses for your choice. Some of the hotels not only provide good facilities, cozy rooms and good food , but also give you pleasant service which make you at home.

Among these various hotels, Zhongxin Nagqu is the most recommended one located about 10km to Nagqu Railway Station and you travel between them within 20 minutes' driving. Combining accommodation, dining, business, recreation and shopping together, Zhongxin Nagqu Hotel is a comprehensive hotel. The hotels have different kinds of rooms to supply different guests’ needs. All the rooms are full-equipped and well-decorated.

Useful Nagqu Travel Notes

1. How to Plan Nagqu Travel
Nagqu is always an extended destination from Lhasa, and most tourists travel to Nagqu during Horse Racing Fair. After arrive in Lhasa by train or flight on day 1, tourists usually spend two other days in exploring the landmarks of Lhasa, including Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery, Norbulingka etc. On Day 4, drive to Nagqu to admire the local performance and interesting competition. Stay one night in Nagqu and then drive back to Lhasa. You can adjust your itinerary to visit Nagqu when the most exciting competition takes place.
2. High Altitude Sickness Tips
The average altitude of Nagqu is over 4,450 meters, and you need to pay attention to High Altitude Sickness. You can spend several days in Lhasa for acclimatization. It will be helpful to take some precautionary measures, like drinking more hot water, always keeping warm, avoiding strong activities, eating fresh vegetables and fruits etc. Your tour operator will also prepare oxygen supply for emergency use.
3. Wearing and Packages
It is suggested to pack your stuffs in two bags – a bigger backpack and a smaller carryon bag. The backpack is used for your daily use while the carryon bag is for your important documents and valuables. It is necessary to keep warm and protect yourself from the harsh natural power. Remember to dress in layers (both thin and thick jackets). Because of the strong sunlight and ultraviolet ray, it is also important to bring the necessary medicine and sunscreens.
4. Necessary Permits for Visiting Nagqu
Tibet Travel Permit is a must to travel in Tibet, and you can’t board your flight or trains to Tibet without it. It is issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau only and can be applied by travel agencies on behalf of you only. It must be obtained before you getting to Tibet, because you are not permitted to board your flight or train without it. Besides, Aliens’ Travel Permit is necessary to any places out of Lhasa. It is applied after you entering Tibet. Your tour guide will apply it with your Tibet Travel Permit and passport.

Most Recommended Nagqu Tour Packages

Following are some other recommended Nagqu tour packages that you may be interested in. All of our Tibet tour packages are customizable to meet your personal requirements. You can also contact us to customize a trip if you want.