Nakartse county is a vast high-altitude depression containing the two largest lakes in southern Tibet, Phuma Yutso and Yamdrok Yutso lake. These form a natural barrier between the Brahmaputra valley to the north and the watershed passes of Lhodrak to the south.
The county also acts as a major road link between central Tibet to the north of Gampo La pass and West Tibet (Tsang), to the west of Nojin Ganzang range and Khari La pass. It has for centuries therefore been a vital trading link between Lhasa and Bhutan, Sikkim, Nepal, and West Tibet. The capital county is located at Nakartse which is 154km from Lhasa and 118 km from Gyantse.
Some of most the famous destinations in Nakartse County.
Yamdrok lake is one of the three most sacred lakes in Tibet. The sacred lake of Yamdrok Yutso is revered as a talisman, supporting the life spirit of the Tibetans. It is said that should its water dry, Tibet will no longer be habitable. By far it is the largest lake in southern Tibet spanning 754 square kilometers. It has nine islands and one of which houses a monastery and Guru Padmasambhava stone footprint. The roads are good skirting the north and west shores of the lake and trekking routes that complete the circuit.
