Lake Urru
Lake High-altitude lake on the Tibetan Plateau
Lake Urru is a high-altitude natural lake on the Tibetan Plateau in the Tibet autonomous region of China. It occupies a basin within the plateau’s mountainous terrain.
The site is remote and visited mainly by people traveling through the region rather than by mass tourism. Natural shoreline and highland vistas are the main points of interest for those who reach the area.
As with many Tibetan lakes, it is a natural feature shaped by tectonic and climatic processes on the plateau rather than by human construction. Seasonal and long-term fluctuations in water level occur in response to precipitation and meltwater input.
The lake sits on the high Tibetan Plateau within the administrative region of Tibet, surrounded by highlands and mountain ranges typical of the area.
How to Get to Lake Urru #
By road: Access is via regional roads from the nearest Tibetan towns; travel typically requires a high-clearance vehicle and local guidance. Many visitors join guided excursions from regional centers such as Shigatse or Lhasa; check current travel regulations and road conditions before attempting the route.
Tips for Visiting Lake Urru #
- High altitude: acclimatize in Lhasa or lower valleys before attempting long visits.
- Check permits and travel advisories for travel in parts of Tibet - many routes require registration and guide services.
- Weather can change rapidly; layer clothing and prepare for strong sun and wind.
Best Time to Visit Lake Urru #
Late spring to early autumn is the most practical season for visiting, with accessible roads and milder weather; winter is inhospitable.
Weather & Climate near Lake Urru #
Lake Urru's climate is classified as Subarctic (Dry Winter) - Subarctic (Dry Winter) climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -14°C to 16°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -4°C and lows of -14°C. The driest month with just 3 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -14°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -9°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -4°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 0°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. The wettest month with 70 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -2°C. Light rainfall.
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November
November is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -8°C. Almost no rain.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -12°C. The driest month with just 3 mm and mostly sunny skies.
