Lake Urru Lake

High-altitude lake on the Tibetan Plateau

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Lake Urru at a Glance#

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About Lake Urru#

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.

Summer
June-August · 5-15°C (cooler due to altitude)
Milder temperatures and more accessible roads; clouds and afternoon storms possible.
Spring/Autumn
April-May, September-October · -5-10°C
Clearer skies and crisp days; high winds can make visits uncomfortable.
Winter
November-March · -20-0°C
Harsh and often inaccessible; many services close and roads may be snowbound.

Weather & Climate near Lake Urru#

Climate

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.

Air Quality: AQI 32 Good
Best Time to Visit
MayJuneJuly
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
23°
Warmest Month
-28°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Acceptable -14° - -4° -14° 3 mm partly cloudy 50% 2.6 m/s 0.8 moderate 10.2h
February Acceptable -14° - -3° -13° 5 mm partly cloudy 48% 2.6 m/s 1.3 high 10.9h
March Good -9° - 1° -9° 10 mm partly cloudy 43% 3.2 m/s 1.9 very high 11.9h
April Acceptable -4° - 5° -4° 18 mm partly cloudy 38% 4.0 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.8h
May Good 0° - 10° 2° 20 mm partly cloudy 39% 3.9 m/s 2.9 extreme 13.6h
June Good 4° - 15° 7° 38 mm partly cloudy 45% 4.1 m/s 3.2 extreme 14.0h
July Good 7° - 16° 12° 68 mm overcast 58% 3.8 m/s 3.0 extreme 13.8h
August Good 7° - 15° 11° 70 mm overcast 62% 2.9 m/s 2.7 extreme 13.1h
September Good 4° - 12° 6° 52 mm partly cloudy 59% 3.1 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.2h
October Good -2° - 7° -1° 19 mm some cloud 50% 2.9 m/s 1.8 very high 11.3h
November Good -9° - 1° -8° 5 mm some cloud 47% 3.0 m/s 1.1 high 10.4h
December Acceptable -12° - -2° -12° 3 mm mostly sunny 49% 3.0 m/s 0.8 moderate 10.0h