Longmu Lake

Lake High-altitude lake on Tibetan Plateau

A high‑altitude lake in Tibet offering mountain vistas and birdlife; visitors include trekkers and those interested in Tibetan plateau landscapes and local culture.

Main image

Longmu Lake is a high-altitude lake in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, located on the Tibetan Plateau. The lake is part of the region’s network of plateau lakes and is surrounded by high-elevation terrain.

The area around the lake is sparsely populated and is visited mainly by local herders, researchers and, occasionally, travellers on overland routes. Conditions are typical of the Tibetan Plateau with large seasonal temperature ranges and limited infrastructure.

Geographically the lake lies in western China within the Tibetan administrative region, accessible from regional routes used for long-distance travel across the plateau.

Longmu Lake
Ngari/Tibet region (approximate coordinates), China
34.6264, 80.4749
Open 24 hours (access dependent on regional travel restrictions and road conditions)
Free (visiting remote Tibetan lakes generally free; guided tours and permits may cost)

How to Get to Longmu Lake #

Access generally requires travel permits and organised transport from regional centres such as Lhasa or Shigatse; road access depends on season and local regulations.

Tips for Visiting Longmu Lake #

  • Permits and travel arrangements through Lhasa or regional tour operators may be required-check local regulations for Tibet Travel Permit requirements.
  • High altitude is a factor-allow acclimatisation days and expect daytime temperatures to be cold even in summer.
  • Respect local religious sites and customs; many lakes in Tibet are considered sacred and attract pilgrims.

Best Time to Visit Longmu Lake #

Longmu Lake is a high-altitude lake in the Tibetan Plateau area; travel is subject to local permits and high-altitude conditions.

Summer (short alpine summer)
Jun-Aug · 0-10°C
Best travel window with more reliable road access and milder daytime temperatures.
Late Spring/Early Autumn
May & Sep · -2-8°C
Shoulder seasons with fewer tourists but variable weather and possible road closures.

Weather & Climate near Longmu Lake #

Climate

Longmu Lake's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -24°C to 12°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Best Time to Visit
JulySeptemberJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
20°
Warmest Month
-36°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of -12°C and lows of -24°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and partly cloudy skies.

42 Poor

Comfort

-18°
Feels Like Freezing
-18°C
Temperature
-24° -13°
59%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

0 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
10.0h daylight

February

February is freezing with highs of -12°C and lows of -23°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and partly cloudy skies.

42 Poor

Comfort

-17°
Feels Like Freezing
-17°C
Temperature
-23° -12°
59%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

0 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
10.8h daylight

March

March is freezing with highs of -7°C and lows of -18°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.

47 Poor

Comfort

-13°
Feels Like Freezing
-13°C
Temperature
-18° -7°
49%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

1 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.6
UV Index
Very High
11.8h daylight

April

April is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -12°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.

48 Poor

Comfort

-7°
Feels Like Freezing
-7°C
Temperature
-12° -2°
39%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

1 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
12.9h daylight

May

May is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -7°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.

56 Acceptable

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-7°
38%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

2 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.6
UV Index
Extreme
13.8h daylight

June

June is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -2°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.

66 Good

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2°
44%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

6 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.9
UV Index
Extreme
14.3h daylight

July

July is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 2°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.

70 Very Good

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°
48%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

13 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
3.0
UV Index
Extreme
14.1h daylight

August

August is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 2°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.

66 Good

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°
52%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

14 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.7
UV Index
Extreme
13.3h daylight

September

September is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -2°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.

70 Very Good

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2°
43%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

2 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.1
UV Index
Extreme
12.3h daylight

October

October is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -10°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and partly cloudy skies.

60 Good

Comfort

-5°
Feels Like Freezing
-5°C
Temperature
-10°
33%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

0 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.4
UV Index
High
11.2h daylight

November

November is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -16°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and partly cloudy skies.

51 Acceptable

Comfort

-11°
Feels Like Freezing
-11°C
Temperature
-16° -6°
41%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

0 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.8
UV Index
Moderate
10.2h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of -10°C and lows of -21°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and partly cloudy skies.

46 Poor

Comfort

-15°
Feels Like Freezing
-15°C
Temperature
-21° -10°
53%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

0 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
9.7h daylight

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