Lake Napahai

» Shangri-la, Yun Nan

Lake Napahai Overview & Map Weather Transportation Information

Lake Napahai is located eight kilometers to the northwest of the Shangri La County. It is 3270 meters above sea level and covers an area of 660 square kilometers. There is a Natural Preserve circled it. Napahai Nature Reserve (napahai ziran baohqu) is both an ideal grazing field for herdsmen and a paradise for many species of birds. This is, in the true sense, a seasonal lake.

Rivers from all directions converged here

The Napahai Lake Natural Preserve is surrounded by mountains in three directions and enjoys a flat topography. The mountains and peaks are capped with snow in winters and springs. Tens of rivers like Naquhe, Naizihe, etc. are snaky and flow through the meadows into the Lake Napahai.

Why to come

As the biggest meadow of the county, Napahai Lake Natural Preserve deserves to be the scenery spot full of the most unique characteristics. Due to the humid climate, the pasture crops grow faster than that of other places. In May of every year, when the grass on the other meadows is just beginning to grow fresh buds, the Napahai meadow has been covered with lush grass.

Getting around

Its a valley surrounded on three sides by mountains which are covered in snow during winter and spring time. The water melting from the surrounding mountains and another over 10 rivers flow into the lake after zigzagging through grassland.

Nine caves

At the foot of the Xinyala Snow Mountain to the northwest of the lake are nine natural dissolved caverns. The floodwater passes through these caverns and discharges themselves into Jinsha River at Nixitangman.

Charming scene in four seasons here

During the rainy season, the lake expands and the water will rush through the nine holes and empty into the Jinsha River. During the dry season, the water recede and a grassland appears. In Autumn, the prairie changes into a golden color and flocks of yaks, horses, sheep graze there. Tibetan shepherds are occasionally viewed. Rare birds such as black necked crane, bar-headed goose and mallard flock to the area for winter.

Gunqin temple Ruin

Sitting on top of one peak in the northwest is a temple ruin called Gunqin Temple Ruin. The destroyed temple is heavily sheltered by old, tall trees. Dilapidated walls and wooden architecture scatter everywhere around the site. The temple was said to be build in the Ming Dynasty and deserved during the Qing Dynasty. The temple site offers a breath-taking view of the surrounding vast grasslands.

Songzanlin Temple

Songzanlin Temple, the largest Buddhism Temple in the region is not far away and a tour to the Napa Lake is easily accompanied by a few hours visit to the temple.

Black necked crane here

Actually Shangri-la is home of the black necked crane, a rare and endangered species with a population of around 10,000 around the world. which are under the first-class protection by the nation. From September to the March of the next year, these rare birds have been staying here for about half a year.

Tibetan family suggest to visit

There are several Tibetan villages located nearby. If you have any interests, you can visit one and have a brief taste of the local custom.

When to come

In Summer

This is, in the true sense, a seasonal lake. When summer comes, snow on the adjacent mountains melts and flows down into about ten rivers forming a vast lake.

In early June

From the early June, varieties of wild flowers contest to bloom and vie each other for glamour on the vast meadow. Groups of sheep and cattle move around like clouds; the black and white tents are dotted far and wide; the pastoral rings spread with the wind; cattle and sheep appear when the grass is blew down by the wind; how a beautiful pastoral scenery.

In Autumn and In Winter

As the autumn and winter fall, the meadow is a vast stretch of golden view; the black mountains in far distance are cover with pure white snow and reflect in the lakes. By this time, crowds of black-necked cranes, yellow ducks and spot-headed wild geese gather together here. They curvet and ramble in the brushwood and on the lake surface, which adds a poetic grace for the broad and spacious grassland.

In Dry Season

In the dry season, Napahai becomes a boundless green grassland--the best time for herding sheep or cattle. This area is one of the best places for horse-back trekking during the dry season. Many locals offer their horse to you for a reasonable fare.

In Septermber

Every September, the lake again turns into a temporary habitat for migratory birds, such as bar-headed geese, wild ducks and black-necked cranes (one of the 12 rarest bird species in the world). During this period, the lake becomes an ideal place for ornithologists from around the world.

Getting there

By mini bus

There are mini-buses leaving from Zhongdian Town to the area daily but you are recommended to avoid them for they are mainly for Chinese tourists.

By taxi

You may consider to take a taxi there for around 30 yuan.

Something needs to pay attention to

• Tents are available on rental and the price for one depending on traveling seasons. You may rent one for as low as 20 yuan in low season while price climb a lot during the high travel season;
• The area has a relatively high latitude, so please well-prepare yourself before your journey;
• Please bring warm clothing even in summer time for weather in highland is changeable and unpredictable.

Attractions around » Shangri-la, Yun Nan

Natural Scene

• Shangri-la
• Meili Snow Mountain
• Lake Bitahai
• Lake Shuduhu
• Lake Napahai
• Baishui Tableland

Historical Site

• Songzanlin Temple

Lake Napahai Highlights

Lake & Spring in Great China

• West Lake
• Lake Kanas
• Lake Namtso
• Lake Qinghaihu
• Lake Yamdrok
• Huaqing Pool
• Crescent Spring
• Lake Qiandaohu
• Lake Xuanwuhu
• Lake Taihu
• Slender West Lake
• Lake Hongfenghu
• Lake Dianchi
• Lake Luguhu
• Heavenly Lake
• Butterfly Spring
• Lake Erhai
• Longsheng Hot Spring National Park
• Lake Bitahai
• Lake Shuduhu
• Lake Napahai
• Red Carp Pond
• Hupao Spring
• Black Dragon Pool
• Lake Karakuli
• Tianhe Pool
• Lake Dongtinghu
• Baotu Spring
• Lake Daminghu
• Yuquan Park
• Lake Bosten
• East Lake Scenic Area

Lake Napahai FAQ & Travelers's Tips

  Weather

1. When to go
2. Changeable weather

  Food

1. Tibetan drinking custom: do as the Tibentan does
2. Useful butter tea custom info

  Other Hints

1. Are there any tips for me to know when traveling on altitude place?
2. How is the telecommunication there?
3. Can I get online there?
4. How to bring back the Tibetan knife I bought?
5. Useful Numbers:
6. Emergency Numbers:

• When to go

  Spring and summer are the best seasons to visit Shangri-la when temperatures are moderate. The scenery is also gorgeous during these periods, with flowers blossoming and wildlife thriving in this pretty area.

  Autumn in Diqing Plateau is also spectacular. 10 days after the Mid Autumn Festival, the leaves fall form the teas and the area takes on a picture postcard appearance.

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• Changeable weather

  Bear in mind however, that Shangri-la is very high, and temperatures can change fast here. It is not unusual too, to see some snow fall in the autumn months. What's more, the temperature can vary greatly within the space of one day. Visitors to this region should come prepared- packing a variety of clothes and shoes. As usual in China- always carry your umbrella!

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• Are there any tips for me to know when traveling on altitude place?

  
  After arriving in Shangri-La, you may have altitude stress: shortness of breath, chest tightness and dreaminess. At this moment, do not do strenuous exercise or drink alcohol; have a good rest and keep warm, and you will be fine.

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• Tibetan drinking custom: do as the Tibentan does

  Before you drink a toast proposed by Tibetans, you should moisten your index fingers with the liquor, flick this finger three times, and then say Zha-xi-de-le'. ('Zha-xi-de-le' means 'as lucky as one's wishes' in Tibetan.) According to the Tibetan customs, you should sip three times and the host will refill your cup three times. After that, you ought to drink up. If you really can not stand much liquor, you can tell the host politely.

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• Useful butter tea custom info

  In a Tibetan family, there is an order to the drinking of butter tea. The elders, parents, guests and the persons they pay respect to will drink first; then, the host himself and lastly the younger people. The host will add the butter tea into your cup from time to time. So, if you have drunk enough, you should use your palm to cover the cup mouth and the host will understand. When you leave the family, you should leave a little buttered tea in your cup, which signals for your respect to the host.

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• How is the telecommunication there?

  China Mobile Communications Corporation is in the process of making the communication net cover the whole county. Now, the mobile phones can be used in most areas of Shangri-La. The signal strength may be very poor sometimes, especially in the mountains or in a gorge.

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• Can I get online there?

  Usually in your hotel, there will be internet service; but if not, you can find internet bars on Changzhen Road, and there you can go to post office to get online. It charges 4 RMB an hour in the post office.

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• How to bring back the Tibetan knife I bought?

  The Tibetan knife with not be allowed through customs at the airport however it can be taken to the train and sent by post.

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• Useful Numbers:

  • Diqing Shangri-La Airport Inquiry: 0887-8229901
    
  • Tourist Complaint: 0887-8225390

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• Emergency Numbers:

  • Fire: 119
    
  • Ambulance: 120
    
  • Police: 110
    
  • Traffic: 122
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