Namtso Lake or Ganden?

I need a little assistance here! I'm going to have been to EBC, Gyantse, Shigatse, Lhasa and have time for one trip out of Lhasa (one day only). Is the Namtso trip spent mostly on the road? If you have been to both Namtso and Ganden, which would you recommend?

My concern with Namtso is that from the pictures it looks like a much more stark Lake Titicaca, and I wasn't overly impressed with Lake Titicaca! (I think I like my waterways more hemmed in and dramatic!). Am I missing something?

I've seen people sitting on a hill in pictures above Ganden looking down on it and it looks a good view - any ideas how long it takes to get up/down this hill?!

Hard Question to answer!! Namtso is amazing but you'll spend 8 hours in a bus!! If you don't like wide open lakes, mountains on the horizon and BIG SKY...then don't goto Namtso. Ganden is cool. 1 hour from Lhasa and a great high Kora hike to do.

I'd go to Namtso if I had 2 days. In your case I would pick Ganden.......but then I'm not you!!

CJ

If I only had 1 day and no overnight I would choose Ganden. Its not far from Lhasa and its a beautiful ride. Nam Tso lake is beautiful but returning to Lhasa the same day makes it a bit rushed. Lots of local people in Ganden, lots of tourists (chinese and foreigners) at Nam Tso.

I have been to both, and I would have to agree with mrcjonesy. I did a day trip to Nam Tso, and it was beautiful, while the views from the Kora route around Ganden are amazing. The best way to get to Namtso is to arrange the trip with one of the local travel agencies, and unless you want to go by yourself (expensive), you will have to spend time getting a group together to share expenses. The trip to Ganden can be done by public bus. There is a ticket booth on the Kora route around the Johkang. I believe you have to buy your ticket a day in advance, but am not totally sure. The booth is not open all the time, and tickets tend to sell fast, so you should get there early in the AM.

I've also been to both. Nam-Tso is far, and very peaceful, but still only a lake. In my opinion, the views of Ganden are much more impressive and way worth it considering it's a short distance away. And you'll never forget the windy road all the way up to Ganden.

We didn't buy tickets beforehand, just showed up really early and got on the right bus. The bus is packed, so you should get there early if you want a seat.

<blockquote>Quote
<hr>4.

... And you'll never forget the windy road all the way up to Ganden.<hr></blockquote>

"Windy" as in wind blowing, or as in winding, Gary?

Any steep drop-offs?

Thanks.

If it were my choice, I would go to Ganden. The kora around Ganden is a great hike.

No choice for me - Nam Tso is a barren lake, full of beggars. Ganden is a spectacular, friendly monastery. It was the highlight of my time in Lhasa. We were too late to get the pilgrim bus so took a taxi for about 300 return with a 2 hour stop. If we'd been better organised I'd have gone for the bus & had time to do the kora.