Nagqu, Prefecture-level city in Tibet, China
Nagqu is a city on the northern Tibetan plateau with vast grasslands, mountains, and numerous lakes at high elevation. The landscape features open rolling terrain and mountain ranges that extend across hundreds of kilometers.
The city grew from a small clay-hut settlement in 1950 into a major administrative center. This expansion marked the convergence of major trade routes connecting Tibet and the Amdo region.
The annual horse race in August draws herders and riders who display traditional horsemanship and participate in archery competitions on the grasslands.
The city is accessible via the Qingzang railway line, which connects to other regions. Visitors should prepare for high elevation and bring warm clothing for the cold mountain conditions.
The region holds most of Tibet's lakes, including Namtso and Siling lakes. This extensive water network at extreme altitude represents one of the world's largest lake concentrations.
Location: Tibet Autonomous Region
Elevation above the sea: 4,500 m
Website: http://naqu.gov.cn/WebPage/Home
GPS coordinates: 31.47665,92.05691
Latest update: December 7, 2025 09:24
This collection includes towns established above 3,000 meters altitude, mainly located in the Andes and on Asian highlands. These urban centers house several million inhabitants who live daily under conditions where oxygen is scarce. La Rinconada in Peru reaches 5,300 meters, making it the highest city in the world, while La Paz in Bolivia, at 3,639 meters, has over 1.6 million residents. Sites with historical significance such as Potosí in Bolivia, founded in the 16th century for its silver mines and now a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Lhasa in Tibet, the former capital of the Tibetan kingdom with dozens of Buddhist temples including the renowned Jokhang Temple, are included. Additionally, towns like Puno in Peru or Shigatse in China demonstrate human adaptation to extreme environments, creating communities of hundreds of thousands. These destinations offer a look into Andean and Himalayan cultures shaped by elevation and provide exceptional travel experiences.
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