High-resolution multi-proxy records from two lakes on the southern Tibetan Plateau, Nam Co and Tangra Yumco, are used to infer long-term variations in the Asian monsoon system. We examine the moisture evolution during the Late Glacial Maximum and Holocene using the trace element and stable isotope composition of ostracod shells. The sediment records covering the past 24 cal. ka BP and 18 cal. ka BP, respectively, demonstrate the suitability of ostracod shell chemistry as paleoenvironmental proxy. We analysed (i) Mg/Ca, Ba/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios as salinity proxies, (ii) Fe/Ca, Mn/Ca and U/Ca ratios representing redox conditions and microbial activity, and (iii) rare earth elements (REEs) reflecting weathering and changes in provenance.