Basumtso Lake

Basumtso Lake

Basumtso Lake is a lake covering 28 square kilometres in Gongbo'gyamda County, Nyingchi of the Tibet Autonomous Region, approximately 300 km (190 mi) east of Lhasa. At 3,700 metres over sea level, it is about 18 km long and has an average width of approximately 1.5 km (0.93 mi).

The lake is also known as Cogao Lake, which means “green water” in Tibetan Language. The lake is very clear, mirroring the surrounded snow-capped mountains and all the birds flying above. It is the sacred lake and holy place for Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Despite its remote and hard-to-get-to location, it has already been one of the most famous scenic areas in Nyingchi due to its magnificent beauty.

In spring, the flowers around the lake are blooming with the backdrop of the snow mountains, showing a rather pleasant scenery. In autumn, the mountains are covered with red or yellow vegetation. That, coupled with the sufficient sunshine, contributes to the lingering picture.

100 meters from the bank lies a small island, named Tashi Island. The Cozong Gongbo Temple on the island, a famous Nyingma temple constructed in Tang Dynasty, boasts a history of 1500 years.

There is a mysterious cave for praying for children. According to a legend, Padma Sambhava blessed the cave. Many local people come there to pray for children.

Scenic qualifications:

The Basumtso Lake Scenic Area is listed as the National 5A scenic spot, national forest park, world tourist scenic spot Travel guide:

The best location to shoot the Tashi Island is the forest behind the holiday resort.

Accommodation: There are several guest houses by the lake. But many visitors to the lake do not stay the overnight at the scenic area because of the limited accommodations there. They choose to stay the overnight at Bayi Town, the main town of Nyingchi Prefecture or return back to Lhasa.

Activities: Saga Dawa Festival

Entrance ticket:

100 yuan/person (April 20 - October 20);

50 yuan/person (October 21 - April 19)

The yacht cost is 80 yuan/person.

Opening hours: 9:00-17:00

Notes:

1. You need to take a raft to the Tashi Island.

2. The best season of Basumtso Lake is autumn, the favorite season for shutterbugs.