Basum Tso (Draksum-tso)

巴松措

Tibet's first 5A-rated natural scenic area, a jade-green dammed lake ringed by snow-capped mountains. An island in the lake holds the thousand-year-old Nyingma Tsozong Monastery.

Basum Tso, also called Cuogao Lake, lies within Gongbo'gyamda County, about 120 km from Nyingchi city and 370 km from Lhasa. At an altitude of about 3,480 meters, the lake is around 18 km long. It is a glacial dammed lake with jade-green water, and it was the first 5A-rated natural scenic area in Tibet. The main highlight is the lake's island, Zaxi Island. Tsozong Monastery, a Nyingma monastery founded in the late Tang dynasty, stands on the island. The island also has the “peach-hugging pine,” an unusual tree, and the so-called Fertility Cave, which locals believe can cure illnesses. You reach the island on a pontoon bridge. Walking around the island takes about 30 minutes. Admission costs about 120 yuan, and the sightseeing shuttle bus costs about 50 yuan. The bus follows the east shore of the lake toward Jieba village and Xinco. Jieba is a Gongbo Tibetan village on the lakeshore, where you can stay in lakeside guesthouses and hike to Xinco at the far end of the lake (about 4 hours round trip, with a local guide or hired car required). Boat trips (about 100 yuan) take you to the opposite side of the island for panoramic views of the lake. Plan for half a day to a full day. You can stop on the way from Lhasa to Nyingchi, or make a day trip from Nyingchi city. Note: the lake area is at high altitude, so walk slowly. The lakeshore is windy and cold. In autumn (late September to October), the leaves turn yellow and reflect in the lake against the snow peaks, making it the best season for photography. If hiking to Xinco, bring enough food and water.

Basum Tso (Draksum-tso)

Opening hours

Nearby sights

Places to eat nearby