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Gongbo'gyamda County, Nyingchi City, Tibet.
Paradise for photographers; Beautiful scenery with lake, snow mountain, forest.
Basum Lake, also known as Basongcuo, which means green water in Tibetan, is located in Gongbujiangda County, Nyingchi, Tibet. At an altitude of 3,480 meters, Basum Lake is a famous holy lake in Tibet. It is like an irregular emerald embedded between snow-capped mountains and forests. The color of the lake changes with seasons.
Located in a deep valley at an altitude of 3,480 metes, Basum Lake(巴松措) is a crescent surrounded by mountain ranges and lush trees, like an emerald embedded in a valley. Famous for its beautiful scenery, Basum Lake is also the holy lake of Red Sect. Every year, thousands of adherents flood here to worship.
Basum Lake, some times called Basumco Lake, is named as Cuogao Lake meaning green water in Tibetan language. It is a stunning highland lake lying 90km (56 miles) west of Kongpo Gymdo County. Besides offering awesome views, many glaciers on the upper reaches of the lake provide it with a constant supply of fresh water.
Basum Lake is surrounded by mountains and enjoys a temperate climate. At the feet of the snow-clapped mountains, the vegetation is luxuriant and the trees of black maples, birches, pines cypresses and azaleas connected each other to form a world of greenery. The pristine waters of the green lake reflect the picturesque snow-capped peaks surrounding the lake. The entire area around Basum Lake is so beautiful that thoughts of the inspiring Swiss Alps come to mind as one stands on the shoreline of this majestic lake. Animals are living a comfortable and easy life in Basum. Fish are shoaling in the water, birds are circling in the air and beasts are roaming in the nearby forest.
Basum is also a notable holy lake of Nyingmapa order of Tibetan Buddhism. Nyingmapa, the 'school of the old persons', the so-called red caps, the oldest Tibetan buddistischen schools, find its beginnings of the Tibetan Buddhismus in 7th and 8th centuries on the shores of Basum Lake.
Zhaxi Island
Zhaxi Island is an island in the middle of the Basum Lake. It is said that the island is not connected with the bottom of the Basum Lake and floats on the water. At the Zhaxi Island, you can see the prayer wheel and prayer stones.
Reflection of Snow Mountain
There are 2 snow mountains on both sides of the Basum Lake, which are covered with snow all year round. One of them looks like king's throne, and another one looks like burning flame. On sunny days, the snow mountains around the Basum Lake are reflected on the lake, which are just like a fairyland.
Secret Place of Primitive forest
Basum Lake provides hiking experience. Here you can hike along the lake, cross the spruce forest and encounter the Zangxiang pigs to feel the real nature.
The best time to visit Basum Lake will depend on the scenery you prefer because Basum Lake is always beautiful in different seasons.
In spring(April-May), peach blossoms are beautiful and impressive at Basum Lake. The lake is melting, and snow-capped mountains and the pink and white sea of flowers.
In summer(June-August), the forest is green, the lake is blue as water, and it is a summer resort for avoiding heat.
In autumn (September-October), the golden and flaming autumn foliage are reflected on the lake, which is the paradise for photography lovers.
In winter(November-March), the snow-capped mountains are solemn, the lake is half ice and half water, and it is a quiet world.
Basum Lake is suitable for hiking with its snow mountains, glaciers, alpine pasture and picturesque lake. With the elevation of about 3,500 meters, rich oxygen and high coverage rate of forest, altitude sickness seldom happens at Basum Lake.
Your hiking will start from Jieba Village, and immerse yourselves at the secret land of the lake. You will see the cattle and sheep strolling through the meadow, and listen to the wind passing through the prayer flags.
At the Basum Lake, you can experience Tibetan homestays in Jieba Village and Cuogao Village. You can drink butter tea and taste yak meat. In the morning, you may have chance to enjoy the stunning sunrise on the snow mountains. During this time, the color of the snow mountains are particularly attractive and beautiful. And the snow mountains during the sunrise reflected on the calm surface of the Basum Lake is really beautiful. It is said that people who witness the stunning sunrise on the snow mountains will be very lucky. At night, look up and you will see the Milky Way and starry sky.
Basongcuo is the essence of Nyingchi section of Sichuan-Tibet line, accompanied by snow-capped mountains, canyons and Tibetan villages.
Basum Lake is about 2.5 hours’ drive from Nyingchi. To get to Nyingchi, you can take plane or train.
And Basum Lake is about 5 hours’ drive from Lhasa.
Day Trip in Basum Lake
You can get to Basum Lake from Nyingchi or Lhasa, then visit the Basum Lake. At the Basum Lake, you can enjoy the picturesque scenery of the snow mountains, forests, lakes and architectures here.
Two Days in Basum Lake
Day 1 Basum Lake
Day 2 The Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon
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