Basum Tso Scenic Area in Nyingchi City is located in Bahe Town, Gongbo'gyamda County, Nyingchi City, Tibet Autonomous Region. It is a national 5A-level tourist scenic area. Basum Tso, also known as Tso Ko Lake, has a lake surface elevation of 3,480 meters and a lake surface area of approximately 27 square kilometers. It integrates snow-capped mountains, lakes, forests, pastures, and historical sites, boasting beautiful scenery. In the scenic area, there is Cuozong Temple, an important temple of the Nyingma School (Red Sect). The construction area of Cuozong Temple is about 300 square meters, with a unique architectural style that integrates Tibetan architecture and natural landscapes. The water of Basum Tso is crystal clear, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, and the forest vegetation is abundant. It is one of the largest lakes with the lowest altitude in Tibet and enjoys the reputation of "Little Switzerland in Tibet".
History and Culture
Basum Tso has a long history and rich cultural connotations. Cuozong Temple was built at the end of the Tang Dynasty and has a history of more than 1,500 years. The temple was founded by the eminent monk of the Nyingma School, Sangye Lingpa. It is one of the important inheritance places of the Red Sect. The temple enshrines Buddha statues such as Padmasambhava and the Thousand-armed Avalokiteshvara, as well as many exquisite murals and cultural relics, witnessing the development process of Tibetan Buddhism.
In local legends, Basum Tso is a sacred lake, and the lake water has magical powers. According to legend, a goddess bathed here, making the lake water exceptionally clear and holy. These legends reflect the local people's awe and love for Basum Tso and also add a mysterious color to the scenic area.
The villages around Basum Tso have preserved many traditional Tibetan cultures and ways of life. The villagers have been engaged in grazing and farming for generations, inheriting unique folk customs, such as traditional Tibetan songs and dances, and handicraft production, showcasing the unique charm of Tibetan culture.
Main Attractions
Basum Tso Lake
Basum Tso Lake is the core attraction of the scenic area. The lake water is emerald green and clear, presenting different colors and features in different seasons and weather conditions. Surrounding the lake are continuous snow-capped mountains, such as Jieqingnalagabu Snow Mountain. The peak of the mountain is covered with snow all year round, setting off against the lake water and forming a stunning landscape painting. There is a Zhaxi Island in the lake, where there are ancient buildings and mysterious legends. Tourists can take a cruise to visit Basum Tso Lake, admire the scenery of the lake and mountains, and feel the tranquility and beauty of nature.
Cuozong Temple
Cuozong Temple is located on Zhaxi Island and is an important temple of the Red Sect. The architectural style of the temple is unique, integrating the characteristics of Tibetan wooden and stone structures. The temple enshrines Buddha statues such as Padmasambhava and the Thousand-armed Avalokiteshvara, and the Buddha statues are exquisitely shaped with superb craftsmanship. The murals of Cuozong Temple are brightly colored and rich in content, depicting Buddhist stories and mythical legends. The environment around the temple is quiet and secluded, surrounded by green trees, which forms a delightful contrast with the lake water. Tourists can feel the strong religious atmosphere here and learn about the culture and history of Tibetan Buddhism.
Jieba Village
Jieba Village is located by the side of Basum Tso Lake and is a traditional Tibetan village. Most of the houses in the village are traditional Tibetan buildings, with white walls and red roofs, scattered orderly by the lake. The villagers maintain traditional ways of life, including grazing, farming, and handicraft production. Tourists can experience Tibetan folk culture in Jieba Village, taste Tibetan cuisine, and enjoy the villagers' song and dance performances. There are also some homestays in the village, and tourists can choose to stay here to experience the peaceful rural life.
Xincuo
Xincuo is a beautiful valley in the Basum Tso Scenic Area. It is rarely visited by people and maintains its original natural scenery. There are clear streams, dense forests, and vast meadows in the valley. Walking along the stream, you can see many waterfalls and ponds, and the scenery is very charming. Xincuo is also a paradise for hiking enthusiasts. The hiking route is picturesque, allowing tourists to feel the charm of nature up close, breathe fresh air, and relax their minds and bodies.
Delicacies
Tibetan Xiang Pig
Tibetan Xiang Pig is a characteristic delicacy around Basum Tso Scenic Area. Tibetan Xiang Pigs grow in the plateau area and feed on natural forage and wild fruits. Their meat is delicious and not greasy. There are various cooking methods, and common ones include roasted Tibetan Xiang Pig and braised Tibetan Xiang Pig. The roasted Tibetan Xiang Pig has a crispy skin and tender and juicy meat inside; the braised Tibetan Xiang Pig has a bright red color and a rich taste. Tourists can taste authentic Tibetan Xiang Pig dishes in the restaurants near the scenic area.
Stone Pot Chicken
Stone Pot Chicken is a signature dish in Nyingchi area and is also very popular among tourists in Basum Tso Scenic Area. Stone Pot Chicken is made by slowly stewing local Tibetan chickens and ingredients like Rhodiola crenulata in a Motuo stone pot. The stone pot is rich in minerals, and the stewed chicken soup is rich in flavor, delicious, and nutritious. Stone Pot Chicken not only tastes good but also has certain tonic effects, making it a must-try delicacy for tourists.
Butter Tsampa
Butter Tsampa is a traditional staple food of the Tibetan people. It is made by mixing butter, tsampa (highland barley flour), and tea. Butter has a strong aroma, and tsampa has a delicate taste. After mixing them, it has a unique flavor. Tourists can add an appropriate amount of sugar or salt according to their own taste and stir well before eating. You can taste Butter Tsampa in Tibetan restaurants or villagers' homes around Basum Tso Scenic Area.
Yak Beef Jerky
Yak beef jerky is a characteristic snack in Tibet and is also sold in Basum Tso Scenic Area. It is made from the beef of plateau yaks through multiple processes such as marinating, drying, and roasting. Yak beef jerky has a firm texture, a delicious taste, and is rich in protein. It is a popular tourist souvenir and snack among tourists. Tourists can buy yak beef jerky in different flavors in the specialty stores or markets of the scenic area.
Entrance Tickets
The entrance ticket price of Basum Tso Scenic Area is 120 yuan per person, and the sightseeing bus ticket price is 50 yuan per person. Children under 1.2 meters in height are exempt from the entrance ticket and the sightseeing bus ticket; the elderly aged 60 (inclusive) to 64 can enjoy a 50% discount on the entrance ticket with a valid certificate, and there is no discount on the sightseeing bus ticket; the elderly aged 65 (inclusive) and above are exempt from the entrance ticket with a valid certificate, and there is no discount on the sightseeing bus ticket. Active-duty military personnel, disabled people, students, etc. can also enjoy corresponding entrance ticket preferential policies with valid certificates, subject to the specific regulations of the scenic area. The entrance tickets and sightseeing bus tickets can be purchased at the ticket window of the scenic area or booked in advance through online travel platforms.
Opening Hours
Basum Tso Scenic Area is open throughout the year, with opening hours from 09:00 to 18:00. During special weather or festivals, the opening hours may be adjusted. Tourists can pay attention to the official website of the scenic area or relevant announcements in advance to arrange their itinerary reasonably.
Tour Routes
Recommended tour route: Tourists first take a sightseeing bus to reach Basum Tso Lake and can choose to take a cruise to tour the lake surface and admire Zhaxi Island in the lake. After going to the island, visit Cuozong Temple to feel the religious culture. After leaving Zhaxi Island, go to Jieba Village to experience Tibetan folk culture and taste Tibetan cuisine. If there is enough time and physical strength permits, you can go to Xincuo for a hiking trip to admire the original natural scenery. The whole tour process takes about 6 to 8 hours, and tourists can adjust the route and stay time according to their own time and interests.
Transportation
- Public transportation: There are shuttle buses from Nyingchi urban area to Basum Tso Scenic Area. There are fixed departures every day, and the journey takes about 2 hours, with a ticket price of about 50 yuan. However, the number of shuttle buses is limited, so it is recommended to consult and book in advance.
- Chartered car: You can charter a car to Basum Tso Scenic Area in Nyingchi urban area. The charter fee depends on the vehicle type and the number of travel days. Generally, the charter fee for an ordinary car per day is about 500 to 800 yuan. Chartering a car is more convenient, allowing you to arrange the itinerary and stay time freely.
- Self-driving: Starting from Nyingchi urban area, drive along National Highway 318 and then turn onto the road leading to Basum Tso. The whole journey is about 120 kilometers, and the driving time is about 2 hours. The scenic area has a parking lot, and the parking fee is 10 yuan per day. Self-driving allows you to enjoy the scenery along the way more freely, but you need to pay attention to driving safety on the plateau.
Must-visit Attractions
- Basum Tso Lake: The core of the scenic area, with a lake surface elevation of 3,480 meters and an area of about 27 square kilometers. The lake water is clear, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. You can take a boat to tour and admire Zhaxi Island.
- Cuozong Temple: Located on Zhaxi Island, built at the end of the Tang Dynasty, with a construction area of about 300 square meters. It is an important temple of the Red Sect, with exquisite Buddha statues and murals.
- Jieba Village: A traditional Tibetan village with Tibetan architecture. You can experience folk culture, taste cuisine, and also stay to experience rural life.
- Xincuo: A beautiful valley, rarely visited by people, with landscapes such as streams, forests, meadows, and waterfalls. It is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts.
Tour Tips
- The altitude of Basum Tso Scenic Area is relatively high. Tourists should make preparations to prevent altitude sickness before the tour, such as taking altitude sickness prevention medicine in advance and avoiding strenuous exercise.
- The ultraviolet rays in the scenic area are relatively strong. Remember to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, and other sunscreen products to prevent sunburn.
- If you want to go hiking in Xincuo, it is recommended to wear comfortable hiking shoes and clothing suitable for outdoor activities, and bring enough water and food.
- When experiencing folk culture in Jieba Village, respect local customs and habits, such as asking for the owner's permission before entering a residential house.
- When tasting delicacies, pay attention to food hygiene and avoid eating too much raw and cold food to prevent gastrointestinal discomfort.
- Since the scenic area is relatively large and the distance between some attractions is far, it is recommended to arrange the time and itinerary reasonably to ensure that you can fully visit each attraction.
Notes
- Comply with the regulations of the scenic area, follow the instructions of the staff, and do not enter unopened areas without permission.
- Take good care of the environment of the scenic area. Do not spit or litter, and keep the scenic area clean.
- When playing by the lake, do not approach the dangerous areas by the lake, pay attention to safety, and avoid accidents.
- When visiting the temple, respect religious beliefs and cultural customs. Do not make loud noises, touch cultural relics, or Buddha statues, etc.
- When taking a sightseeing bus or cruise ship, fasten your seat belt, follow the arrangements of the staff, and do not stick your body out of the window of the bus or the side of the ship.
- If you encounter an emergency, you can call the emergency rescue hotline of the scenic area or ask the nearby staff for help.