Basum Tso Lake Tour
Basong Tso: Tibet's Emerald Lake. Your Way, with【 Huatu】.
Tired of crowded, one-size-fits-all tours? Discover Basong Tso (Basum Tso), a stunning 5A-rated alpine lake in eastern Tibet, where emerald waters meet ancient forests. With Huatu Travel, explore this hidden gem on your own terms.
As a certified 5A scenic spot operator, we offer exclusive access and expertise. Our "Menu-Style" Custom Tours let you design the perfect day:
Boat to the mystical Zhaxi Island & its ancient temple.
Immerse in local culture at the traditional Jieba Village.
Hike through pristine forests to secret viewpoints.
Savor authentic Gongbo Tibetan cuisine.
We handle all permits and logistics, so you just enjoy the breathtaking landscapes.
Why Choose Huatu?
Official 5A Partner: Guaranteed seamless, authentic access.
No Hassle, All Magic: Build your ideal itinerary from our experience menu.
Local Experts: Expert guides ensure a deep and comfortable cultural immersion.
Ready for a stress-free Tibetan lake adventure?
Discover Basum Tso: Eastern Tibet's Hidden Alpine Jewel
Hey everyone! Welcome to Basum Tso, the "Alpine Gem of Eastern Tibet." If the Potala Palace represents Tibet's deep spiritual history, then Basum Tso showcases its most vibrant, natural beauty. Nestled in Gongbu'gyanda County, Nyingchi, at 3,700 meters, its name means "Green Water." Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and ancient forests, this lake is steeped in the myths and culture of the local Gongbo Tibetan people. Let's explore five core spots that reveal its secrets.
The Heart of the Lake: A Living Emerald
First up is the main lake itself – a crescent-shaped, 27 sq km wonder. Its unbelievably clear waters shift from light green to deep emerald, like a massive, polished jade stone set between the mountains. This stunning visual effect comes from the forest-filtered snowmelt. It's so pristine that it became Tibet's first 5A-rated natural scenic area. Locals revere it as a sacred lake. During the Sagya Dawa Festival, they circle its shores, sending prayers with juniper smoke and offerings.
The Mysterious Island: Zhaxi & Tsozong Gongba Temple
Hop on a boat to Zhaxi Island, the lake's spiritual core, home to the 1,300-year-old Tsozong Gongba Temple. This ancient Nyingma sect monastery feels like a page from history. Legend says a stone on the island bears the footprint of the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. A centuries-old peach tree blooms spectacularly each spring, creating a picture of "holy lake meets pink blossoms." Walking around this tiny island is said to bring peace and longevity.
The "Forgotten Village": Jieba & Gongbo Tibetan Culture
Next, we visit Jieba Village, a "forgotten" Gongbo Tibetan settlement with a thousand years of history. This is your chance to experience authentic local life. See traditional houses with prayer flags fluttering in the wind. Meet locals in their distinctive dress – men in dark robes with daggers, women in colorful gowns with silver headdresses. Hear tales of the epic hero King Gesar and maybe even try your hand at making tsampa or butter tea in a local home.
The Hidden Trail: A Walk to Xin Tso Lake
For nature lovers, the hike to Xin Tso ("New Lake") is a must. This 4km trail from Jieba Village is an easy-to-moderate walk through an enchanted forest. Imagine towering spruces and firs draped with usnea lichen, like something from a fairy tale. The path follows a crystal-clear stream where yaks often drink. The reward is the serene Xin Tso Lake, a hidden basin where locals believe the guru Padmasambhava once meditated. It's a truly peaceful, soul-refreshing experience.
The Picture-Perfect View: Lakeview Platform & Golden Hour
Don't miss the main Lakeview Platform for the ultimate photo op. From this vantage point, you get a panoramic view of the entire lake, Zhaxi Island, the forests, and the distant peaks. At sunset, the scene turns magical. The lake shimmers gold, the mountains glow orange, and the sky paints itself in brilliant hues. It's the perfect moment to soak in the majestic beauty of EasternTibet.
A Quick Taste of Local Flavors:
-Stone Pot Chicken:A local MUST-EAT. Tender chicken & wild mushrooms slow-cooked in a unique stone pot.
- Grilled Matsutake Mushroom: Simplicity at its best. Freshly foraged mushrooms, lightly grilled. A true taste of the forest.
- Roasted Tibetan Pig Leg: A celebratory dish. Smoky, savory, and incredibly flavorful.
- Yogurt Cake: A perfect, mildly sweet treat made from rich Tibetan yogurt.
Why You'll Love It:
Basum Tso is more than just a lake. It's a living landscape where nature, ancient spirituality, and warm hospitality meet. It shows a different, more tranquil side of Tibet.
Ready to explore this hidden gem?
Plan Your Tibet Adventure with Us! Search for "Tibet Nature Tour" or "Basum Tso Travel" for more info.
