Lake Basum

Lake Basum in Nyingchi is more than 3700 meters above the sea level, covering an area of 6 acres with 12 kilometers long. It is like a new moon with the deepest point is 66 meters. The water is clean, which is surrounded by snow-capped mountains reflecting in the water. The yellow duck, the white crane and other birds are swimming in the lake. It was named the National Scenic Area in 1994 and at the same time, it was listed into the world tourist attractions by the World Tourism Organization.

Landscape Features

Lake Basum Scenic Area combines Snow Mountains, lakes, forests, waterfalls, cultural relics, scenic pasture temple together. The sceneries are different in four seasons. The rare wild animals and plants still exist in here, which can be called the Earth Paradise. Although locates deeply in the remote area, this place is still famous for the Lake Basum lying among the forests and mountains.

The water of Lake Basum is very clean and transparent so that people can easily see the fish swimming in the water. Every spring, flowers bloom around the lake with the refection of Snow Mountain in the water. In winter, the red maple leaves reflect the brightness all over the mountains, which is very beautiful against the blue sky.

Away from the shore about one hundred meters is an island called Tashi Island. In the legend, this island is a hollow island. That’s to say, the island is not connected with the lake and just float on the lake. Although it is just a legend, the island draw many people’s attention because of the legend. A temple was built on the island in Tang Dynasty (618-907) with a long history about 1500 years, which is the temple for the Mongolian Lamaism in Tibet. On the shore of the small stream in the north of Lake Basum is a mysterious attraction named Qiuzi (request for the children) Hole. In the west of the lake, there is a place for King Gesar to try the arrow. It is said that on April 15th of Tibetan calendar, a long white ribbon will come from the center of the lakebed. The local people say it is the huge white Hada dedicated to King Gesar.

Travel Tips

The best time for Lake Basum is in autumn. With bright sky, soft wind and thin clouds, the shore of the lake is covered by abundant colors. It is a good opportunity for the photography lovers. Due to the forests around the lake, people should climb the mountain behind the Basum Resort. The island may look like a gemstone in the green lake.

Explore Related Info

Top China Attractions by City

• Nyingchi Travel Guide

Nyingchi Culture