Basum Tso Lake
Basum Tso, also known as Cuogao Lake, means “Three Rocks, Three Lakes” in Tibetan. It is a famous sacred lake and pilgrimage site of the Nyingma school.…
Basum Tso Lake, Nyingchi · AI illustration for China Trip
Key facts
- Admission
- ¥120 (May–October), ¥60 (November–April)
- Opening hours
- 8:30–20:30 (May–October); 9:00–18:30 (November–April)
- Time needed
- 2–5 hours
- Getting there
- Long-distance buses run from both Lhasa and Bayi Town. Get off at the bridge in Bayi, and the ticket office for Basum Tso is right there. You can also hire a jeep from the post office in Bayi Town, which costs about ¥500 per vehicle for a round trip.
- Guidebook rating
- 5 / 5
From China Self Guided Travel 2025, page 582. Open in Google Maps
About Basum Tso Lake
Basum Tso, also known as Cuogao Lake, means “Three Rocks, Three Lakes” in Tibetan. It is a famous sacred lake and pilgrimage site of the Nyingma school. The water is so clear that you can see straight to the bottom. Snow-capped mountains surround the lake and are reflected in its surface, while birds such as ruddy shelducks, gulls, and cranes drift quietly across the water. About 100 metres from the shore lies a small island called Tashi Island. Legend says it is a “hollow island,” meaning that it is not connected to the lakebed but floats on the surface. Prayer flags flutter on Tashi Island, and the exquisite Cuozong Gongba Monastery (meaning “castle in the lake”) belongs to the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism, known as the Red Sect. It enshrines Padmasambhava and has a history of 1,500 years.
According to local legend, on the 15th day of the fourth month of the Tibetan calendar (around 1 June each year), a long white band emerges from the centre of the lakebed beneath the deep blue water. Locals believe it is a giant white khata offered to King Gesar. On this day, local people also observe the custom of walking around the lake.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Basum Tso Lake cost?
Admission to Basum Tso Lake is ¥120 (May–October), ¥60 (November–April), as listed in the 2025 guidebook. Prices can change; check the official channel before you go.
What are the opening hours of Basum Tso Lake?
Basum Tso Lake is open 8:30–20:30 (May–October); 9:00–18:30 (November–April).
How do I get to Basum Tso Lake?
Long-distance buses run from both Lhasa and Bayi Town. Get off at the bridge in Bayi, and the ticket office for Basum Tso is right there. You can also hire a jeep from the post office in Bayi Town, which costs about ¥500 per vehicle for a round trip.
How long should I spend at Basum Tso Lake?
Plan on 2–5 hours for Basum Tso Lake.
Where is Basum Tso Lake?
Basum Tso Lake is in Nyingchi, Tibet Autonomous Region, in the Southwest of China. Xueka Township, Gongbo'gyamda County, Nyingchi
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