Basum Lake (Draksum-tso)
A forested, glacier-fed lake in Tibet's greenest and lowest-altitude prefecture.
Basum Lake, also known as Draksum-tso, sits at around 3,500m in Nyingchi Prefecture, noticeably lower and greener than most of the Tibetan plateau, thanks to moisture carried up the Yarlung Tsangpo gorge from the Indian Ocean. The lake is ringed by forested mountains and, in autumn, turns the surrounding hillsides gold and red, a striking contrast to the high desert most travellers associate with Tibet.
A small island near the lake's centre holds Tsodzong Monastery, reached by a wooden bridge, and a walking path circles part of the shoreline for those who want a longer stop than the standard viewpoint visit.
Highlights
One of Tibet's greenest and lowest-altitude landscapes
A small island monastery, Tsodzong, reached by a wooden bridge
Particularly striking in autumn foliage season
A gentler, forested contrast to the rest of the Tibetan plateau
Practical Info
Address
Nyingchi Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region
Opening Hours
8:00am–6:00pm daily, typical
Price
moderate
Entry fee payable on site, higher than most Tibetan monastery visits
In This Destination
Nyingchi
Tibet's greenest prefecture, forested valleys and canyons