Basum

The Green Gem of Southeast Tibet

1.Located in: Gongbo'gyamda County, Nyingchi City, approximately 370 kilometers northeast of Lhasa, Basum Tso is a stunning highland lake nestled within a deep valley of snow-capped mountains and primitive forests. Unlike the deep sapphire blue of other Tibetan holy lakes like Yamdrok or Namtso, Basum Tso is renowned for its unique emerald-green water, earning it the title "The Green Gem of Southeast Tibet",. Situated at an altitude of approximately 3,700 meters, it is a National 5A-level tourist attraction, a National Geological Park, and a designated Nature Reserve. The lake covers an area of about 27 square kilometers, with a depth exceeding 160 meters in places, creating a serene environment often compared to a "Little Switzerland" due to its lush, alpine surroundings,.

2.The Sacred: Island and Tsozong Gongba Monastery

3.The spiritual heart of Basum: Tso is the Tsozong Gongba Monastery, a 13th-century Nyingma (Red Sect) temple situated on a small island in the middle of the lake. Pilgrims and visitors access the island via a wooden bridge. Legends suggest the island is actually "hollow" or floating, anchored only by the spiritual power of Padmasambhava, who is said to have subdued an evil dragon here and transformed the lake into a sacred protector,. The monastery houses statues of Padmasambhava, Avalokitesvara, and other deities, and ancient trees stand guard outside, creating a mystical atmosphere where the red walls of the temple reflect beautifully against the green water,.

A Canvas of Changing Colors

4.One of the most mesmerizing features of Basum: Tso is its shifting palette. The lake's color changes with the seasons: it appears emerald in spring, lush green in summer, golden in autumn, and deep blue in winter.

• 5.Spring: The "Peach Blossom Island" comes alive with blooming wild peach blossoms and azaleas, creating a pink and green dreamscape.
• 6.Autumn: The surrounding forests turn into a riot of autumn colors—gold, red, and orange—which are perfectly mirrored in the calm lake surface, offering a visual feast for photographers.

Gongbo Culture and Jieba Village

7.The area surrounding Basum: Tso is home to the Gongbo Tibetans, a subgroup with distinct clothing, architecture, and festivals. Visitors can explore Jieba Village, an ancient settlement near the lake, to experience authentic local life, seeing traditional stone and wood houses and the unique "Gongbo" attire. During festivals like the Gongbo New Year or the Saga Dawa Festival, locals gather to circumambulate the lake and the monastery, filling the air with the smoke of burning mulberry branches and the sounds of traditional songs and dances.

Ecological Haven

Beyond its spiritual significance, Basum Tso is an ecological haven. It is surrounded by dense primitive forests filled with pines, firs, and wildlife including bears, leopards, and black-necked cranes,. The interaction between the snow-capped peaks of the Nyenchen Tanglha range and the lush valley floor creates a rare vertical landscape zone where one can view glaciers and green forests in a single glance,.