Basum Tso (Basong Lake)

巴松措 · Alpine Lake · Nyingchi

Basum Tso is a 3,480-metre alpine lake in Nyingchi, ringed by forested peaks and famous for the ancient Tashi Island monastery at its centre. Autumn colors and the snow-draped, forested shoreline make it Tibet's most gentle lakescape.

See stays
TypeAlpine Lake
Visit lengthAbout 4 hours
TicketsSample price ¥120
Opening hours9:00–18:00 (Apr–Oct); winter access weather-dependent

Overview

Quick facts about Basum Tso (Basong Lake)

Quick answer

Basum Tso is a 3,480-metre alpine lake in Nyingchi, ringed by forested peaks and famous for the ancient Tashi Island monastery at its centre. Autumn colors and the snow-draped, forested shoreline make it Tibet's most gentle lakescape.

TypeAlpine Lake
Visit lengthAbout 4 hours
TicketsSample price ¥120
Opening hours9:00–18:00 (Apr–Oct); winter access weather-dependent

How to visit

Practical advice from our Lhasa team.

  • Bus: Scenic shuttle from Bayi District (~2h); most visitors join Nyingchi tours

Hotels near Basum Tso (Basong Lake)

Sorted by walking or driving distance when we have it; otherwise hotels we use in the same city.

Best time to visit

Average daily high and low in °C, and monthly rain in mm. Winter is cold and dry, with fewer visitors and lower hotel prices.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec29°-4°130 mm
Daily highDaily lowRain
BestGoodCold or limited access

Nearby

Questions

The better months are usually March, April, September, October.
Yes. All foreign visitors need a Tibet Travel Permit, and some areas need extra permits. We file them for you with every booking.
Your guide books timed entry when we confirm the tour. Sample price ¥120

Visiting Nyingchi?

Tell us your dates. A Lhasa specialist replies within one working day with a day-by-day plan and a price.