Basum Lake
Also known as Cuogao Lake, Basum means “Green Water” in Tibetan. It is located in Cuogao Township, Gongbo'gyamda County, Nyingchi City, Xizang Autonomous Region, tucked in an alpine valley on the upper reaches of the Ba River, around 50 kilometers from downtown Gongbo'gyamda and roughly 360 kilometers from Lhasa, forming a pivotal stop on Xizang’s cultural and tourist itinerary.The scenic area sits at an average altitude of 3,800 meters, with the lake surface at 3,480 meters above sea level. A typical glacial freshwater moraine lake in eastern Xizang, it stretches in an elongated crescent shape: 15 km long, 3 km wide, covering a water area of 27 km², with an average depth of 60 meters and maximum depth of 120 meters; its total catchment basin spans 1,209.5 km².Boasting a temperate semi-humid alpine monsoon climate, the region features mild weather and abundant oxygen. With extremely high forest coverage and pristine intact ecosystems, it is a rare highland wellness resort across southeast Xizang.
1. Panoramic Lake & Mountain Scenery: Snow peaks, primeval forests, emerald lake waters and alpine meadows blend seamlessly with distinct four-season charms. Lakeshore wildflowers bloom in spring; dense woodland turns lush green in summer; mountain forests blaze with varied autumnal hues; snow-capped peaks frame tranquil lake vistas in winter.
2. Zhalagou Waterfall Cluster: Hundreds of cascades scatter across the north-valley cliffs of the lake. Torrential water plunges down the precipices amid rainy seasons, paired with wetland stretches to create magnificent waterscape.
3. Jeyangla Holy Peaks: The landmark mountain range of the scenic spot harmonizes perfectly with lake waters, serving as a classic sightseeing and landscape photography landmark.
1. Core Cultural Attractions
• Tashi Island (Mid-lake Isle): Roughly 100 meters offshore, the isle is locally nicknamed the “Hollow Floating Isle”. Home to Tsodzong Gonpa Temple founded in the Tang Dynasty over 1,500 years ago, this revered Nyingma Buddhist sanctuary preserves intact ancient Buddha statues and murals. Distinctive scenic highlights including a peach tree wrapped around pine and King Gesar’s historic relics are well kept here.
• Ancient Xizang Villages: Lakeside Ba Village and Cuogao Village are well-preserved traditional Gongbo-Tibetan hamlets. Cuogao Village has won national honors including China Historical & Cultural Village, Top 10 Most Beautiful Chinese Villages and China Leisure Village, fully retaining authentic Gongbo Tibetan architectures, folk customs and age-old living styles.
2. Folk Traditions
The scenic area conserves complete indigenous Gongbo-Tibetan culture, featuring distinctive ethnic costumes, folk dances, festive rituals and local cuisine, acting as an essential gateway to experience the diversified folk civilization of southeast Xizang.
