Lake Basum Tso

The lake, named Basum-Tso in Tibetan, is a stunning highland lake lying 90 kilometers west of Kongpo Gymdo County. Basum has another Tibetan name, Tsokou, which means 'green water' in Tibetan. Besides offering awesome views, many glaciers on the upper reaches of the lake provide it with a constant supply of fresh water.

Covering 26 square kilometers, the pristine waters of the green lake reflect the picturesque snow-capped peaks surrounding the lake. The entire area around Basum Lake is so beautiful that thoughts of the inspiring Swiss Alps come to mind as one stands on the shoreline of this majestic lake. Fish are shoaling in the water, birds are circling in the air and beasts are roaming in the nearby forest. Animals are living a comfortable and easy life in Basum. In 1997, the lake was listed by World Tourism Organization as a world tourist site.

Basum is also a notable holy lake of Nyingmapa order of Tibetan Buddhism. Nyingmapa, the 'school of the old persons', the so-called red caps, the oldest Tibetan buddistischen schools, find its beginnings of the Tibetan Buddhismus in 7th and 8th centuries on the shores of Basum Lake.

Another wonderful reason to visit Basum Lake is found on the northwest bank of the lake. Adventurous travelers find the gigantic stone, which has a hole allowing one person to pass. Legend has it that passing through the hole is capable of curing diseases and misfortunes.

At the center of the lake on an islet, there is a monastery, which was founded in the 17th century. Today, the monastery mainly houses Maitreya and Chenrezi. However, centuries ago, monks carved Buddhist figures and animals into the reef, bordering the small island making the small island a worthwhile stop to this beautiful highland treasure in Tibet known as Basum Lake.