Draksum-tso Lake

Eastern Tibet is blessed with many beautiful lakes but Draksum-tso Lake(also known as Basum-Tso Lake) is arguably the best of the lot. Located in the high gorge and deep valley of the upper reaches of the Ba River, more than 50 kilometers away from Gongbujiangda County, Nyingchi, Tibet,  Draksum-tso is a scenic spot integrating snow-capped mountains, lakes, forests, waterfalls and pastures, cultural relics and historical sites, as well as ancient temples. Draksum-tso Lake is a famous sacred lake of the Red Sect of Tibetan Buddhism.

Draksum-tso means "Three Rock Lake", also known as "Cuogao Lake", which means green water in Tibetan. The lake's surface is more than 3,700 meters above sea level. The shape of the lake is like a crescent moon embedded in a high gorge and deep valley. It is about 12 kilometers long and the lake width ranges from hundreds to thousands of meters. The deepest point is 66 meters. The total area is 25.9 square kilometers. It is a national 5A tourist scenic spot for natural scenery.

In addition to the sheer beauty of the lake and its surrounding 6,000-meter peaks, there is a small island in the middle of the lake called Tashi Island, which is the essence of Draksum-tso Lake and a must-visit place for tourists. There is an ancient temple on the island - Tsodzong Monastery, also known as Tashi Island Temple. This site is closely associated with Lingesar, the semi-mythical ruler of eastern Tibet, and the Indian saint Guru Rinpoche, both of whom are said to have resided here. So this is also a holy place for prayer. This temple is one of the holy places of the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Tsodzong Monastery was founded by Sangye Lingpa in the 14th century. The main chapel has statues of wrathful and peaceful Guru Rinpoche and smaller statues of Sakyamuni, Chenresig and Kongtsun Demo, a local protector, on horseback. In the corner of Tsodzong Monastery is what is said to be a stone hoofprint of Gesar’s horse. You may see Tibetans rubbing this on their backs to take advantage of its healing powers. The steps to Tsodzong Monastery are flanked by ancient-looking male and female fertility symbols.

Draksum-tso is also rich in biodiversity. There are about 195 species of protozoa, 242 species of phytoplankton, and various types of wild and rare plants. When walking around the lake, you can see some unnamed plants and animals. They grow and reproduce freely on this land, forming a harmonious ecosystem.

There are also hiking routes around Draksum-tso for tourists to choose from. Xintso hiking is a new and relatively easy route, but the scenery along the way is shocking. You can walk through dense forests, cross clear rivers, and see spectacular waterfalls. Every step is full of surprises and discoveries, making visitors feel like they are in a mysterious world and feel the uncanny workmanship of nature.

Travel Tips:

• Lhasa to Draksum-tso is 352 kilometers and it takes 4 hours and 58 minutes. Nyingchi to Draksum-tso is 119 kilometers and it takes 1 hour and 44 minutes.
• International tourists visiting Tibet need to contact the Tibet Travel Agency in advance to apply for a Tibet Entry Permit.
• Ordinary ticket: 120 yuan/person (May 1st- October 31st); Ordinary ticket: 60 yuan/person (November 1st- April 30th of the following year) Sightseeing bus: 45 yuan/person.
• Tashi Island: is the highlight of Draksum-tso( Tsodzong Monastery is located on the island in the middle of the lake, and many local Tibetans go there to worship)
• Draksum-tso Cruise (ticket is 150 per person, one way takes about 20 minutes, and you can go around the lake and reach forest.)
• Draksum-tso rafting (divided into three routes A/B/C, with different lengths, and the cost is 180/380/680 respectively)