Basumtso lake is the name that local people in Tibet commonly use for this lake. The real authentic Tibetan name for the Basumtso lake is Drak Sum Tso Lake, meaning three rock lake. The lake is also known as Gongga Lake. The lake covers about 28 Square kilometres. It is about 18 kilometres long and has nearly 1.5 Kilometers wide. It is situated 300 Kilometers east of Lhasa City. The elevation of the lake is 3700 Meters above sea level. At its deepest point, it is 120 meters deep.
The mountain surrounds the Basumtso lake in all four directions. As you reach near the lake you will have a great view of the lake with the reflection of all the surrounding lush green hills and Snow-capped mountains. You will have to take a detour to the Basumtso lake from the Lhasa-Nyingchi Express highway. As you drive further into an offroad path toward the northwestern part of the lake you will find one of the most beautiful Tibetan villages in the entire world.
We local Tibetan revered the Basumtso lake as we believe at this Guru Rinpoche and Ling Gesar has both reside. It is an essential pilgrimage destination for the people following the Red Hat or Nyingmapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. In the middle of the lake, you will find a small island called Tashi Island. It is believed the island is a floating island. In the middle of the island, you will find a small enchanting Temple call TsoDzong Gonpa. According to some legend, the temple was built during the last tang Dynasty. Others also said it was built by the highest Nyingmapa Lama of this region called Dudjom Rinpoche.
The entrance to the Basumtso lake is located 4 km before the lake, Here all the travellers have to leave their car/Vehicle and take a shattered bus to the lake visitor centre. The is kora or Circumambulation path around the lake, it takes about two days to make one full circumambulation around the lake. Many pilgrims prefer takes the speed boat to the sacred spot on the northwestern point of the Basumtso lake. As you disembark at the landing spot, you can walk inland to the waterfall site. Here you will find local pilgrims rub themselves on the holy stones and squeeze into impossible narrowing opening of a cave.
Each year during the summer holidays, Our team members would go to this Basumtso lake for hiking and exploration of this region around the lake for weeks. It is highly recommended for travellers to stay and explore around the lake with your family members. There are Tibetan family guest houses around the lake where you can stay for a night.
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