Basumtso Lake

The Draksum-tso is one of Tibet’s most famous scenic spots. It lies in the Gongbogyamda County, at about 90 km away from the county seat Gorlingka and 120 km away from Bayi Town. In 1997, the World Tourism Organization listed the lake into its international tourist spots. In 2001, the State Tourism Administration granted 5 4A title, Draksum-tso was the only tourism region. In 2002, it became a State Forest Park.

Eastern Tibet is blessed with many beautiful lakes but this is arguably the best of the lot. Draksum-tso Lake, and particularly its monastery island, Tsodzong Monastery, is a photographer’s dream.

Apart from the sheer beauty of the lake and its surrounding 6000m peaks, the site has strong connections to Gesar of Ling, the semi-mythical ruler of eastern Tibet, and Guru Rinpoche, the Indian sage, both of whom are said to have resided at Draksum-tso Lake.