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Basu County in Tibet offers a variety of outdoor activities and cultural experiences.
Basu County is located in the eastern part of Tibet. It is a must-pass place on the way to Lhasa. The journey to Tibet is long and tiring. It is a unique experience to stop here, appreciate the valley in the plateau, and eat a freshly slaughtered lamb.
The area has a broad view, charming scenery, unique cultural landscapes in each county, convenient transportation, and abundant energy. It is an ideal place for Chinese and foreign guests to travel, sightsee, explore, explore the mysteries, conduct scientific investigations, and invest in development, such as the Dora Sacred Mountain, Gama Valley, Rencuo Lake, Tongka Temple, etc.
Basu County has a plateau temperate semi-arid monsoon climate, with abundant sunshine and distinct dry and rainy seasons.
Ranwu Lake
Ranwu Lake, meaning "goat's milk lake" in Tibetan, is located 89 km southwest of Basu County in the Qamdo region of Tibet, along the Sichuan-Tibet Highway. It is the main source of the Parlung Tsangpo River, a tributary of the Yarlung Zangbo River. Its tranquility and blue waters are renowned far and wide. Dead branches and debris are rarely seen within the lake, and the surrounding scenery is diverse. Ranwu Lake is remarkably colorful, showcasing grasslands, forests, autumn leaves, white waterfowl, and a shoreline of multicolored pebbles, creating a refreshing, mirror-like reflection.
Laigu Glacier
Laigu Glacier is a collective name for a group of glaciers located in Ranwu Town, Basu County, Qamdo Prefecture, Tibet, adjacent to Ranwu Lake. Laigu Glacier is one of the world's three largest glaciers. Laigu Village, renowned for its glaciers, is just over 20 kilometers from the Sichuan-Tibet Highway. Surrounded by beautiful lakes and majestic snow-capped peaks, Laigu offers a glimpse of six marine glaciers, a natural wonder unparalleled in China and perhaps even the world, making it a prime location for glacier viewing.
Recommended play time: 1-2 days
Basu County, located in the Chamdo region of Tibet, has a rich history rooted in Tibetan Buddhism. It is significant for its ancient monasteries, rugged mountainous landscapes, and role as a crossroads for Tibetan culture and spirituality. It also serves as a starting point for many treks and pilgrimages to more remote Tibetan areas.
Basu County is located in the Chamdo region of Tibet. The most common way to get there is by flying into Chamdo Bamda Airport and then taking a taxi or bus to Basu. Due to its remote location, the area is mostly accessible by road and bus.
The best time to visit Basu County is from May to October when the weather is milder and more conducive for outdoor activities. It can be cold and snowy in winter, so it's best to avoid the region during that time.
There are no significant entrance fees for the county itself, but certain attractions like monasteries and cultural sites may charge a small fee. Tickets can typically be bought at the entrance, and some popular sites may offer online booking options.
For popular monasteries and cultural tours, it is recommended to book tickets in advance, especially during peak travel months (June to September). Booking 1-2 weeks ahead should be sufficient.
To fully explore Basu County, a stay of 2-3 days is recommended. This will allow you to visit major monasteries, trek through the mountains, and experience local Tibetan culture.
Must-see highlights include:
Guided tours are available, often in Mandarin or Tibetan. English-speaking guides may be available upon request, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Some of the best spots for photography in Basu County include:
Suggested itinerary:
There are no light shows or night tours in Basu County, but stargazing is a popular activity due to the clear skies and remote location.
Basu County is relatively quiet and not overly crowded compared to other Tibetan destinations. The least crowded times to visit are in the spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November), just before or after peak tourist seasons.
Basic facilities such as toilets and food are available in the county, particularly around popular tourist sites like monasteries. It is recommended to carry your own water and snacks when trekking to more remote areas.
Due to the mountainous terrain, some areas of Basu County may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. However, the lower areas and monasteries are accessible to most people, including children.
Cash is commonly used in Basu County, especially in rural areas. Credit cards and mobile payments like Alipay or WeChat Pay are generally not accepted in more remote areas, so it is advisable to carry cash.
There are a few simple Tibetan restaurants and cafes that serve local dishes such as tsampa (roasted barley flour), yak meat, and butter tea. These are mostly in the county center or near monasteries.
Vegetarian food is available, especially in local Tibetan restaurants. Vegan options may be more limited, but simple vegetable dishes can be found. Halal food is less common in this area, but some restaurants may offer options upon request.
There are basic guesthouses and small hotels in the county center. For more comfortable stays, visitors may need to travel to Chamdo or other larger cities nearby.
Nearby attractions include:
Souvenir shops sell traditional Tibetan items such as thangka paintings, Tibetan jewelry, prayer wheels, and handmade textiles. These can be found in local markets and near monasteries.
After visiting Basu County, you can take a bus or taxi back to Chamdo, from where you can catch a flight or bus to Lhasa or other major Tibetan destinations.
