Tibet's Little Switzerland Secret! Complete Autumn Photography Guide for Basong Tso

Girls! This time I'm sharing the autumn photography guide for Basong Tso, known as the "Little Switzerland of Tibet"! As Tibet's first natural scenic 5A attraction, the autumn colors here are truly stunning!
📸 Best Shooting Spots:
1️⃣ Dachela Viewing Platform🌄
This is the best spot to capture the panoramic view of Basong Tso! You can overlook the entire lake center and Zhaxi Island. The light is softest from 9 to 11 AM, and the lake surface shines like an emerald. It’s recommended to use a wide-angle lens for panoramas and a telephoto lens to capture details of the lake island.
2️⃣ T-Bridge by the Lake Center Island
Cross the floating bridge to reach the lake center island, where you can photograph the reflection of the Tsozong Gongba Monastery. This Tang Dynasty building is over 1,500 years old, and the Red Sect monastery looks especially solemn against the autumn colors.
3️⃣ Xincuo Hiking Trail🍂
For those wanting a deep exploration, you must visit Xincuo! It’s a 2-3 hour drive from Jieba Village, with a 7 km round-trip hike. The primitive forest along the way is enchanting in autumn, with golden pine forests contrasting beautifully with the green lake water.
4️⃣ Jieba Village Viewing Platform
Deep inside the scenic area at Jieba Village, you can shoot the morning mist over the lake. The villagers are very friendly, and you can stay at local homestays to experience the life of the Gongbu Tibetan people.
🎨 Photography Tips:
Golden Hours⏰
The best times to shoot Basong Tso in autumn are 9-11 AM and 4-6 PM. The midday light is too strong and can cause overexposure, so it’s recommended to rest or hike during this time.
Filter Recommendations
A polarizing filter effectively reduces lake surface reflections, making the water appear greener. A graduated neutral density filter balances the light between the sky and ground, adding depth to your photos.
Composition Tips
Use the lake shoreline lines to guide the viewer’s eye, making the lake center island the visual focus. Try symmetrical compositions to capture the perfect reflection of snow-capped mountains in the lake.
📅 Itinerary Suggestions:
3-Day Photography Deep Tour📝
Day 1: Lhasa → Basong Tso (4-hour drive) → Dachela Viewing Platform for sunset → Stay at Jieba Village
Day 2: Morning mist shooting over the lake → Creative shooting on the lake center island → Afternoon hike at Xincuo → Return to Jieba Village
Day 3: Explore Zhongcuo Secret Spot → Return to Lhasa
5-Day Leisure Photography Tour
Add shooting spots at Lulang Forest Sea and Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon to capture the autumn colors of Mount Namjagbarwa.
🎒 Gear Checklist:
Photography Equipment📷
DSLR/mirrorless camera, wide-angle lens (16-35mm), telephoto lens (70-200mm), tripod, polarizing filter, graduated neutral density filter, spare batteries, and memory cards.
Outdoor Gear
Waterproof hiking shoes, windbreaker, light down jacket, sunscreen (SPF50+), sunglasses, trekking poles. Daytime temperatures in October range from 10-15°C, but nights can drop below 0°C, so dress warmly.
💡 Helpful Tips:
• Basong Tso is at an altitude of 3,480 meters, the lowest large lake in Tibet, so the chance of altitude sickness is low, but avoid strenuous exercise
• Some areas in the scenic spot have weak signal; download offline maps in advance
• Respect local religious customs: walk clockwise around prayer wheels, and do not take photos inside temples
• Bring snacks and hot water to replenish energy during hikes
Autumn at Basong Tso is brief but beautiful, with the best viewing period from late September to mid-October. Girls who want to shoot amazing photos, start planning now!