In  Nyingchi area, 400 kilometers away from Lhasa, also known as Basum and Tsogo, the latter means green water in Tibetan and 3,700 meters above sea level. Basongtso (巴松错), with crystal-clear water, fish-swimming, good forest scenery and rich wild avian resources, is a holy lake to the Ningma (Red) Sect from Tibetan Buddhism. Despite the remoteness of the lake with difficult transportation, its excellent natural environment, especially flower-blossoming springtime associated with surrounding snowy mountains reflecting on mirror-like water, and in fall, the tree leaves’ red miraculously paints mountainside, has traditionally been attracting visitors to come. Therefore, Basongtso is the earliest known tourist attraction in Nyingchi area. 

An island is said floating in the lake which foundation is without touching the bottom, located about 100 meters off shore and called Zhaxi Island. A monastery from the epoch of the Tubo Tsampo Dynasty (Tufan) about 1,500 years ago, Tso Zong Gong Ba, is famous among Red Sect believers. Of earth and wooden structure, with honoring Master Lianhuasheng, Kwan-yin of a Thousand Arms and the Golden Boy and Jade Maiden. Totems of genital worshipping are around Tso Zang Gong Ba Monastery’s vicinity. A tree of peach blossom and pine mixed sort at the south of the monastery is best to see when amorous peach blossom flowers bloom with pleasant-looking pine greenery in spring. To the island, it requires five RMB Yuan to take a small canoe from the lakeshore or walk through the bridge that links. 

The Cave of Praying for Bearing Child is by the side of a stream near Basongtso Lake. It is said that Master Lianhuasheng has blessed the cave, so that it has divine power to make people’s dreams come true. A giant piece of stone is seen in the northwest of the lake. In the middle of which, has a cave that one person can be entering is said to be preventing and curing all human illnesses. On the sandy beach located not far away from here, the Cultivation Grotto of Master Lianhuasheng is a good sightseeing spot. On 15^th Day of the Fourth Month in Tibetan Calendar, a long, pure white stripe will appear at the bottom of the lake center. The locals call it the giant piece of Hada White Silk that is a contribution to King Gesar, ancient Tibetan warrior.

Ten adjectives can be used to describe the majestic grand canyon of Yalung Tsangpo River. High: two extreme peaks, 7,782 meters and 7,234 meters above sea level are stood on both sides of the gorge respectively. Glaciers are hanging high above your head. Grandiose: look at the gorge on board an airplane, the stunning scenes of snow mountains in the Himalayas’ eastern section will feast your eyes on. The Yalung Tsangpo cuts a path, which goes courageously amid mountains into the Indian Ocean. Deep: the deepest section of the gorge is in between Namjagbarwa and Gyalha Bairi Peaks. It has a depth of 5,382 meters. It is the deepest gorge in the world. Moist: due to the extreme deepness, dense forestry, abundant rainfall and the influence of the wet air blows from the Indian Ocean, the Yalung Tsangpo Gorge is the moistest part in Tibetan Plateau. Silent: deep forest, inconvenient traffic, sparse population and foggy weather have made the gorge always has tranquility with giving mysterious feeling to visitors. Long: this is the longest gorge in the world, 496.3 kilometers is 56 longer than the Colorado Gorge. Dangerous: steep sides are all along the long canyon, it has been no one dares to travel the whole area on foot hitherto. Drifting is extremely dangerous even fatal here because the rapid is too powerful. Low: the lowest point of the gorge is 155 meters above sea level. Odd: the east-flowing Yalung Tsangpo River will suddenly turn south in eastern Himalayas. It streams downwards along the slope of the south mountainside and goes into the Indian Ocean. Beautiful: the whole Yalung Tsangpo Gorge can be regarded as having the best scenery in the world. No matter its beauty, vastness, deepness and the power of water flowage, the “grand canyon” will give you unforgettable travel experience.

The heavenly Yalung Tsangpo River to Tibet as if the magnificent Galaxy to the outer space in our Universe. It is the precious cradle to ethnic Tibetans and their profound culture, which has a long history and been contributing a lot to modern Chinese culture. It is recommended to see the semi-primitive people living in the deep valley of the Yalung Tsangpo Gorge. However, it will take you a long and difficult journey that goes through dim forests and icy mountain passes.

Transportation: First, you may take a bus from Lhasa to Bayi Town in Nyingchi area and then transfer to Pailong (排龙). Walk from Pailong to Zhaqu (札曲) and tour around the Great Turn of Yalung Tsangpo River and the world deepest gorge. While returning to Pailong, you can visit the semi-primitive tribes and see virgin forest. To Milin (米林), tour the Shannan area and to Jiacha (加查). You have a good opportunity to appreciate the landscape along the Yalung Tsangpo River on the way.