Songtsam Linka Basumtso: A Must-Stay Destination

This is my second trip to Tibet, and I chose Nyingchi, drawn by the Songtsam brand. Nestled in the hidden gem of Gongbo'gyamda in southeastern Tibet, Songtsam Basumtso Linka Hotel became one of the must-stay highlights of my journey—a place to immerse myself in a healing retreat surrounded by forests. Tucked away by the shores of Basumtso Lake, this secluded hotel turns the dream of "lying back and gazing at snow-capped mountains and lakes" into reality! The two-hour drive from Mainling was smooth and comfortable. Upon arrival, the fatigue melted away as the front desk greeted us with traditional khata scarves and barley wine, setting the tone for an exceptional stay. Here’s why this hotel won me over👇 【Prime Location】 The hotel is like a pearl nestled on the opposite shore of Basumtso Lake’s heart-shaped island, with every room offering stunning views! Wake up to mist-covered "Angel’s Tear" lake at dawn, and in the evening, capture golden-hour mountain reflections right from your floor-to-ceiling windows. Just 50 meters from the lakeshore, you can stroll along the wooden boardwalk anytime (the hotel even provides portable oxygen cans and Tibetan herbal remedies for altitude discomfort). 【Service That Delights the Detail-Oriented】 • Turndown service includes a thermos of Tibetan herbal tea quietly placed by your bedside. • The welcome gift features handmade ginger tea and barley cookies—exquisitely presented. • Rooms come with underfloor heating, humidifiers, and diffuse oxygen supply to combat altitude sickness. 【Top 3 Photo Spots】 1️⃣ **Rooftop Prayer Flag Terrace**: Capture colorful prayer flags against the lake backdrop—best light one hour after sunrise. 2️⃣ **Dock Rapeseed Flower Field**: Endless yellow blooms under pristine blue skies make every shot effortlessly atmospheric. 3️⃣ **Lakeside Glass Teahouse**: Sip Songtsam’s signature high-mountain cold brew tea while photographing dreamy reflections of people and the lake through the glass. 4️⃣ The hotel’s gardens are meticulously designed—every turn reveals a new vista, with flower fields and pine forests enveloping you in serenity. Open your eyes, and it’s like stepping into a living oil painting. This is the ultimate joy of staying at Linka! 【Nearby Activities】 • A 10-minute walk takes you to Basumtso Scenic Area’s dock, where you can boat to the island’s Tsodzong Monastery. But even if you stay in, the hotel’s views are mesmerizing from dawn till dusk—every detail exudes charm, making you never want to leave. Because it’s just that beautiful! • The hotel offers lakeside cycling, though altitude sickness kept me from joining. • My destination this time: **Sintso**, a 2-hour drive to glaciers. The rugged road demands mental prep—rent a high-clearance 4WD to avoid breakdowns. But the payoff? Breathtakingly worth it! 📌 **Pro Tips**: • Don’t miss the hotel restaurant’s matsutake hotpot chicken and butter tea—plus, breakfast is divine! • Opt for the **"Lakeview Suite"** on the east side of the second floor—just ¥300 more than standard rooms but adds a balcony and bathtub. This might be Tibet’s most authentic "wild luxury" hotel—blending five-star comfort with untamed beauty and Tibetan rituals to heal the soul. Soaking in a tub under starry skies reflected on the lake, with Tibetan incense lingering, you’ll understand the saying: "Body in hell, eyes in heaven." 🌌