Lake Paiku in Nyalam County, Shigatse
Chinese Name: 佩枯措
English Name: Lake Paiku
Location: Located in Nyalam County, Shigatse
Admission Fee: Free
Opening Hours: All the day
About Lake Paiku
Lake Paiku is also called for Peigu cuo(佩估措), Bogu cuo(泊古措), Lacuo Xincuo(拉措新措), it is located in Nyalam County of China’s Tibet autonomous region, lying in the 60 km north of the Xixia Bangma peak(希夏邦马峰), 40 km (25 miles) south of the Yarlung Zangbo river, with an elevation of 4580 meters, covering an area of 284.4 square kilometers. The lake is surrounded by mountains, with wide areas and abundant fish resources. There are wild animals in the lakeshore such as, wild horses, wild donkeys, Tibetan antelopes, cranes, yellow ducks, and gray ducks.
Compared to Namtsoo(纳木措), Mapang Yongcuo(玛旁雍措), Selincuo(色林措), and Yangzhuo Yongcuo(羊卓雍措), Lake Paiku is not really known as those lakes. Fortunately, there are the reflection of Xixia Bangma Peak(希夏邦马峰) and the sound of the Yarlung Zangbo River, it is forming a treasure gourd shaped landscape. So there is a reason for people to be moved and to stop.
Chinese Name: 佩枯错湖
English Name: Peiku Tso Lake in Nyalam County, Shigatse
Lake Paiku (or Peiku) — in Tibetan Paiku-Tso or -Tsho—is at 4,591 meters (15,070 ft) elevation on the Tibetan Plateau at 28°55′N 85°35′E, 18 km south of the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) River. The lake is 27 km (17 mi) long and 6 km (3.7 mi) wide at its narrowest. It is surrounded by mountains reaching 5,700 to 6,000 meters (19 to 20,000 ft). Streams fed by glaciers cascade to the valley floor but most sink into alluvial deposits before reaching the lake.
Peiku-tso Lake lies in Nyalam County, 250 km from Tingri County. And it is the largest lake in Shigatse area covering over 300 square kilometers. The elevation from the lake surface is 4,590 meters. The lake is surrounded by mountains from three sides. There are many wild animals around the lake, such as horses, antelopes, donkeys, ducks, cranes, etc. Especially in deep autumn, birds fly and rest on the lakeside. Therefore, the lake view is beautiful with the vivid animals. It is worth a visit when you travel to Tibet.
The surrounding catchment is an endorheic basin with no outlet. It would overflow into the Yarlung Tsangpo with a water level about 100 meters higher. The lake’s brackish water is evidence that it has not overflowed in hundreds if not thousands of years.
Scenery of Peiku-tso Lake
Peiku-tso Lake is in the 60km north of Shishapangma, the 14th highest mountain in the world. Thus, you can see its reflection on the lake. Moreover, you can hear the sound from Yarlung Zangpo River about 40km from the river. With the stunning view of the mountain and gentle whisper from the river, you will enjoy the time near the lake.
Travel Tips
The best time to visit Peiku-tso is spring and autumn. The sunshine is strong during the day time, so you had better bring sunscreen and a hat to protect from the sun. In addition, the temperature difference is big between the day and the night. So, please bring some warm clothes in case the low temperature in the night.
Attraction Transportation:
We can take a shuttle bus from Shigatse to Nyalam County, then transfer a local mini van to Lake Paiku.
Attraction Travel Tips:
· pay attention to respect the local customs.
· 2 – 3 hours travel.
· best season to travel: Spring and Autumn.
