Songtsam, an award-winning luxury boutique hotel collection and Destination Management Company, located in the Tibet and Yunnan Provinces of China, announced that its first low-carbon hotel, the Songtsam Linka Retreat Lake Basong Tso, was awarded the prestigious Green Globe Certification. This property, Songtsam’s 16th, and largest property (122-rooms and suites) is the first Green Globe Certified hotel in Tibet.
In terms of sustainable development, in addition to a policy of energy conservation and emission reduction, Songtsam is also committed to supporting the economic development of the local community while simultaneously making a conscious effort to preserve the rich cultural traditions. Songtsam’s policy of hiring employees from the local communities (at least 120 jobs for villagers) will contribute to the common prosperity of the region. Songtsam Linka Retreat Lake Basong Tso will also give 5% of the property’s operating income to the adjacent Jieba village every year.
Mr. Baima Duoji, Songtsam Founder & Chairman, stated that, “Songtsam is extremely proud to be the first property in Tibet to receive the prestigious Green Globe Certification.” Baima further noted that he hopes that this certification, together with the low-carbon status achieved with the Songtsam Linka Retreat Lake Basong Tso, will serve as a model for other businesses in the area to also become more sustainable.
Green Globe, in making the announcement noted that, “Songtsam Linka Retreat Lake Basong Tso stands as a shining example of sustainable tourism. As the first property in Tibet certified by Green Globe, this enchanting property seamlessly integrates responsible practices into every aspect of its operations, setting a remarkable standard for environmentally conscious hospitality. This property also serves as a cultural bridge offering multi-faceted experiences that combine authentic architecture, cultural workshops, proximity to spiritual sites, interaction with local communities, educational resources, and opportunities to appreciate Tibetan art and traditions.”
Lake Basong Tso Area & Jieba Village
Songtsam Linka Retreat Lake Basong Tso is located in the historic Jieba village. The villagers keep the living traditions of the Gongbu Tibetans providing Songtsam guests a rare opportunity to witness age-old Tibetan customs. During festivals, the villagers go around the lake, race horses, and dance. On weekdays, the elderly villagers are often dressed in gorgeous and heroic Gongbu Tibetan costumes.
Songtsam Linka Retreat Lake Basong Tso
At an altitude of 3,480 meters (approx. 11,417 feet) the Basong Tso luxury suite and other room types showcase the ingenious fusion of Tibetan architecture and modern design. The guest rooms range in size from 36 to 105 square meters (approx. 387 to 1,130 sq ft), and each bedroom is equipped with a diffused oxygen supply system.
Architecture & Design
The design and layout of the hotel buildings echo the Cuogao Ancient Village, which is also on the shore of Lake Basong Tso. Cuogao Ancient Village completely retains the architectural structure and village layout of the Gongbu Tibetans. Songtsam took an active role in the protection and renewal of Cuogao Ancient Village. The design of the Songtsam Linka Retreat Lake Basong Tso, was inspired by the settlement style of the Cuogao Village. The staggered heights of the buildings expand the viewing angle as well as make the building complex itself appear as an integral part of the surrounding landscape. The structure of the upper wood and lower stones of the building complex and the design of the overall moving line are also inspired by the long-standing life wisdom of the Gongbu Tibetans, who used the architectural space to build the connection between people and even echo the relationship between people and nature.
The structure and appearance of the hotel building are a tribute to the local cultural history of Basong Tso, while the color schemes inside the hotel reflect an extension of the natural scenery of Lake Basong Tso itself. From the public area to the guest rooms, the use of different shades of green reflect the seasonal changes of Lake Basong Tso.
Sustainable Development & “Zero-Carbon” Hotel Goal
In 2022, Songtsam and Siemens Energy signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement to jointly promote green and low-carbon circular development in rural areas. The Songtsam Linka Retreat Lake Basong Tso, a low-carbon hotel, is a result of this partnership. Energy consumption is offset by self-generated electricity, and carbon emissions are reduced to a minimum by using the abundant solar energy in Tibet to power the hotel.
Lake Basong Tso Activities
There are many opportunities for Songtsam guests to experience the spirituality and nature of the surroundings. One can opt to go on an escorted walk to the Xincuogou hidden in the deep valley of the high gorge. Along the way, there are snow-capped mountains and glaciers, and groups of yaks wandering leisurely in the grassland covered with flowers; hiking enthusiasts can go upstream to find Zhong Lake at the end of the river, or stroll nearby the idyllic Zhala River. The mysterious and tranquil Doqin Monastery is a spiritual pilgrimage in itself; A visit to the Cuogao Ancient Village provides the visitor with an opportunity to appreciate the charm of Gongbu architecture, wood carvings, and participate in a plant art prints handicraft workshop.
