Map

YUMBU LAGANG CASTLE -The Yumbu Lagang is a 1982 reconstruction of what was reputed to be the oldest dwelling place in Tibet (the previous building was completely destroyed during the Cultural Revolution) . It is situated about 12km from Tsetang, on a ridge above the Yarlung Valley, home of the first kings of Tibet. It was the first forti-fied palace in Tibet, which also served as the first Buddhist temple, dating from the second century B.C.

LHASA TO GYANTSE - The drive to Gyantse takes a full day and includes crossing two passes: Kamba La (4794m / 15,729ft. ) and Karo La (5010m / 16,438 ft. ). When you look down from Kamba La Pass, you can see the breathtaking view of Yamdruk Lake (Turquoise Lake) — shaped like a scorpion — so large you cannot see its full extent during the hour or so you are driving along its banks. The Karo La Pass is between two mountains: Nozin Khangsa (7223m / 23,700 ft. ) recognizable by it’s large hanging glacier on the right and Ralung Mountain (6236m / 20,460 ft. ).

GYANTSE - It is a small town on the northern bank of the Nyang Chu River. During the 15th century it was the capital of a small kingdom. Towering over Gyantse on a steep hill are the ruins of an old and famous fort. It was here in 1904, that the British expedition led by Younghusband defeated an army of 5,000 Tibetans with superior gunpower. Gyantse is very Tibetan in feel and style — it has not suffered from modern expansion. There are many shops, and simple restaurants where you can easily get Tibetan food such as Momos (dumpling), Chang (millet beer) and Thukpa (noodles).

KUMBUM TEMPLE (founded in 1440) , and the PELKOR CHODE (central monastic building - started in 1418). This is possibly the most beautiful temple in Tibet. It was constructed in the 15th century by Newar artisans and is the best preserved example of Newari art to survive in Tibet . It has 112 Chapels. Remember to circumambulate clockwise. Many of the original statues remain intact.

GYANTSE TO SHIGATSE (3900 metres / 12870 feet) (Distance = 60 Km, a pleasant 2 hour drive.)

SHIGATSE - Shigatse is the capital of the province of Tsang and is the second largest city in Tibet. The hotel in Shigatse has adequate food and there are also a number of Chinese restaurants nearby where you can eat food that’s comparable in quality but much less expensive.

TASHILUMPO (Tashihunpo) MONASTERY - Founded in 1447, it is the historical seat of the Panchen Lama (the traditional teacher of the Dalai Lama). Among the many interesting sights are the 26 meter high statue of the future Buddha which is gilded with gold and decorated with valuable jewels. The main monastery is the largest and contains prayer halls, printing blocks, and statues of many deities. It is not uncommon to see monks and lamas studying and debating nearby.

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