Sheldrak Cave
Sheldrak Cave is regarded as the first meditation site of Guru Padmasambhava in Tibet, and is therefore an important pilgrimage place, especially for Nyingma followers.
It is a demanding excursion of 4 to 5 hours with about 1,000m of altitude gain, starting from Tsechu Bumpa, 4km south of Tsetang. The route climbs through a high valley to the cave and associated retreat huts.
It is best suited to fit, acclimatised walkers and pilgrims.
Near Sheldrak Cave
More to see around Yarlung Valley and Southern U.
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Sight
Chokhorgye
The dramatic Chokhorgye monastery (4500m) is 35km drive from Gyatsa town, wedged between three peaks; Zhidag, Shridebi and Begtse.
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Nature & Viewpoints
Chongye Valley
The valley of Chongye was the ancient capital of Tibetan King, until Songtsen Gampo moved it to Lhasa in seventh century.
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Temples & Monasteries
Dorji Drak Monastery
Tubten Dorji Drak is one of the two important Nyingma monasteries in U region.
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Sight
Dranang
48 km from Gongkar airport, along the road to Tsetang is the turn-off to Dranang (Dratang) Monastery, which is 2km drive inland.
