Yumbulakhang
Yambulakhang stands spectacularly on the top above a fertile valley. The Yambulakhang Palace is one structure that is associated with fables, folklore, fantasy and the real. The story about the Tibetan king Nyatri Tsedpo in the second century BC, who is supposed to have descended from heaven and how he built this amazing fortress like palace is something every Tibetan agrees to. It is situated at a distance of about 12 km as you turn south from Tsedang. The Yambulakhang Palace is a 5 storey fortress which is perched on the top of a hill. The view from the palace is astounding; one can see the entire valley at a wide stretch from the top. Many believe that this was the first building ever built in Tibet. The Cultural Revolution was able to destroy the palace but a perfect replica was built in the 1982. The Palace also has a two-storey chapel and an 11 meter high tower.
Near Yumbulakhang
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.
