Shannan region, basically the capital city Tsetang, is famous for the Samye Monastery (the first monastery in Tibet) and Yungbulakang Palace (the first palace in Tibet). For travelers who are interested in visiting the Shannan region, we usually recommend them to take a day tour from Lhasa, visiting the highlights of the Tsetang, Samye Monastery, Yungbulakang Palace, Tradruk Monastery, Tombs of the Tibetan Kings (if time permits), and return to Lhasa.
For Luxury travelers, there are no luxury hotels in the Shannan region, and no need to stay there.
shannan tourist attractions
Yamdrok Lake
Yamdrok Lake (also known as Yamdrok Yumtso or Yamzho Yumco) is a freshwater lake in Tibet, it is one of the three largest sacred lakes in Tibet. It is over 72 km (45 mi) long. The lake is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains and is fed by numerous small streams. The lake has an outlet stream at its far western end and means turquoise in English due to its color.
Samye Monastery
The buildings in the Samye Monastery are laid out according to the Buddhism cosmology. The central Buddhist hall has three styles: Tibetan, Han, and Indian. In the early morning or evening, you can climb to the top of the Hyburi Mountain next to the temple and overlook the panoramic view of the temple and the Yarlung Zangbo River. If you take a day trip from Lhasa, you can stop by Yongbulakang Palace and Tradruk Monastery on your way back.
Yungbulakang Palace
Yongbulakang Palace is the first palace in Tibet’s history. The site stands on the highest point of the mountain and the scenery of the Yalong River Valley and the countryside is under your feet. You can climb or ride a horse to reach the palace. Tradruk Monastery is only 10 mintues away from the palace by car.
Tradruk Temple
Tradruk Monastery belongs to the Gelug sect. It was built during the Songtsan Gampo period. It is the first Buddhist temple in Tibetan history. It is said that Princess Wencheng once stopped to practice in this temple. The cooking utensils used by the princess are still preserved in the temple. The pearl thangka is the treasure of the temple.
Chimpu Meditation Caves
Compared with the famous Samye Monastery and Tradruk Monastery in the Shannan region, Chimpu Meditation Caves are the real hidden gems of the Shannan region. There are more than 300 hermits, monks, and nuns meditating in the caves scattered on the mountain slope. If you are looking for a place to experience the real life of the pilgrims, Chimpu Meditation Caves are the best place to go.