Travel Guide for a 5-day Self-driving Trip along the Southern Border of Sopacana
2 cities |
41 attraction(s) |
total distance 1413
km
TIPS
Day1
Day2
Day3
Day4
Day5
Day1: Lasa > Shannan
8 attraction(s) ·
186 km
5
The Samye Monastery, known as the "first monastery in Tibet", is a key national cultural heritage site. It is located at the foot of Zhama Mountain on the northern bank of the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Zhanang County, Shannan, 38 kilometers away from Zedang Town. It is the first temple in the history of Tibetan Buddhism to possess the three treasures of Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. Construction of the Samye Monastery began in 762 AD. The site was chosen near the birthplace of King Trisong Detsen and in the vicinity of the winter palace of King Songtsen Gampo. The construction of Samye was presided over by Guru Padmasambhava, and the architecture still adheres to his original design. King Trisong Detsen personally presided over the groundbreaking ceremony.
11
km
6
In the hearts of Tibetans, if you come to Sangye Temple but not to Qingpu, it's like not coming for pilgrimage. Therefore, most people who visit Sangye Temple will also go to Qingpu practice ground. Qingpu practice ground is located 15km northeast of Sangye Temple, at an altitude of 4200m. Legend has it that there were 108 meditation caves, 108 sky burial platforms, and 108 holy springs in Qingpu Mountain. Many dedicated practitioners from afar meditate here, and it is equivalent to a small village in scale. Because of the presence of dedicated practitioners who disregard hardships, many Tibetans consider this place as a sacred site. Qingpu is at a high altitude and it can be tiring to hike there, so it is recommended to take the shuttle bus from Sangye Temple. It is also best to bring your own food and water to Qingpu as there are no restaurants on the mountain.
41
km
Day2: Shannan
7 attraction(s) ·
284 km
2
Yumbulagang is the first palace in Tibetan history, with a history of over 2100 years. It is located on the Zaxi Tsiri Mountain, 11km southeast of Zedang Town. It is named Yumbulagang because the mountain resembles the hind legs of a female deer, and the temple is built on the deer's legs. The temple is small in scale but stands on the hilltop, offering a spectacular view from above. Legend has it that Princess Wencheng used to live here with Songtsen Gampo during the summer.
6
km
7
Day3: Shannan
7 attraction(s) ·
239 km
3
There is a natural ancient sea-buckthorn forest in Qu Zhuomu Township, Cuona County, Shannan Prefecture, Tibet. The sea-buckthorn forest here covers an area of over 800 mu and has a history of over 1000 years. In the Qu Zhuomu Township area, there are approximately 2000 mu of ancient sea-buckthorn forests distributed along the Niumu River Valley. The sea-buckthorn trees in the forest can reach a height of about 15 meters, with a trunk circumference of up to 4.5 meters, making it very magnificent.
113
km
7
This place is really casual to eat, and it's remote. There are few places to eat.
1
km
Day4: Shannan
7 attraction(s) ·
196 km
3
Kajiu Temple is located in the forest peaks behind Lakang Town, Luozha County, Shannan Prefecture, at an altitude of about 3996 meters. The temple is situated on a hilltop, commanding a panoramic view. The vegetation here is lush, with flowers covering the mountains, creating a beautiful and pleasant climate. It can be described as a paradise on earth with the sound of birdsong and fragrance of flowers. The natural Buddhist relics in this area include a natural holy lake, Yin and Yang eternal waters, divine trees, and cliffs, as well as valuable herbs such as high-altitude Codonopsis.
2
km
5
"Serhak Guto" means "Nine-story Castle of Prince Jian" in Tibetan, funded and built by the famous Tibetan Buddhist master Marpa. Originally a Gelugpa Tibetan Buddhist monastery, the monastery later converted to the Kagyu sect. The central part of the monastery has a 9-story tower that is 28m high, with a golden roof. The walls of the Du Kang main hall on the west side of the castle are adorned with murals spanning from the 11th century to the present. There is also a two-column esoteric hall in the west, with various esoteric deity statues inside.
49
km
Day5: Shannan > Lasa
12 attraction(s) ·
510 km
3
40 Glacier, also known as Coja Glacier, is located at an altitude of 5300 meters near the border between Langkazi County in Shannan, Tibet and Bhutan. It is named after the 40th boundary marker adjacent to the China-Bhutan border. It is the most accessible terrestrial alpine glacier discovered so far, allowing close contact without special equipment.
153
km
6
Pumoyongcuo is a brackish lake in the Himalayas, with an elevation of 5010m. "Pumo" means little girl, and "yongcuo" means a lake resembling jade. Pumoyongcuo is surrounded by snowy mountains, with the majestic Kula Kangri standing by the lake. Kula Kangri has an elevation of 7538m and consists of three peaks. There are also 6 peaks above 7000m standing closely to Kula Kangri. Pumoyongcuo is characterized by its clear blue water, and the small islands in the lake resemble giant turtles, silently guarding the "young girl". According to legend, Pumoyongcuo has been blessed by the master Lianhua Sheng, giving it a sacred atmosphere.
75
km
8
Yamdrok Lake, along with Namtso and Manasarovar, are known as the Three Great Sacred Lakes of Tibet. It is regarded as "turquoise earrings scattered by goddesses" in the hearts of Tibetans.
44
km
11
Restaurants near the Jokhang Temple, specializing in Nepalese cuisine. There are many foreigners, and the food tastes good. Beef patty, butter tea, fried rice, and chicken soup are all great, with a hint of buttery flavor in the fried rice. Featured dishes: yogurt, curry vegetables, meat patty, Nepalese set menu, beef patty.
2
km
12
Heating, 24-hour hot water, smoke-free rooms, broadband, hairdryer, air conditioning, laundry service, wake-up service, luggage storage.
