Tsetang county

Tsetang is also called “Shan – Nan”, known as the source and cradle of Tibetan civilization. It is located on the south bank of Yarlung Tsanpo river, some 170 km south from Lhasa. It is the 4^thlarge city of Tibet.

Tsetang was the capital of the Yarlung region since the period before the Middle Ages, and was the seat of the ancient emperors of Tibet. In the 19^th century, it is said to have comprised over 1,000 houses, a bazaar, a monastery and a fort.

Its elevation is of 3,100 meters above sea level and has a population of approximately 60,000 people. Samye monastery, the first monastery of Tibet, is located 30 km north from Tsetang, which was founded in 779 CE by King Trisong Detsen.

The valleys offer a number of side trips that illustrate Tibet’s early history. Among of which, the Valley of the Kings offers a major sites of the Yongbu Lakhang Palace that was built for the first Yarlung king of Tibet kingdom, and also Tandruk Monastery, the one of the three Royal Buddhist temples.

Most popular view spots

–Recommended Hotels–

How to get to Tsetang

Lhasa Gonggar airport is about 100 kilometers west from Tsetang county, it usually takes 1.5 hours to cover this distance. It is convenient to take flights arriving in Tibet and then visit to Tsetang. also there are international flight from Kathmandu to Tibet directly, which you can use for international transfer;

The land transportation is also quite convenient for visitors to connect with Lhasa, Nyingchi (Nyingtri), Gyantse, and Shigatse…etc

Distance from Tsetang to

• To Nyingchi : 410 kilometers, about 8 hours drive
• To Lhozhag County : 240 kilometers, about 6 – 7 hours drive
• To Lhasa : 160 kilometers, about 13 hours drive
• To Gyantse: 310 kilometers, about 5 – 6 hours drive
• To Shigatse: 325 kilometers, about 5 – 6 hours drive
• To Lhasa Gongga Airport: 95 kilometers, about 1.5 hours drive