Positioned in the southeast of Tibet Autonomous Region along the banks of the Yarlung Tsangbo River, Tsetang is a remote city with a rich and colorful history dating back thousands of years.
Tsetang’s surrounding landscape is varied with high mountaintops, open farmlands and wide river openings. The city sits at an altitude of 11,811 feet and enjoys a moderate climate with mild temperatures during the months from May until September.
The city is home to numerous attractions including the famous Yumbulakang Palace, which is the first palace built in Tibet. Also of interest is the first Tibetan temple, Samye, which is located just 12 miles out of the city center. With Tsetang becoming more popular with tourists in recent years there are more facilities available such as hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops.
Getting There & Away
Located approximately 110 miles southeast of Lhasa the capital city of Tibet, Tsetang is relatively easy to reach by car or taxi. Lhasa’s Gonggar Airport has regular flights from most major neighboring cities in the region. Flights from China’s capital Beijing take around 4 hours and are the easiest transportation option available. Trains and long distance buses are also available between Lhasa and other Chinese cities, but take over 24 hours in some cases.
Things to Do
Tsetang Attractions
- · 1 - Yumbulakang
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Is tibet’s first ever palace. yumbulakang palace stands at the summit of a hill in the yarlung valley and is well worth seeing.
Side trips from Tsetang
- · 1 - Samye Monastery
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Is regarded as tibet’s first ever temple and is known for its beautiful architecture and vivid murals, which can still be seen today. the temple is easily reached from tsetang by road.