Things to do in Shannan

30 May 2022 Last updated at 16:59

With more than 2000 years' history and spectacular natural environment, Shannan has many great history relics as well as many stunning landscapes: there are not only magnificent rivers, but also beautiful lakes; there are not only picturesque virgin forests, but also bracing prairies; there is not only the steep Yarlulng Tsangpo River, but also "the first monastery of Tibet".

Top Shannan Attractions

Yamdrok Lake - Blue Tears of God

Type: Holy Lake & Natural Site

Altitude: 4,441 meters

Best time to visit: Summer

Yamdrok Lake is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains. Without an outlet, it seems like a natural reservoir with a perfect balance between the melted snow water and the evaporated lake water. By standing the hilltop around, you can have a far view of the fresh water under the sunshine reflected different colors of blue and the diverse lakeside grass and plants with yaks and birds dotted with.

Samye Monastery - The first Monastery in Tibet

Type: Architecture & Culture

Altitude: 3,700 meters

Best time to visit: Summer & Autumn

Samye Monastery, with the central temple, symbolizes the center of the universe.
Having a visit, to explore the ancient heart of Tibetan Buddhist world.

Yumbulangang Palace - The First Palace of Tibet

Type: Historical Site

Altitude: 3,700 meters

Best time to visit: Summer

Yumbulagang Palace is the first palace in Tibet built by the first Tibetan King, Nyatri Tsanpo, in the 2nd Century BC. As one of the first buildings in Tibet, the palace has a watchtower styled building with many historical relics kept inside. It is a must-see for tourists who are interested about Tibet history. Besides the architecture itself, the views from the hill top are amazing by overlooking the green fields and villages around, which can’t be missed out during your visit.

Lhamo La-tso Lake - See the Visions of Future

Type: Lake, Religious Site

Altitude: 5,100 meters

Best time to visit: Summer & Autumn

Lhamo La-tso is the holiest lake in Tibet because it has a magic power to show one’s past and next lives, and assists in the discovery of reincarnations of two highest leaders in Tibetan Buddhism - Dalai Lamas and Panchen Lamas. For regular people, they can also seek visions of the past and future in this magic lake.

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