NO.1: Samye Monastery

Samye Monastery [China Tibet Online]

On the northern bank of the Yarlung Zambo River in Chanang County, Lhoka Prefecture, the Samye Monastery was built in 779 under the supervision of Master Padmasambhava and Tibetan King Trisong Detsen. It is the first monastery of Tibetan Buddhism in Tibet to have the three treasures: Buddha, dharma, and sangha (monks).

The magnificient and unique Central Hall is three story high. The first floor is of the Tibetan architectural style, the second the Han style and the third the Indian style. Four pagodas in white, red, black and green are designed and built at its four corners, representing the four divine dharma guardians.

Admission: 40 yuan

Opening hours: 9:00-16:00

NO.2: Yumbu Lhakhang Palace

The famous Yumbu Lhakhang Palace, the first palace in Lhoka Prefecture located in the southeast of Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR). [Photo/China Tibet Online] 

Yumbu Lhakhang, the first palace in Tibet, is located on the Zhaxi Ceri Mountain, 5 kilometers from Nedong County in Lhoka Prefecture.

A legend counts Yumbu Lhakhang Palace as the first palace in Tibet. According to a legend of followers of the Bon Religion, Yumbu Lhakhang Palace was erected in the second century BC for the first Tibetan king Nitri Tsampo, who was believed to descende from the sky.

Admission: 60 yuan

Opening hours: 9:00-18:00

NO.3: Yamzhog Yumco

Yamzhog Yumco [China Tibet Online]

Yamzhog Yumco is one of Tibet's three holy lakes, along with Nam Co and Mapam Yum Co. It's the largest freshwater lake at the foot of the Himalayas.

The 638-sq-km body of water is situated about 4,441 meters above sea level and is believed to be the woman guardian of Buddhism in Tibet. A constant flow of pilgrims streams to the three lakes.

The breathtaking Yamzhog Yumco Lake enjoys the advantage of being closest to Lhasa and the airport. Likewise, the road to reach Yamzhog Yumco is arguably in better condition than those leading to the other two holy lakes.

In addition, the drive along the two-lane road that wraps around the 4,800-meter-high Gampa-la Mountain is riddled with U-turns, offering views of changing landscapes and different seasons created by the varying altitudes.

Admission: 40 yuan

Opening hours: 24 hours

NO.4: Minzhuling Monastery

The Minzhuling Monastery, the major monastery of the Nyingma Sect, was founded by Terdak Lingpa, a sutra teacher of the 5th Dalai Lama, in 1676 or the 10th year of the reign of Qing Emperor Kangxi.

It was burned down by the Mongolian Zhungar tribes invading Tibet in 1718, but was soon rebuilt.

Admission: 20 yuan

Opening hours:09:00-16:00

NO.5: Tombs of Tibetan Kings

Far in the distance lies the Srongtsen Gampo tomb

High up on Mure Mountain in Chonggye County of Lhoka Prefecture, sits a large imperial graveyard with nine massifs. These variably sized earthen structures are the tombs of Tibetan kings who governed from the 7th to the 9th century. Originally of similar size and shape-high and square with flat top-some of the tombs are now round or otherwise eroded. Here, in the Graveyard of Tibetan Kings, the largest preserved imperial graveyard in Tibet, the nine recognizable tombs stand as reminders of the rich history and lore of ancient Tibet.

Admission: 60 yuan

Opening hours: 09:00-16:00