Tsedang
Tsedang is the birthplace of earliest Tibetans. It sits on the south bank of the Yarlung Tsangbo River with a moderate climate at an altitude of 3600 meters.
The nearby Yarlung River scenic area is a national scenic park is located between two mountain ranges : at the north of Himalayas and the south of Nyanchen Tanggula mountains. The Yarlung River flows from the south through the area and empty itself into Yalong Tsangbo River.
MAIN ATTRACTIONS OF TSEDANG:
Yambu Lhakang Palace
The Yambu Lhakang Palace is a five storied fortress built on the spur of a hill that commands an impressive view of the entire fertile valley. It was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution and the present structure is an exact replica of the original rebuilt 1982.
Traduk Monastery
Traduk Monastery is one of earliest Buddhist temples in Tibetan history. Built in 541 AD, it is said that King Songtsan Gampo established the temple to suppress the ogress in order to prosper his Kingdom. Of all the treasures and relics kept in this monastery, the painting Thangka "Avalokitesvara at his rest" is the most remarkable one.
Burial Sites
The Tibetans did not give their kings sky burials but chose interment in tombs instead. Historical records speak of thirteen tombs in this area but only nine have been found.
Samye Monastery
Fourty kilometers from Tsedang is the oldest monastery built in Tibet. Samye is the first monastery in entire Tibet to be built comprising with the three Buddhist idols, Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. This monastery is hugely popular with all Buddhist pilgrims from around the world. It was founded by the Tibetan King Trisiong Detsen and belongs to the Nyingmapa and Sakyapa sects. It is said that the monastery was destroyed by fire and was rebuilt later as the residence of the 6th Dalai Lama. Finally it was completed by Rating Rimpoche.
