Attractions >> Tibet >> Lhasa Attractions

Yumbu Lakhang

Yumbu Lakhang, meaning 'the palace on the leg of a female deer', stands on the top of a small hill, 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) southwest of Tsedang.The castle is believed to be the earliest imperial dwelling in Tibet and the residence for the first Yarlong King, Nyatri Tsenpo.Later it became the summer palace of King Songsten Gampo and Princess Wen Cheng.During the reign of the fifth Dalai Lama, it became a monastery of the Yellow Hat Sect.

Having a history about 2,100 years, Yumbu Lakang is a three-storied structure consisting of the towers, many chapels, the monks' rooms, and other affiliated buildings. On the first floor is a small hall and a Buddhist chapel. In the chapel are enshrined the statues of Nyatri Tsenpo, Songtsen Gampo and his ministers and officials. On the second floor is a Sutra Chanting Hall. In the hall are enshrined Sakyamuni, the Goddess of Mercy, Maitreya, Tsong Khapa (the founder of the Gelugpa Sect), Padmasambhava and four Vajradharas. On the walls are painted beautiful murals recording the early history of Tibet. The most famous is the one that records Nyatri Tsenpo's arrival from heaven and his stories. Originally, there was a roofed patio and a veranda connecting the towers. They were destroyed during the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976).

tips:
Getting there
Tourists are recommended to take taxi in Tsedang Town to the Yumbu Lakang.
Opening Hours: 09:00-18:00
Recommended Time for a Visit: One hour