Tibet’s First Palace – Yumbulakhang

July,28 2016 BY Master Catherine Jigme 0 COMMENTS

Known as Tibet’s first Palace, Yumbulakhang was built for Tibet’s first king, Nyatri Tsanpo, in the 2nd Century BC and became the Tibetan Kings’ palace since then. Yumbulakhang was also the summer palace of famous Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo and his pretty wife Princess Wencheng from Tang Dynasty. Later, it became a Gelugpa monastery during the reign of the fifth Dalai Lama after Songtsen Gampo moved to the capital Lhasa in the 7th Century.

Perched on the mountain top 13 km south of Tsetang, the towering and outstanding Yumbulagang looks like a blockhouse, counted as the first building in Tibet, with a history of over 2,000 years. Standing on the top of the tower house, you can enjoy the splendid panoramic view of the valley, and dream of the ancient legends of this palace.

The name“Yumbu” means female dear named after the shape of the Jormo Zhaxi Ceri Mountain which looks like a female dear. “lagang” meaning Sacred palace. Hence the name of “Yumbulakhang” means “the sacred palace of mother and son” in Tibetan dialect.

Yumbulagang, counted as the first building in Tibet, is perched ont he mountain top with a history of over 2,000 years. Stangding on the top of the tower house, you can enjoy the splendid panoramic view of the valley, and dream of the ancient legends of this palace.

In the 7th century, Songtsan Gampo moved the capital to Lhasa and Yumbulagang gradually became a Buddhist palace. The ground floor is the palace of ancient Tibetan Kings. Now in the middle you would see a statue of Buddha with Nyatri Tsanpo's statue on the left and Songtsan Gampo's to the right.

The first floor is an elaborate hall enshrined the statues of Avalokitesvara and Sakyamuni. It's said the statue of Avalokitesvara in Yumbulagang is as ancient as that in Potala Palace.

The walls are painted with beautiful murals which tell the early history of Tibet. The most famous one of those is the first one on the left which tells the story of the first Tibetan King Nyatri Tsanpo.

The highest point of Yumbulagang Palace is a watchtower. It's said that Princess Wencheng lived here for her first summer in Tibet. Standing on the top and looking around, you can enjoy the excellent panoramic view of the valley.

About the Author - Master Catherine Jigme

With exceptional passion and outstanding leadership, Mrs. Catherine has dedicated herself to Tibet inbound tourism and China tour for 15 years. As one of the handful females who see great potential of Chinese inbound tourism, Catherine has made great contribution to promoting Tibet tourism and enhancing the employment of Tibetans and prosperity of local Tibetan community.

Over the years, she travelled overseas with Tibet Tourism Bureau many times to promote Tibet tourism. Currently, Catherine works as the marketing director of Tibet Vista, an opinion leader behind the whole team of Tibet Vista.

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