How to Travel to Shannan?

Have you ever wondered where Tibetan civilization truly began? If you’re curious about the origins of Tibet’s history, Shannan (also known as Tsetang) is widely regarded as one of its earliest cultural heartlands.

Located in southern Tibet, Shannan is home to some of the region’s most significant historical sites, including the first Buddhist monastery in Tibet—Samye Monastery—and the earliest palace, Yumbulagang Palace. The area is also known for its early agricultural development, offering insight into the beginnings of Tibetan society.

For travelers interested in exploring Tibet’s deep-rooted history and cultural origins, Shannan stands out as an ideal destination and a meaningful starting point for a broader journey across Tibet.

The Exact Location of Shannan

Shannan means South of the Mountains. Shannan got this name because it lies in the south of the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains and Gangdise Mountains. Shannan has Lhasa to the north, Nyingchi to the east, and Shigatse to the west. To the south, Shannan has international borders with Bhutan and India. The middle and lower reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo River lie within Shannan. The exact location of Shannan can also be traced through these coordinates (28°33′22″N 92°33′24″E) on Google Maps.

Transportation Means to Get to Shannan

All the counties of Shannan are fully developed and connected through the highways. The attractions like Yamdrok Lake and Samye Monastery can easily be accessed through these roads by smooth drives. You can get to Shannan by the following transportation means.

By Air

Lhasa Gonggar Airport is located in Shannan. It's the only international airport in Tibet. There's a daily international flight to Shannan from Kathmandu. From the airport, the distance to Tsetang is about 100km and it's really very easy to travel to Tsetang via Gonngar - Tsetang Express Way. Alternatively, you can also get to Shannan from domestic cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, Xián, etc.

By Road

Before visiting Tsetang, tourists usually visit Lhasa. As the capital city of Tibet, Lhasa is a transportation hub connected with several major cities through different means of transportation, including trains and flights. The distance between Lhasa City and Lhasa Gonggar Airport is about 60km, and it can be covered in about 1-hour of driving. Lhasa Railway Station can also be accessed easily, as it is located within the city. You may also take the daily shuttle buses.

The distance between Lhasa and Tsetang is 160km and it takes about 2 hours to reach there. You can either take a bus or a private car to get there.

By Train

You can also take a high-speed train from Lhasa/Nyingchi to Shannan, which takes 1hr and 10min/2hr and 30min.

>>See more about Lhasa-Nyingchi Railway

Shannan Attractions

Yamdrok Lake - Known as the most beautiful water in the world. The literal meaning of Yamdrok in Tibetan is "the jasper lake of the pasture above". In the eyes of Tibetans, it is regarded as "the turquoise earrings scattered by the goddess".

Yumbulangang Palace - The first-ever Tibetan King built this palace and it is the first-ever palace of Tibet. Its architecture mesmerizes its viewers and this palace is a must-visit place for those who love history.

Samye Monastery - Samye Monastery is the first ever monastery in Tibet and it is said to be the ancient heart of the Buddhist world of Tibet.

Lhamo La-to Lake - It is the holiest lake in Tibet and it is widely said that one can see past and future lives in this lake.

Final Words

Shannan can be considered the real face of Tibet as the history of the region started in this area. While in Shannan, you'll feel like a time traveler. You must consider visiting Shannan at least once in your lifetime to explore Tibetan history.