Yumbu Lakhar

A historic building known as Yumbu Lakhang or Yumbu Lakhar may be found in the Yarlung Valley, close to Tsetang in Nêdong County, the administrative center of Lhoka Prefecture, in the southern Tibet Autonomous Region of China. The palace of Nyatri Tsenpo, the first Tibetan ruler, is said to have been the earliest structure in Tibet. Yumbu Lakhang is located in the Yarlung Valley in southeast Nêdong County, on a hill on the eastern bank of the Yarlung River, some 192 kilometers (119 miles) southeast of Lhasa and 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) south of Tsetang.

The first Tibetan king, Nyatri Tsenpo, is said to have dropped from the heavens with his grandmother when Yumbu Lakhang was constructed, according to Tibetan legend. It was most likely constructed between the seventh and ninth century. Precincts at the front and back of the castle are separated. A three-story structure makes up the front, while a massive tower that resembles a castle dominates the back. The statues of Thiesung Sangjie Buddha, Ruler Niechi, the first Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo, and other Tubo kings are housed within the palace.

Location: Lhoka, Tibet Autonomous Region, China