"The Yarlung Valley" Nedong by grets

Nedong Travel Guide: 6 reviews and 22 photos

The cradle of Tibetan civilisation

The Yarlung Valley is 72 km long and is often referred to as the Cradle of Tibetan civilisation, mainly because of its ancient temples, monasteries, castles, caves, stupas and peaks. The story goes that Avalokitesvara, the Bodhisatva of Compassion, descended to earth from the heavens in the form of a monkey. The place he arrived in was called the Land of Snows (now Tibet). While meditating in a cave (on the slopes of Gangpo Ri), he was disturbed by hearing crying outside the cave. The crying belonged to Sinmo, the white demoness, a manifestation of the goddess Tara, and over the years the pair produced six children – the very origins of the Tibetan race!

Settlements in the valley

This is also the area in which Nyetri Tsenpo, the first Tibetan King, is said to have descended to from heaven on a sky cord. The same sky cord was used by all the subsequent Tibetan kings to ascend back to heaven, until the cord was accidentally cut by Drigum Tsenpo whilst showing off his marksmanship.

Yumbu Lakhang

The valley takes its name from the Yarlung Tsangpo - the river that snakes its way through this area - and has given its name to the ancient line of Tibetan kings.

Last visit to Nedong: Sep 2005
Intro Updated Oct 7, 2005
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (4)

Getting there is half the fun Things to Do (4)

To reach the top of the fortress from the car park below, you have three options: 1. Walk 2. Hire a horse 3. Hire a... more travel advice

Yumbu Lakhang Tower Things to Do (4)

The 11m high tower of the fortress appears to be much taller than that when seen from the lower sides. You can climb to... more travel advice

The chapel inside Yumbu Lakhang - Nedong

Yumbu Lakhang Chapel Things to Do (4)

Originally Yumbu Lakhang was built as a chapel, but it now serves as a chapel and a monasteric home for a few monks. The... more travel advice

Yumbu Lakhang Things to Do (4)

The monastery-castle of Yumbu Lakhang is reputed to be the oldest building in Tibet, dating from the 2nd century.... more travel advice

Comments (5)

Reply
- Report abuse
Helga67 Feb 9, 2006 at 12:51 PM

Great info on a place I hope to visit too.
Reply
- Report abuse
VideoDave Oct 20, 2005 at 6:51 AM

Yak riding looks fun!
Reply
- Report abuse
kyoub Oct 17, 2005 at 6:17 AM

Beautiful photos! Riding a yak looks like a fun way to get to the top.
Reply
- Report abuse
mapakettle Oct 13, 2005 at 3:26 AM

Is that you waving, wearing a top hat Grets? Pa
Reply
- Report abuse
freya_heaven Oct 7, 2005 at 12:34 PM

Stunning photos, Excellent first page Grete about your latest trip I cant wait to see more (not a word of a nag I promise, just encouragement lol) The scenery is beautiful, as was the Yak, that a pretty thing! (~_~)