Yumbulagang Palace(also known as Yungbulakang Palace) is considered the oldest palace in Tibet, It is a remarkably impressive sight, with a lovely setting. It's located on Tashi Niri Mountain, about 10 kilometers away from Shannan City, Tibet. Tashi Niri Mountain is shaped like a doe, and the palace is named after the mountain. In Tibetan, Yumbu means "fee" and Lagang means "shrine". It's also said that Yumbulagang means "mother and child palace" in Tibetan.
The founding of Yumbulagang Palace stretches back into legend and myth. The standard line is that Yumbulagang Palace was built for King Nyentri Tsenpo, a historic figure who has long since blurred into mythology. Legend has him descending from the heavens and being received as a king by the people of the Yarlung Valley. Also a sutra was said to have fallen from the heavens at Yumbulagang Palace in the 5th century. Murals at Yumbulagang Palace depict the magical arrivals of the texts.
There has been no conclusive dating of the original Yumbulagang Palace, although some accounts indicate that the foundations may have been laid more than 2000 years ago. It is more likely that it dates from the 7th century when Tibet first came under the rule of Songtsen Gampo.
The plan of Yumbulagang Palace indicates that it was originally a fortress and much larger than the present structure. Today it serves as a chapel and is inhabited by around eight monks who double as guards – in 1999 some 30 statues were stolen from the main chapel. Yumbulagang Palace’s most impressive feature is its tower, and the prominence of Yumbulagang Palace on the Yarlung skyline belies the fact that this tower is only 11m tall.
The ground-floor chapel is consecrated to the ancient kings of Tibet. a central Buddha image is flanked by Nyentri Tsenpo on the left and Songtsen Gampo on the right. Other kings and ministers line the side walls. There is another chapel on the upper floor with an image of Chenresig, similar to the one found in Potala Palace. There are some excellent murals by the door that depict, among other things, Nyentri Tsenpo descending from heaven, Trandruk Monastery, and Guru Rinpoche arriving at the Sheldrak meditation cave (in the mountains west of Tsetang).
Perhaps the best part is a walk up along the ridge above the building. There are fabulous views from a promontory topped with prayer flags. It’s an easy 5mins climb.
Across the valley from Yumbulagang Palace is an incredibly fertile and verdant crop field known as zortang, said to be the first cultivated field in Tibet. Farmers who visit the valley often scoop up a handful of earth to sprinkle on their own fields when they return home, thereby ensuring a good crop.
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