Yarlung Valley

Tibetan culture sprang out of the Yarlung Valley (12,000 feet) in both myth and history. In myth, a monkey monk mated, after receiving permission from his abbot, with an ogress, who was threatening to mate with a fellow demon to populate Tibet with demons, if the monkey monk did not satisfy her yearnings. The result of the monkey-ogress union was six Tibetans, who founded the six tribes of Tibet. This happened in a cave on Gonpo Ri, which we will visit.

Along the way there are ancient monasteries, one with a 14th century thangka, a scroll painting, executed in pearls of various colors, another with murals which display the furthest East Greek influence resulting from Alexander’s invasion of Asia.

The castle of Yambu Lakhang has its origins in myth, since it was purportedly founded by Nyatri Tsenpo, a king who descended from heaven on a rope. Historically, it's foundations date to at least the 7th century. The tombs of the Tibetan kings at Chongye include that of Songtsen Gampo that is topped by a chapel honoring him, his wives and two of his ministers who were buried with him.

We will camp beside the majestic Tsangpo River while we visit these sites and then start West toward two important Tibetan towns.