# Shannan travel guide (山南)

Tibet Autonomous Region · Southwest, China · 12 places
Canonical: https://cnatrip.com/en/destinations/tibet/shannan

## Getting there & around

### Road

Lhasa Gonggar Airport is located 98 kilometres south of Lhasa, in Gonggar County, Shannan. After leaving the airport, you will reach a three-way junction where you can wait by the roadside for a bus. Buses running from Lhasa to Zedang Town in Shannan pass by here. You can also charter a car from the airport directly to Zedang Town. Shannan is not connected by rail. Buses to Samye Monastery depart from Jokhang Temple Square, and long-distance buses also run daily between Lhasa North Suburb Bus Station and Shannan, serving Qushui, Gonggar, Chanang, Sangri and Zedang.

### Getting Around

1. Long-distance buses run daily between Lhasa and Zedang Town in Shannan. The road distance between the two is about 200 kilometres, and the fare is about ¥50.

2. From Gonggar Airport, travel along the Yarlung Tsangpo River to Zedang in the Yarlung Valley, then continue through Qusum, Sangri and Gyaca to Milin (Nyingchi). After crossing the Milin Yarlung Tsangpo Bridge, follow the Nyang River upstream to Bayi Town in Nyingchi, then climb to Mila Mountain, the watershed between the Nyang River and the Lhasa River, and descend along the Lhasa River back to Lhasa. This roughly loop-shaped route is known as the “One River, Two Rivers” journey. Adventurous travellers may consider driving themselves.


## Where to stay

Accommodation in Shannan is concentrated along Naidong Road in Zedang Town, with small inns and hotels. You can also choose to stay at a monastery, where the costs are modest.


## Things to see

- **Yamdrok Lake** (★★★★★): Admission Free; Opening hours Open all day (all year 2026); Time needed 1–3 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/yamdrok-lake
- **Zetang Town** (★★★★★): Admission Free; Opening hours Open all day (all year 2026); Time needed 1 day — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/zetang-town
- **Yarlung River Scenic Area** (★★★★): Admission No combined ticket; smaller sights are sold separately; Opening hours 9：00—18：00; Time needed 3 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/yarlung-river-scenic-area
- **Yumbulagang** (★★★): Admission ¥60; Opening hours 9：00—18：00; Time needed 1–3 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/yumbulagang
- **Tradruk Temple** (★★★): Admission ¥70; Opening hours 9：00—16：00; Time needed 2–3 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/tradruk-temple
- **Samye Monastery** (★★★★): Admission ¥40; Opening hours Summer: 9:00–17:30; Winter: 9:00–16:00; Time needed 2–3 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/samye-monastery
- **Mount Gongbori** (★★★): Admission ¥30; Opening hours 9：00—18：00; Time needed 2–3 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/mount-gongbori
- **Chimphu Retreat** (★★★★): Admission Free; Opening hours Open all day (all year 2026); Time needed 1–2 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/chimphu-retreat
- **Lhamo La-tso** (★★★★★): Admission ¥50; Opening hours Open all day (all year 2026; the road may be closed by ice and snow in winter); Time needed 1–2 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/lhamo-la-tso
- **Lhagyari Palace** (★★★): Admission ¥20; Opening hours Open all day (all year 2026); Time needed 1–2 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/lhagyari-palace
- **Mindrolling Monastery** (★★★): Admission Free; Opening hours 09:00-18:00 (all year 2026); Time needed 2–3 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/mindrolling-monastery
- **Puma Yumco** (★★★): Admission Free; Opening hours Open all day (all year 2026); Time needed 1–2 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/puma-yumco

---
Source: China Self-Guided Travel 2025 (《中国自助游》, Tianjin Science & Technology Press, Aug 2024), pp. 597–610. Prices, hours and transport details are as printed in the August 2024 edition and may have changed. Always confirm with the venue before you travel.