Chongye, the tombs of Kings འཕྱོང་རྒྱས་གཞུང་

The Chongye was the ancient capital of Tibetan Kings until in 7th-century king Songtsen Gampo moved his capital to Lhasa city. The Valley is also well known for the tombs of Kings. It is located 28 kilometres from the Tsedang town.

Before moving the capital to Lhasa by the King Songtsen Gampo, Chongye was the ancient capital of Tibet. The first seven initial kings of Tibet are said to have an ascent to heaven at the time of their demise. From 8th to 24th king were interred in a different location and their burial sites. These site has not been recognized Yet. Subsequently, kings were buried in Chongye.

Historically the tombs of the kings are inaccessible for the laypeople, and there are no historical records of the location. These tombs are identified as per the written record of the locals of the Chongye in later centuries.

Nowadays there are 16 recognizable tombs of the king, out of which ten are in Chongye Valley, and six are Dungkar Valley. Tombs of Songtsen Gampo and his immediate ancestors and descendants are on the slope on Mulari Hill.

Among all the tombs in the Valley, the most massive tombs of the Songtsen Gampo, The Banso Marpo. This gigantic tomb is 13 meters high with it’s every side measuring 129 Meters. Many historical sources describe in details of enormous treasure and entire chapel contain within it.

But there is some other tradition believing the Songtsen Gampo vanish in light at the time of his demise, into Jho Rinpoche of Jokhang temple.

On the submit of his tomb, there is a small chapel constructed in 13 century by Nyingmapa Lama Menlungoi Shakya-O. From here you can have a birds-eye view of beautiful Chongye Valley.

Other nine tombs on the Chongye side are visible from the submit of Songtsen Gampo’s Tomb. These comprise

1. Banso Dozher Hralpo, the mausoleum of the 35th King Mangsong Mang-tsen. (Left of Songtsen Gampo tomb).
2. Banso Lharichen, the mausoleum of the 36th King Trulgyi Gyelpo. ( Right of Mangsong Mang-tsen tomb)
3. Banso Lhari Tsuknam, the mausoleum of the 37th King Tride Tsukten Me Aktson ( On the slope of Mulari, ( Left of Trulgyi Gyelpo’s Tomb)
4. Banso of Prince Jangsa Lha-on ( front of King Tride Tsukten Me Aktson’s Tomb)
5. Banso Lhari Dempo, the mausoleum of the 39th King Mune Tsenpo. ( Right of King Tride Tsukten Me Aktson’s Tomb)
6. Banso Gyelchen Trulzhi, the mausoleum of the 41st King Tri Ralpacan ( front of King Trulgyi Gyelpo’s tomb)
7. Banso of 42nd and the last king of Tibet Langdarme ( Between the Banso of King Trulgyi Gyelpo and Relpachen)
8. Banso of Price Namde Osung ( Behind King Trulgyi Gyelpo’s Tomb)
9. Banso Trulri Truknang, the mausoleum of the 38th King Trisong Detsen. ( Behind King Tride Tsukten’s tomb and on the left on the slope of Mulari). This Banso has been missing since 18th Century; Some historical source noted that farmers had removed it.

During Your tour to the Valley, you can ask the monks at the chapel on the Songtsen Gampo tomb to show which is what. You can read more here.

Tibet Travel & Tours is a local travel agency in Tibet that offers unique and authentic experiences to travelers from all around the world. As a leading tour operator in Tibet, we provide high-quality Tibet Travel services that are tailored to our clients’ needs and preferences.

Our team of experienced and knowledgeable professionals strives to ensure that our clients have a hassle-free and memorable trip in Tibet. We specialize in various types of tours, including cultural tours, trekking and hiking tours, and adventure tours.

Our commitment to providing exceptional service has earned us a reputation as one of the best local travel agencies in Tibet. Contact us today to plan your unforgettable trip to Tibet.

If you’re looking to explore Tibet, starting your journey with a reputable Tibetan travel agency in Tibet is crucial. Tibet Travel & Tours is a great choice to begin your adventure with their extensive knowledge of the region and commitment to responsible tourism.

Their Tibet tour packages cater to a range of interests and budgets, making it easy to plan a trip that suits your needs. Before embarking on your tibet tour, it’s essential to have the right Tibet travel information and necessary documents, including a Tibet travel permit.

The Tibet Travel Planner provided by i-Tibet travel is an excellent resource to plan your trip, including tips on what to pack, where to stay, and what to see.

For beginners, the “About Tibet” guide provided by i-Tibet travel offers a comprehensive overview of the region’s history, culture, and top attractions. So, start your Tibet travel plan here with i-Tibet travel and discover the magic of Tibet for yourself.