When you arrange your Tibet tours, Lhokha is a must. Lhokha Prefecture is known as the birthplace of the Tibetan people. It lies to the south of Mt.Kailash and the Nyainqentanglha Mountains, along the middle and lower reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, and enjoys a comparatively mild climate. The prefecture covers an area of around 80,000 square km, with an average altitude of about 3600m and a total population of 290,000, including Tibetan, Han, Hui, Monba and Lhoba people.
There are 12 counties in Lhokha Prefecture. The Prefectural Party Committee and Prefectural Government are located in Tsetang Town, which is the political, economic ,cultural and transport center of the prefecture.
Tsetang has enjoyed great prestige throughout Tibetan history. The name "Tsetang" means "where the monkeys play" in the Tibetan language, a reference to the story of the birth of the Tibetan people. The Prefecture, known as "the cradle of Tibetan culture", boasts many other firsts in Tibet in its long history besides the airport. The first king, Niechizanpu, the first palace (Yumbulagang), the first farming land, Suodang, and the first drama Bagabu were in Lhokha. Changzhu Temple was the first hall for worshipping Buddha, Samye the first Monastery, and the first Buddhist scripture Banggongqiajia are all to be found in Lhokha. Three out of the four holy mountains are in Lhokha: Jiasangqiuburi in Ganggar, Haburi in Samye and Gongburi in Tsetang. The two holy lakes, Yamdrok-tso and Lamuna-tso, are famous in Tibet, as is Lhokha's national scenic spot, Yarlung.
Lhokha's mild climate, beautiful landscapes and abundant water resources make it suitable for farming, animal husbandry and forestry. It has long been called "the breadbasket of Tibet". Fertile land stretches along both sides of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, natural grazing land spreads across Cuomei County and Langkazi County, and dense forests lie in remote valley in Nongzi County, Cuona County, Jiacha County and Luoza County.
Tips: Lhokha is an unopen area for foreigners, so when you want to visit there, you need to arrange Tibet Permit first.
