Tsetang

Tsetang, capital of the Shannan Prefecture, is one of the largest cities in Tibet. Situated on the southern bank of the winding Yarlung Tsangbo River, the ancient city sits among the clouds at an altitude of 11,811 feet. The city is accepted as the birthplace of the earliest Tibetans, who, as legends have it, were the manifestation of a monkey and beautiful cannibal ogress mating. The city is home to the oldest Tibetan dwelling and several impressive Buddhist architectural locales. Tsetang is known not only for its cultural, historical and architectural sites but also for its natural beauty. Located between two towering mountain ranges; the Himalayas to the north and the Nyanchen Tanggula to the south, the city is surrounded by a spectacular horizon.