Samye (3500m)
Tibet’s first monastery, probably constructed 775-9, by Padmasambhava at the behest of king Trisong Detsen (revered by Tibetans as an emanation of Manjushree) formally established Buddhist monasticism in Tibet. Buddhist geomantic temples had been established by Songtsen Gamposome 130 years earlier, but due to hostility from aristocratic Bon families, the formal institution of the Buddhist religion had not emerged. Over the centuries it has come under the influence of the Nyingma, Sakya and geluke schools and is thus considered symbol of Tibet’s national identity.

Rignga Chortens
the five white chortens before Samye mark the place where Emperor Trisong Detsen met Guru rinpoche ( Padma Sambhava)in 765 and are known and worshiped as the chortens of the 5 Buddha families.

Samye Choker
built as a symbolic representation of the mandala of the Buddhist cosmos with Mt. Meru at the center. Surrounding it the 4 colleges (Lingshi Lhakangs) are located at the cardinal directions and representsthe 4 continents and the the 8 satellite islands are the smaller Lhakhangs either side of the Lingshi. The temples of the sun and the moon stand to the north and south of the Utse and large, newly rebuilt chortens mark the 4 directions.

Hepo Ri
The site of a magical conflict between Bonpo and Buddhist and Guru Rinpoche’s meditation throne. It is a power place where offerings are made to pretect deities, excellent view over Samye.

Samye Chimpu
Extremely important in the history of tantric meditation, Chimpu is considered Guru Rinpoche’s Speech Center in the mandala of his power~places. Completely destroyed during the Cultural Revolution, the Gompa and many hermitage and caves have been rebuilt and restored and there may be as many as 50 monks and nuns in retreat here.

Yambu Lhakhang
This resplendent hill top structure is reputedly reconstruction of Tibet’s oldest building, although the current structure only matches pre 1959 description to a limited extent. It is remarkable mainly for its tower, now unique in Tibet, but once one of many such watchtowers. Some sources say that when Nyatri Tsenpo emerged as the first king of Tibet in 247 or 127BC, he was escorted here by his Bonpo followers and his first palace built. Later additions including Dalai Lama V’s gold roofs and Songtsen Gampo’s chapels were destroyed during the Cultural Revolution and the current structure dates from 1982. the newly painted murals depict the history of Yarlung, the 8 form of Guru Rinpoche, and Shakyamuni and his forms of manifestation.

Tradruk (3500m)
The second of the Tibet’s great geomatic temples, built after the Jokhang, it pins down the left shoulder of the ogress. It suffered badly during the reign of the anti Buddhist king, Langdrama, it was renovated and expanded by Dalai Lamas V and VII. Following the Cultural Revolution many of the buildings were reconstructed in 1988.