Taktsé Castle

Taktsé Castle stands on an elevated location near Riwo Dechen monastery, offering views across the mountainous landscape of Shannan in Tibet Autonomous Region. The stone structures remain visible today, revealing the original layout of this royal residence.

The fortress was built in the early 7th century as a military stronghold under Namri Songtsen to control surrounding clans. It became instrumental in Tibet's process of political unification under central authority.

The castle served as the seat of Tibetan royalty and held central importance in the region's early political life. Visitors can sense its role in shaping Tibetan governance and identity across generations.

The ruins are accessible via roads leading to Qiongjie, making navigation straightforward for most visitors. The location requires substantial travel time from Lhasa, so plan accordingly for a full day visit.

The site is connected to the birth of the Fifth Dalai Lama, a spiritual leader of major significance in Tibetan history. This connection makes the location particularly meaningful for many visitors interested in religious heritage.

Location: Qiongjie

GPS coordinates: 29.03153,91.67967

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:06