The Secret Garden of the Monba: Exploring the Birthplace of Tsangyang Gyatso in Lemenba

A Hidden Oasis in the Himalayas

1.Tucked away in the southern foothills of the: Himalayas in Cona County (Cuona), Shannan, lies a verdant sanctuary known as Lemenba Ethnic Township (Lemenba Zu Xiang), often referred to simply as Lemen. Unlike the arid, high-altitude plateaus typical of Tibet, this region is situated in the deep Lebu Valley (Lebu Gou), with an altitude ranging between 2,400 and 3,000 meters. The warm, humid winds from the Indian Ocean rush up the valley, creating a lush "Jiangnan of Tibet" filled with primitive forests, cascading waterfalls, and a sea of rhododendrons. It is a world isolated from the hustle, guarding a unique heritage at the border of China.

The Home of the Monba People

Lemenba is one of the main settlements of the Monba minority (Menba), an ancient ethnic group with a rich cultural tapestry. The Monba people here have preserved their unique customs, distinct from the broader Tibetan population. Visitors can see traditional Monba architecture—stone and wood structures built on stilts or slopes, featuring black slate roofs that blend harmoniously with the mountains. The local culture is vibrant with the "Sama Wine Song," a national intangible cultural heritage, and the energetic "Zhuo Dance" (Drum Dance), which reflects the resilience and spirit of the mountain people. The red robes and distinctive hats of the Monba attire add a splash of color to the emerald green landscape.

The Romance of Tsangyang Gyatso

2.Perhaps the most captivating allure of: Lemenba is its connection to the 6th Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso. This township is celebrated as his birthplace. The romantic poetry and legendary life of Tsangyang Gyatso have imbued this valley with a profound sense of romance and mystery. Walking through the village, one can visit sites associated with his early life and feel the poetic atmosphere that permeates the misty hills and streams. The local Monba people cherish this connection, often singing songs that echo the sentiments of the famous poet-lama.

A Natural Paradise: Waterfalls and Lakes

3.The natural scenery surrounding: Lemenba is breathtaking. The Muzha Scenic Area is the core of the Lebu Valley's natural beauty, featuring towering primitive trees that blot out the sun and the spectacular Muzha Waterfall, which falls from a great height, often creating rainbows in the mist. Higher up in the mountains lies Cuomu Lake (Cuomu Liang), an alpine ice lake surrounded by ancient forests and shrublands. It is a haven for wildlife, where lucky visitors might spot herds of blue sheep or the rare Monal pheasant. The air here is rich in oxygen, making it a comfortable retreat for those who struggle with the high altitude elsewhere in Tibet.

A Site of Historical Memory

Beyond its beauty and culture, Lemenba holds historical significance as the frontline of the 1962 Self-Defense Counterattack. The ruins of the forward command post of General Zhang Guohua are located here, preserved as a "Red Education Base". These historical remnants stand in stark contrast to the peaceful pastoral life of today, reminding visitors of the strategic importance of this border region. Whether you are trekking through the misty forests, listening to the roaring waterfalls, or sipping local tea in a wooden Monba house, Lemenba offers a deeply immersive journey into a lesser-known chapter of Tibetan geography and history.