The Valley of the Kings on the Plateau: Exploring the Eternal Resting Place of the Tubo Empire at the Tibetan King Tombs

The Pyramids of the Snowy Land

1.Located in Qonggyai: County (Qiongjie), Shannan, Tibet, the Tibetan King Tombs (Zang Wang Mu) represent the largest and best-preserved imperial tomb complex in the Tibet Autonomous Region. Often referred to as the "Valley of the Kings" of Tibet, this vast burial ground is situated southwest of the Zongshan Mountain, facing the broad Yarlung River valley. It serves as the final resting place for the Tsenpos (kings), ministers, and consorts of the Tubo Dynasty, which ruled the Tibetan plateau from the 7th to the 9th century. The site is a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit and a profound testament to the power and glory of the ancient Tubo Empire that once unified the plateau and engaged in diplomatic relations with the Tang Dynasty.

A Landscape of History

The tombs appear as massive, square earthen mounds with flat tops, resembling truncated pyramids scattered across the landscape. Historical records indicate that these tombs cover the burial sites of the 29th to the 40th generation of Tubo kings. Although time and the elements have eroded them into rounded hills, their imposing scale still commands respect. The placement of the tombs reflects the ancient Tibetan geomantic tradition, backed by the Mure Mountain (Peire Mountain) which is said to resemble a "spreading tiger," and facing the river which acts as a "blue dragon". This strategic location not only offered spiritual protection but also symbolized the authority of the kings over the land.

The Tomb of Songtsen Gampo

Among the scattered mounds, the most prominent and religiously significant is the Tomb of Songtsen Gampo, the 33rd king who unified Tibet and established Lhasa as the capital. His tomb is distinct, often identified by the Songtsen Lhakhang (a small temple) built atop the mound. According to historical documents, the tomb interior was once lavishly decorated, allegedly containing a vast underground palace with treasures, gold, and silver, though these are largely the subject of legend and historical texts today. Devout pilgrims and visitors climb the mound to pay homage to the king and his Chinese wife, Princess Wencheng, who is also believed to be buried in this vicinity. The site offers a panoramic view of the fertile Qonggyai valley and the nearby ancient Qonggyai Zongshan Castle ruins, creating a powerful connection between the past and present.

A Silent Testimony

Walking among these ancient tumuli, visitors are struck by the silence and the weight of history. Unlike the bustling monasteries of Lhasa, the Tibetan King Tombs offer a somber, contemplative atmosphere. The mounds stand as silent sentinels of a bygone era, witnessing the rise and fall of a great empire. Nearby, one can find ancient stone lions and steles, including a rare stone pillar with inscriptions recording the achievements of the kings, which are valuable relics for understanding Tubo history. The site is not just a graveyard but a monumental archive of Tibetan civilization, marking the region where the kings who shaped the destiny of Tibet returned to the earth.