To get to the Samye Monastery from Lhasa, you'll have to take an early morning bus to the Samye ferry (recommended) or Tsetang bridge to get across the river. Most pilgrims and tourists hitchhike the 9 kilometers from the crossing to the monastery. Despite this rather troublesome journey, most visitors to Samye are pleasantly surprised by this out-of-the way attraction. It is, after all, the oldest monastery in Tibet, built more than 1,200 years ago, and a symbol of Buddhism's triumph over Bon, the previous religion of the Tibetan plateau. The first Buddhist structure in the region was designed to reflect the shape of the universe and blends Tibetan, Chinese and Indian architectural styles. Like all religious buildings in Tibet, Samye has incurred damage and destruction, but restorations over the years ensure your enjoyment of site and lasting impressions.