Lhasa is the tallest capital city in the world and the center of Tibetan culture and Buddhism.
Located at an altitude of 3,700 meters above sea level, Lhasa, also known as Sunshine City, is the spiritual home of Buddhist followers. Strong religious atmosphere, precious historical sites, stunning scenery.
- Tibetan Rituo Temple - an ancient temple in the middle of a river
- Sichuan Panda Park - a meeting point for animal lovers
- Explore the unique horizontal skyscraper at the Chongqing Skybridge
Located at an altitude of 3,700 meters above sea level, Lhasa, also known as Sunshine City, is the spiritual home of Buddhist followers. Strong religious atmosphere, precious historical sites, stunning scenery. This is a must-visit city when planning a trip to Tibet. Here's a Lhasa travel guide that covers the highlights of Lhasa, the best time to visit, and what to know if you're interested in this fascinating city!
City of Lhasa
Highlights of Lhasa
Potala Palace
Dominating the skyline with its immense red and white walls, the famous Potala Palace greets you when you arrive in the capital of Tibet.
The Potala Palace is the tallest integrated structure of palaces, castles and monasteries in the world. In addition, it has been the winter palace for the Dalai Lamas since the seventh century. It is the landmark of Lhasa, and even the most important symbol of Tibet. "Potala" is Sanskrit, also translated as "Phu Da", originally referring to the residence of Bodhisattva Guan Yin. Now a holy place in the hearts of all pilgrims. The palace includes stupas, statues, murals, scriptures and classics, the most eye-catching are the eight stupas of the Dalai Lama since the fifth generation.
Potala Palace
Jokhang Temple
Jokhang Temple, located a short walk from the palace, is the holiest temple in Tibet for Buddhists and pilgrims, 1300 years old and a lively blend of architectural design and architecture. Nepalese, Indian and Tibetan architecture.
Joining the morning kora around the temple is a great way to experience the essence of traditional Tibetan life. Locals and pilgrims walk the cobbled streets clockwise, following the path of the sun and stopping occasionally to spin the wheel of prayer and prostration, amid clouds of juniper incense. and the pungent aroma of yak butter lamps.
Note that Tibetan Buddhists go clockwise when going around
Barkhor Street
Barkhor Street surrounding Jokhang Temple is a pilgrimage route as well as an old town steeped in the flavor of Tibetan life. It is also home to the largest daily passenger traffic in Lhasa. There are many shops and more than a thousand mobile stalls. The houses facing the street are mostly shops, selling all kinds of daily necessities such as prayer wheels of various sizes, Tibetan robes, Tibetan knives, religious paraphernalia. There are also various items from India and Nepal.
Barkhor Market - The perfect shopping place for "unique - strange" gifts
Barkhor Lhasa Street, Tibet
Drepung Monastery
Drepung Monastery is the most important monastery in the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism and the largest temple in Tibet. It is named "Drepung" because of the white buildings that cover the hillside and look like a huge pile of rice from a distance. It is a great place to learn more about the glorious history and precious teachings of Buddhism. Every year, at the Shoton festival, there is the Buddha thangka opening ceremony, which displays a huge Buddha thangka on the hillside, attracting crowds of devotees and tourists who come to pray for blessings in a very spectacular sight. .
Drepung Monastery
Sera Monastery
Sera Monastery, one of the top three monasteries in Lhasa, is where eminent monks and Living Buddhas have expounded Buddhist scriptures from time immemorial.
Sera Monastery
Norbulingka
Norbulingka was the summer residence and royal garden of past Dalai Lamas. Some call it "Lhasa's Summer Palace." The garden is very special. It not only carries the style of Tibetan culture, but also incorporates the technology of Qing Dynasty garden architecture. There is a "new palace" inside. If you visit the new palace, you can see all the buildings in Tibet.
There are up to 100 types of plants in the garden, including rare flowers like the Tibetan hydrangea. It is called the highland botanical garden.
Norbulingka
Yerpa
Yerpa is one of the four monasteries in Tibet. It has a history of more than 1,500 years. There are still practitioners doing retreats inside the caves surrounding the temple. The temple here is connected to the entire rock mass, half of the building is attached to the mountain, and the other half protrudes outside.
Although the circuit leading up to the mountain temple is steep and long, there are dense prayer flags along the way, making you feel the devotion and hard work of the practitioners even if you are not a believer. thing.
Yerpa Monastery
Lake Yamdrok
As one of the Three Great Lakes of Tibet, Lake Yamdrok is surrounded by many snowy mountains. The highest peak is Mount Nyenchen Khangsar with an altitude of 7,191 meters.
Along the way, you need to conquer the Gangbala Pass (5,030 meters), where you can get the best photo opportunities. Alternatively, you can go downhill to the lakeside for a relaxing walk.
Lake Yamdrok
Samye Monastery
Samye Monastery is the first Buddhist monastery in Tibet built in the 8th century. It is designed in the form of a giant mandala, a representation of the Buddhist universe. You will be struck by the special spiritual atmosphere that pervades the sacred Buddhist site.
If time permits, you can hike to the top of Hepori Hill to enjoy the panoramic view of Samye Monastery.
Samye Monastery
The Namtso
Another sacred lake for the Tibetans, Lake Namtso is a jade on the plateau. The Lhasa to Namtso Day Tour is one where you can see the snow-capped Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains and the tents of Tibetan nomads who have settled in the grasslands, with yaks and sheep grazing. .
On your way back to Lhasa city, spend some time soaking in the hot springs of Yangbajing
Namtso Lake
See more:
