Lhasa is the capital city of the Tibet Autonomous Region (T A R) in China. Located on the northern slopes of the Himalayan mountain ranges, Lhasa sits about 12 000 feet above sea level, in a valley near the River Lhasa.
Lhasa literally means “Land of the Gods”. Lhasa has a rich tradition dating back to more than thousand years and a remarkable legacy of cultural and spiritual history. Beautiful and mystic, Lhasa is seeing an exponential rise in tourism in recent years. A visit to this remote paradise will be an experience like no other.
Location
Lhasa is the capital city of the Tibet Autonomous Region in China. Lhasa is situated in the southern part of central TAR. The city is about 30 000 square kilo meters in area. Over 400 000 people live here, most of them Tibetans.
The best time to visit Tibet is considered to be from March to October.
Places to see
The Johkang Temple
The Johkang temple is a magnificent four story building and has a golden roof. It is located on Barkhor Square. It houses the Jowo Sakyamuni Buddha Statue, which is the most prized Buddhist artifact in Tibet and several other statues. The temple was built in the 7th century A D, to house the statues, which were bought by two Nepali and Chinese princesses when they came to get married to King Songstan Gampo. The temple has undergone several enlargements and refurbishments and also has the statues of the King and his brides.
The Potala Palace
The Potala palace was built by the King Songstan Gampo in 7th century A D. The Potala palace contains priceless treasures, antiques and other articles concerned with Tibet’s history, its religion, culture and arts.
In 1994, the U N E S C O declared the Potala Palace as a world heritage site. The Potala palace is also among the Chinese national key protected sites.
Norbulingka Summer palace
The summer palace is at a distance of about 1 kilo meter from Potala Palace. It was constructed by The Seventh Dalai Lama in 1755 and was added on by later rulers. The complex comprises of a small zoo, botanical gardens and a mansion.
Barkhor Street Market
Barkhor Street circles the Johkang temple in the heart of the old section of Lhasa. It is an ancient street and is excellent to walk down getting a taste of Tibetan tradition. The streets are filled with vendors who sell rare and unseen handicrafts. Pilgrims have circled the Johkang temple for centuries via Barkhor Street with prayer wheels in their hands.
Drepung Monastery
The Drepung Monastery was established in 1416 by a disciple of Tsong Khapa, the founder of Gelupa Sect. In its heyday, it was the biggest and richest monastery, having over 10 000 monks and ownership of vast estates in Tibet. Drepung also housed the state vision or oracle, the Nechung. The young Dalai Lamas were also trained over here.
Sera Monastery
Founded in 1419 by Tsong Kapas disciple, it was comparable to Drepung in power and wealth, although smaller. It was famous for tantric practices.
Tibet Museum
This is an ornate museum with a collection of artifacts significant to Tibetan history. Free audio tours are available.
Things to Buy
Tibet is world renowned for its carpets. Although there are several impostors, a thorough search will reveal authentic Tibetan carpets. Buy Tibetan carpets, rugs and other handicrafts.
How to get to Tibet
Tourists who are not Chinese nationals have to get a special permit to visit Tibet, and have to hire a guide every day of stay. Individual permits for average tourists are almost impossible to get, and groups of at least five will find it easier.
Air
The Lhasa Gonggar Airport is located about 50 kilo meters from Lhasa and is about an hours drive from the airport to the main part of Lhasa. There are flights from major Chinese cities like Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai, Xian, Chongquing and Kunming.
Bus
Buses are run from Golmud but are extremely expensive due to permit issues.
Train
The Qinghai – Tibet railway connects Lhasa to Golmud and other Chinese cities.
Very Important Safety Instructions
As Lhasa is 12 000 feet above the sea, it may take some time to get accustomed to the altitude. Altitude sickness can be potentially harmful, even fatal. DO NOT take any medicines or drugs from any one in Tibet without medical advice.
It is recommended that while flying to Lhasa, a stop of some days at an intermediate location such as Kunming (1950 meters), be taken so as to acclimatize yourself gradually.
NEVER give or show any photos of Dalai Lama to locals or monks, as this can get you and the person into serious trouble with the authorities.
Wed, Sep 1, 2010
Religious Destinations