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Lhasa
Sitting at 12,500 feet, Lhasa, the capital, is a fascinating introduction to Tibet. Due to its altitude, it is recommended that visitors have an acclimatisation day on arrival, to ensure that they are physically prepared for all sightseeing opportunities.
Dominating the city of Lhasa, the Potala Palace was once the residence of the Dalai Lama and is now a museum, dedicated to Tibet's rich religious culture. With over a thousand rooms spread over 13 stories, this imposing palace is split into two main sections: the Red Palace, devoted to religious study and prayer and the White Palace, the living quarters. Highlights of the palace include the Chapel of the 5th Dalai Lama, which contains a stupa gilded with 3,000 kilograms of gold.
As well as being an UNESCO World Heritage Site, for Tibetans, the Jorkhang Temple is the most sacred and important temple in Tibet and has remained a key centre of Buddhist pilgrimage. Built 1400 years ago, there is still the same hustle and bustle felt amongst the worshippers and visitors today as there has been for centuries.
The Barkhor is famous for the being the liveliest area in Lhasa, with hordes of locals, pilgrims and tourists flocking to the Jorkhang Temple and its surrounding market stalls and ancient buildings. Wander around the cobble-stoned alleyways whilst imagining how the locals have been living here since the 8th century.
Once the summer home of the Dalai Lama, Norbulingka is a pleasant place to visit whilst in Lhasa with its park like settings with chapels, gardens, fountains and pools. The palace is found west of Potala Palace.
7 kilometres west of central Lhasa is Drepung Monastery, at one time the largest Monastery in the world home to over 7000 monks. Now in quieter times there are still 700 practicing monks residing in this living Monastery. Take plenty of time to explore this fascinating site. 5 kilometres north of central Lhasa is Sera Monastery, one of the two large monasteries of the Gelugpa branch of Tibetan Buddhism. Once home to 5000 Buddhist Monks, you will still find around 550 Monks here today. Visit in the afternoon and enjoy chanting and debate from the resident Monks.
Tibetan culture is deeply rooted to the Yarlung Valley and it is regarded as the cradle or birth place of Tibetan civilization. The Yarlung Valley is 170 kilometres from Lhasa and with winding roads can be a long day’s travel. The area is rich in Tibetan culture with temples and monasteries and religious artifacts.
200 kilometres north of Lhasa is the incredible colour and spectacular beauty of Namtso Lake. The turquoise water defies belief enhanced by the high altitude of 4500 metres. Visitors should spend time in other areas of Tibet to get used to the altitude before venturing to the heights of Namtso Lake.
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