Lhasa, the spiritual and cultural heart of Tibet, is a breathtaking city filled with ancient monasteries, stunning palaces, and sacred temples. Surrounded by the Himalayas, Lhasa offers a unique mix of Tibetan Buddhist traditions, rich history, and awe-inspiring landscapes. Here are the top 10 places you should explore when visiting Lhasa:
1. Potala Palace
This astonishing castle has the pleasure of being the most astounding antiquated royal residence on the planet, with its most noteworthy point achieving 3,750 meters (12,300 feet) above ocean level, towering 100 meters (300 feet) over the city of Lhasa. The Potala Palace has remained for quite a long time as a demonstration of Tibetan individuals and their convictions. A huge number of travelers from around the globe come each year to pay reverence to this great home and the image it remains for. As the most iconic architecture and top UNESCO World Heritage Site in Tibet, Potala Palace (3750m) overlooks the holy Lhasa city, with its majestic presence on the tip of Red Hill.
2. Jokhang Temple
Widely revered as the “spiritual heart of Tibet”, Jokhang Temple, built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, promises one of the quintessential Tibetan experiences in Lhasa. With the air filled with a palpable sense of holiness, the entire Buddhist temple acts as the focus of worship and devotion.
Line up with devout Tibetan pilgrims, young and old, to worship the life-size statue of 12-year-old Sakyamuni Buddha; closely explore the exquisitely-made Buddhist murals; walk through the dimly-lit religious chambers while listening to intriguing historic stories related to Songtsen Gampo and Princess Wencheng, etc. Get ready to delve into the essence of Tibetan Buddhism and culture.
3. Ganden Monastery
Towering on the Wangbori Mountain, Ganden Monastery, built by Je Tsongkhapa in 1409, is the 1st and primary monastery of the Gelug School of Tibetan Buddhism as well as one of the Great Three Holy Monasteries of Lhasa, along with Sera Monastery and Drepung Monastery.
The highlights for visiting Ganden Monastery involve a one-day Ganden Kora to see the enchanting vista of Lhasa Valley and surrounding mountains; five-day Ganden to Samye trek to enjoy the most spectacular views of Lhasa and Shannan’s countryside; observing Ganden Monastery incense making to know more about Tibetan handicraft and art; Ganden Thangka Unveiling Festival to watch the giant Buddha Thangka unfurled on the hillside; Ganden Ngachen Chenmo Festival to light up butter lamps to commemorate Je Tsongkhapa, etc.
4. Samye Monastery
Situated in the peaceful piedmont territory of the Shannan Region, the Samye Monastery is the principal sanctuary to inherent Tibet and the main complete with the three Buddhist gems of Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. With these one-of-a-kind components, this breathtaking sanctuary has turned into a fascination for guests from close and far. The sanctuary was worked by the Trisong Detsen (ruled 742-798) of the Tubo Kingdom and was directed by the Buddhist expert Padmasambhava.
5. Drepung Monastery
Another monastery that is must must-visit for you in Tibet is the Drepung Monastery. It is one of the largest monasteries in the world and houses 7,700 monks. The monastery is mainly dedicated to the study and preservation of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition of wisdom and compassion. They believe in the cultivation of both heart and intellect which will provide inner peace and kindness. This will also help the monks to nurture themselves in the community understanding, and global healing. The Ganden-Phodrang-Palace situated at Drepung Monastery was constructed by the 2nd Dalai Lama.
6. Norbulinka Palace
The summer palace of the Dalai Lama lies in a quiet and beautiful garden in the west part of Lhasa. The well-preserved murals, superb mandalas, and frescoes are fascinating sights not to miss. One particular mural inside depicts the history of Tibet and all the Dalai Lamas. The Dalai Lama was living here during his last days in Tibet. The rooms have remained as they were when the Dalai Lama left in 1959.
7. Namtso Lake
Despite the petty grievances, given the up to 6 hours drive from Lhasa and the sporadic dizziness one feels when passing the high passes, nothing can stop global travelers from savoring the heavenly view of Namtso Lake(4718m), the highest saline lake on our planet. Cuddled by the imposing Mt Nyenchen Thangla Ranges, Namtso Lake is defined by its surreal beauty.
With seagulls hovering above the sparkling sapphire lake, you stroll along the boundless shore of Namtso, gazing at the snowy rolling mountains in the distance. Every so often, a group of prostrating Tibetan pilgrims will pass you by. The mantras chanting, gentle whisper of lake lapping, and cave retreats in 5 peninsulas nearby, etc. heighten your awareness of traveling in an earthly heaven.
8. Meru Monastery
Another attraction in Tibet that is a must-see for you is the Meru Nyingpa Monastery. Meru Nyingpa is an unassuming monastery settled profound inside the complex back streets and whitewashed dividers of the old Barkor neighborhood. Its history comes to back to the establishment of the Jokhang, to the starting point of Buddhism in Tibet. The Jokhang, housed inside the bigger complex of the Tsuklakkhang, is a notable structure and the focal church of the Tibetan Buddhist world.
9. Pabonka Hermitage
One of the most ancient Buddhist sites in Lhasa was founded by Songtsän Gampo in the 7th century. Part of Sera Monastery, it is about 8km from Lhasa in the Nyang Bran Valley on the side of Mount Parasol. Pobanka means “on the top of a giant rock” in the Tibetan language. It got its name due to its construction on a giant rock. It is said that it was built even earlier than the Potala Palace and Jokhang Monastery.
10. Barkhor Street
Situated in the old range of Lhasa City, Tibet, Barkhor Street is an extremely antiquated round road encompassing the Jokhang Temple and local people are constantly glad for it. As an image of Lhasa, it is additionally an unquestionable requirement to see the place for guests. It's said that in 647, the main Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo (617 - 650) manufactured the Jokhang Temple.
Whenever you come, you can also encounter the devout pilgrims walking clockwise around Barkhor Kora with prayer wheels spinning in hand or prostrating themselves with Buddhist mantras murmuring. Roaming around the street, you must be fascinated by the various kinds of traditional Tibetan costumes and exotic handicrafts from Nepal, India, Bhutan, and surrounding countries.
Besides, you can find the best Lhasa restaurants and mouthwatering food hidden in Barkhor circumambulation, such as Makye Ame, Guangming Sweet Teahouse, and so on.
