Explore Lhasa, the Exciting Capital of Tibet

Since the 7^th century the capital of Tibet has been Lhasa and anyone wishing to explore Tibet will find Lhasa a good introduction to this intoxicating country.

The empty but non-the less splendid seat of the Dalai Lama, the Potala Palace dominates the city from the top of Marpo Hill. But it is to the east in the old Tibetan quarter that you will find one of Lhasa's most interesting areas. Here you will find the respected Jokhang Temple. Around the temple is the Barkhor, which has kept its medieval character with cobbled alleys and smoky temples. Many Tibetans visit here as pilgrims.

The addition of concrete buildings and internet cafes are proof of how much Lhasa has changed over the past few decades.

Sights

Potala Palace (open 9am-5pm daily)

The Potala Palace is the greatest monumental building in Tibet and is home to over 1,000 rooms. This is the center of temporal and spiritual power and was once the home of the chief monk of Tibet the Dalai Lama.

The Palace now serves as a museum after the present Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959.

Please keep in mind that the Potala Palace is not suitable for those who find stairs difficult.

Lukhang

This temple is situated on an island behind the Potala Palace and during the summer is beautifully cloaked by willows.

Dedicated to the king of the water spirits (lu) who is shown riding an elephant at the rear of the main hall this temple is decorated with magnificent 18^th century murals that depict the Buddhist Path to Enlightenment.

Ramoche (open 9am-5pm daily)

The Ramoche is the sister Temple to the Jokhang and was built during the 7^th century by Songsten Gampo. The temple was constructed to house Tibet's most respected Buddha image, the statue of Jowo Sakyamuni.

Ani Tsankhung Nunnery

Trying to find this hard to find Nunnery in the old Tibetan Quarter may well be aggravating but to be honest wandering through the back alleys of the Barhhor area can be a fantastic experience.

The nunnery can be found in a yellow building that is located on the street that runs parallel and north of Chingdo Dong Lu. It is here that you will see a beautiful image of Chenresig (the multi-armed Bodhisattva of Compassion).

You cannot but welcome the quiet air of serenity that pervades the nunnery and the biggest attraction here has to be the warm welcome that is given to all visitors by the curious nuns.

Jokhang Temple (open 9am-6pm daily)

A visit to the Jokhang Temple will leave you with an unforgettable experience with its heady incense, iridescent butter lamps, endless bustle and colorful paraphernalia of worship.

Founded in AD 639 the Jokhang was constructed to house an image of Buddha that was brought as a dowry by the Nepali Princess Bhrikuti when she married King Songsten Gampo.

When visiting the Jokhang Temple visit from left to right making sure that you see the Chapel of Chenresig, the Chapel of Jowo Sakyamuni and the Inner Sanctum.

Tibet Museum (open 10am-5pm daily)

This impressive building is home to over 30,000 relics including many religious artifacts. In my mind the most interesting displays are those that show rare Tibetan musical instruments and medical tools.

The Summer Palace (open 9.30am - 6pm daily)

The Summer Palace was built in 1954 for the present Dalai Lama. During a visit here you will see bright murals that show events from Tibetan history, the Dalai lama's meditation room and bedroom (which are exactly how he left them when escaped to India disguised as a soldier), and the Assembly Hall.

Getting Around Lhasa

The Ani Tsankhung Nunnery, the Jokhang Temple, the Lukhang, the Potala Palace. The Ramoche and the Tibet Museum are all in the city center of Lhasa.

Dotted around the surrounding areas of Lhasa you can find the major monasteries of Drepung, Nechung, Sera and Ganden. These can be accessed easily by bus, mini bus or a hired vehicle and a trip to these monasteries can make a great day trip for those that cannot venture too far.

There are agencies in Lhasa that rent land-cruisers that come with a guide and driver. These vehicles can carry up to five people. If you want to share the cost of one of these vehicles then check the bulletin boards in backpacker hotels for some companions.

Getting to Lhasa

The Lhasa airport at Gongkhar is 58 miles from Lhasa that can then be reached by bus.

Source: China - Eyewitness Travel Guides