Lhasa: The capital of Tibet Autonomous region and situated at the north bank of Kyichu river, a tributary of the Yarlung Tsangpo river, Lhasa has history of more than 1300 years. Lhasa is the main politics, economy, culture and religious center for the Tibet Autonomous region. The attractions of this city (3650 meters) are the magnificent Potala Palace, former seat of the Dalai Lamas, presides over the city. Built in 1645 at the top of a hill, the palace contains a thousand rooms, 10,000 shrines and 200,000 religious statues. Besides, the famous Jhokhang temple, the Bhakor market, the Sera Monastery, the Drepung Monastery (the largest in Tibet) and the Norbulingkha are the major attractions of this ancient city.

Potala Palace. The Potala Palace is surely one of the wonders of the world. It rises more than 3000meters over the valley floor. This legendary palace, built a top a single hill is synonymous with Tibet. First built in the 70th century, as a fortress by Tibet’s foremost king, Songtsen Gompo. It was expanded to its present structure during the 17th century by the 05th. Dalai Lama. The Potala was seat and symbol of the Dalai Lama unique rule over the temporal and spiritual affairs of Tibet. This 13 storey, 1000 rooms, living quarter of the Dalai Lamas apartments for Regents, Tutors, High Lamas, splendid ceremonial areas, offices of Chapel, Shrine and corridors, Treasuries, cell for monks and servants, granaries and store rooms. The 05th Dalai Lama Kundung (chorden) is covered with 3700 gold and the 13th Dalai Lama, with a ton of gold besides priceless jewels. The palace of Dalai Lamas have now become more a museum than a palace.

Jokhang Temple. Situated in the heart of old Lhasa, houses which was brought as a gift by the Chinese princes Wen Cheng on the occasion of her wedding the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gompo. It is four-storey temple in the Tang style, but also incorporates features of Nepalese and Indian architecture. The temple enshrines the statues of Shakyamuni, which was said to be brought to Tibet by Princess Wen Cheng. Surrounding the Jokhang Temple is the bustling Bharkhor market place which is the religious and social focus of Lhasa. The ceremony of for the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama is held in front of the statue of Shakyamuni.

Norbulinkha Palace: The “Jewel Pard” as it is known in Tibetan, was built in the 18th century and served as the summer Palace of the 13th and the 14th Dalai Lamas. The palace is an interesting mixture of religious and modern elements and as we walk through to see the main throne hall, an audience hall, The Dalai Lama’s Bed room and prayer room and the room for his mother. This colorful garden landscape was the site of picnic and public gatherings. The Palaces are richly decorated, creating an atmosphere of peaceful repose.

Drepung Monastery. Drepung lies 8 kilometers west of Lhasa on the main road, the 3 kilometers north and steep unpaired road. Its name Drepung Means “Rice Heap”, was the biggest and the richest of all monasteries in Tibet. This monastery is said to be the largest monastery in the world, housing over 1000 monks and governed 7700 subsidiary monasteries and was divided into four colleges, each with its chanting hall, dormitories, kitchens and offices. It was founded in 1416 by the disciple of Je Tsonkhapa, founder of the Yellow Hat Gelukpa Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The second, third and fourth Dalai Lamas lived and were entombed here. The entire monastic communities assemble only for special ceremonies and festivals. Today, about 400 monks lived there. Approaching drepung, you will see the Nechung Temple, the home of the State Oracle the something to sell over there.

Bharkhor Market. Walk along Bhakhor street that circles the Jolkhang Temple and you are in the heart of the old Lhasa with its narrow streets white-washed stone homes, windows farmed in black and brightly painted woodwork and almost everyone has got something to sell over there.

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