|
As the political, religious and economic heart of the Tibetan world, Lhasa finds its place on the north bank of Lhasa River with an altitude of 3658m (about 12000 feet). In Tibetan, Lhasa means “The land of the Buddha” or “Holy Place”. The city has a long history of 1300 years with a population of 400,000.
|
Potala Palace |
Built for several purposes, the Potala served as administrative center, seat of government, monastery, fortress and the home of all the Dalai Lamas from the Fifth to the Fourteenth. It is a symbol of the wisdom and power of the Tibetan people. |
| More >> |
|
 |
Jokhang Temple |
The golden-roofed Jokhang is 1300 years old and one of Tibet's holiest shrines. It was built to commemorate the marriage of the Tang princess Wen Cheng to King Songtsen Gampo of Tubo Kingdom (former Tibet). |
| More >> |
|
 |
Barkhor Street |
With a history of more than 1,300 years, the Barkhor is essentially a pilgrim circuit, which is followed clockwise round the periphery of the Jokhang. Shaped roughly like an octagon, it is also a hive of market activity. |
| More >> |
|
 |
Norbulingka |
Situated about 3 km in the west of the town, the Norbulingka (Norbu means treasure in Tiberan; lingka means garden in Tibetan) was built in 1740’s during the reign of the seventh Dalai Lama. It used to be the Summer Palace of the Dalai Lama. |
| More >> |
|
 |
Drepung Monastery |
Drepung, which means rice heap in Tibetan language, lies 8 kilometers west of Mt. Gambo Utse. The monastery covers more than 200 thousand square meters. Once the largest monastery in the world, it was founded in 1416 by Jamyang Chojey, a leading disciple of Tsongkhapa. |
| More >> |
|
 |
Sera Monastery |
About 4 km north of Lhasa, the monastery was built in 1419 by Sakya Yeshe, a disciple of Tsongkhapa. It is named after the wild rose flowers grown on the slope of mountains nearby. The highlight for the temple is the afternoon monk debating, a way to learn. |
| More >> |
|
 |
Ganden Monastery |
Notably situated high up on the Gokpori Ridge about 45km east of Lhasa, the monastery was finished on 1410 by Tsongkhapa himself. But the main hall was not completed until 1417, two years before his death. Some 500 monks live in the monastery. |
| More >> |
|
 |
Yamdrok Lake |
Also called Yamdrok Yumtso, the lake is 110 km southwest of Lhasa. Encompassing an area of 638 square kilometers, it is regarded by Tibetans as one of the three sacred lakes. The lake has an elevation of 4441 meters above sea level with an average depth of 30 meters. |
| More >> |
|
Lhasa Photo Gallery
|
