High on the Tibetan plateau at 3,650 m, Lhasa is the spiritual heart of Tibet — crowned by the Potala Palace and circled by pilgrims spinning prayer wheels around the ancient Jokhang Temple.
History & culture
Founded as Tibet's capital in the 7th century, Lhasa became the seat of the Dalai Lamas, whose winter palace, the towering Potala, has dominated the skyline since the 17th century.
What to see & do
- ◆The Potala Palace (timed entry)
- ◆Jokhang Temple and the Barkhor pilgrim circuit
- ◆Sera Monastery's afternoon debating monks
- ◆Drepung Monastery on the hillside
- ◆Norbulingka summer palace gardens
What to eat
- ●Tibetan butter tea and tsampa
- ●Momos (dumplings) and thukpa noodle soup
- ●Yak meat and yak-milk yoghurt
Getting there
Reachable by air or the high-altitude Qinghai–Tibet railway from Xining. Foreign visitors need a Tibet Travel Permit arranged through a tour operator in advance.
Avoid the pitfalls
- Altitude is serious — arrive, rest a day, hydrate, and avoid alcohol and exertion at first.
- You must book a guided tour and permit ahead; independent travel is not allowed.
- Be respectful at monasteries: follow clockwise circuits and ask before photographing.
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