A Reflection of Paradise !

Lhasa City in Tibetan language means 'Holy City'. It is the capital of Tibet which dates back to 7th century AD when King Songtsen transferred his capital from Yarlung to Lhasa. The city is located at a height of 3,500 m above sea level in the south central part of Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR). It is the center of cultural, political and religious activities inTibet. Lhasa Town is also famous for few of the most stunning creations of hand in the entire world like Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple. Lhasa also serves as a home to 31 communities and is the most thrilling city that offers everything from calm corners to bustling markets that beckons tourist from around the world. Lhasa has the most challenging terrain to reach and move around when compared to other parts of China and Tibet, as it has extreme altitude location. Once you reach here, the first look of the city makes you believe that Lhasa has something different, something that makes it special.

Lhasa is a city which expects you to know a lot about it before you set out to explore its magical charms. The most important is your fimilarity with its climate and environment. You will be flabbergasted to notice the difference between the day time temperature and night time temperature. The city receives amazing amount of sunshine that keeps the temperature a bit high, but as the sun sets the temperature starts to fall drastically making nights extremely cold. So it is advisable to take woolen clothes as well with you. The best activity that you indulge in might be shopping from the famous Barkhor street. You will get everything that you wish from one single street itself full of shops. Your other shopping attractions could be silver ornaments, Thangka paintings, yak wool and different kinds of handicrafts.

What to See and What to Do !

Lhasa city is probably the most gifted city of Tibet in terms of natural beauty, magnificent historical monuments, monasteries, and shopping bonanza. You are bound to find few of the most visually enthralling architectural structures in Tibet, not only in form of famous temples and palaces but also in Tibetan residential homes, which are quite tastefully decorated, a museum in themselves. And for tourists like you, getting spellbound amidst these picturesque surroundings is quite natural.

Potala Palace
Located in the heart of Lhasa city, Potala Palace over the time, has become a landmark for the city. The palace was build by the famous king Songtsen Gampo for his wife Princess Wencheng. This extravagant palace was once used by Dalai Lamas as winter retreat and thus is also called the Winter Palace. But now it is used as a museum to showcase precious articles of history, culture and arts. You will also find the most sacred items of Buddhist religion like amazing statues of Lord Buddha and many religious paintings. In 1994, the palace was recognized as world heritage site by UNESCO and now is on the list of Chinese national key protected cultural relics. You can visit the palace between 9.30 AM to 1 PM and from 3 PM to 6 PM.
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Jokhang Temple
Jokhang Temple is one of the most visited pilgrim spots in Tibet. Located in the heart of Lhasa city, the temple is easily accessible as there are frequent bus plying to the temple from the city center. The temple houses the famous life size statue of Sakyamuni considered to be the most sacred for Tibetans, which was brought to Tibet by the two foreign wives of King Songtsen Gampo as wedding gifts. The temple is permeated with purity and if possible, stay back till night. It is the time.
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Lhasa Express
Jokhang Temple is one of the most visited pilgrim spots in Tibet. Located in the heart of Lhasa city, the temple is easily accessible as there are frequent bus plying to the temple from the city center. The temple houses the famous life size statue of Sakyamuni considered to be the most sacred for Tibetans, which was brought to Tibet by the two foreign wives of King Songtsen Gampo as wedding gifts. The temple is permeated with purity and if possible, stay back till night. It is the time.
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Norbulingka - A Garden Palace
Norbulingka, situated in the west side of Lhasa, is a garden full of palaces build by different Dalai Lamas as their summer abodes. The garden covers an area of around 46 acres and has 370 lavishly furnished rooms. It was here, Dalai Lamas after the 7th Dalai Lama used to hold important meets and functions. You will find this place to be an absolute treat to be with your family as this is the best picnic spot quite popular among locals. The garden is open from 9 in the morning till 12 noon and again reopens at 3 in the evening.
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Bakhor Street
Bakhor Street is the oldest street of Lhasa which earlier was used as a walk around path for Jokhang temple by pilgrims. But now, this is the most bustling shopping place in entire Tibet. Bakhor street, with all its variety, quantity and quality, is a perfect mirror to the culture of Tibet. The street is dotted with ancient houses which also serve as shops. You will find all kinds of item like Buddha statues, Thangka paintings to Tibetan joss sticks, which can be an excellent gift back home. But the specialty of this street is definitely the eateries that offer all the famous and less famous, yet delicious dishes of Tibetan cuisine. Let your stomach decide how much to eat, because your heart will never let you stop. Do not forget to pay a visit to the apparel stores as they too have the uniqueness and special Tibetan look in their products.

Where To Put Up !

Although the number of star rated hotels is large but still during the peak tourist season, it is next to impossible to get a room vacant. So it is advisable that you book the accommodations in advance. The hotels here are generally located close to the city heart and that means close to all the tourist attractions of Lhasa. Few of the hotels that can be safely recommended are Lhasa Hotel, Tibet International Grand Hotel, and Shambhala Hotel. All these hotels provide you with the best possible luxuries at a very nominal rate.

How to Get There

By Air
The nearest airport to Lhasa city is the Lhasa Gonggar Airport which is around 97 km away. Ample of mini buses run between airport and the city.

By Rail
Tibet railways, having started the train service since 1st July 2006 has opened up a new opportunity for the tourist to explore the fantasies yet unseen.

By Road
From airport, the road linkage is good and regular bus service is available. To all the main cities of Tibet, you can get a bus from the bus station in the junction of Minzu road

Local Transport
Getting around in a mini bus is the best way to explore this beautiful city of Lhasa. You can even opt for a taxi or a manually powered tricycle that are there in large numbers.

Want to Know More About Lhasa City !

Lhasa is a city that has to offer something to everyone. From youngest children to great grandfathers, all have found Lhasa to be extremely fascinating. Kids will find ample of opportunity to mind their taste. Shopping of toys and colorful items can be a real fascination for the children, whereas for grown ups, there are most complicated and captivating monumental sites apart from shopping thrill. Potala Palace will definitely fall into common interest situated on a hill top. A walk up to the palace is always very adventurer as it is comparable to a mild trekking. The environment here is conducive to traveling throughout the year, though most pleasant will be during the period from June to August, when the average temperature is around 80 C. Atleast keep three full days in hand to complete a tour in Lhasa City. This is also the best place to get your currnecy exchanged for Tibetan Money.