Lhasa Tours

The phrase "on top of the world" literally comes true as soon as you set foot on Lhasa, the capital of Tibet autonomous region. Perched at an altitude of 11,975 feet, this alluring city has an impressive heritage of over a thousand years of cultural and spiritual history. Lhasa means the Holy Land or the Buddha Land, in Tibetan. The enigma of this beautiful land and the natural scenic beauty of the "roof of the world" entice tourists from all over the word to the city which enjoys over 3,000 hours of sunshine annually. Lhasa Tours feature as one of the most important activities for tourists visiting China.

Apart from being the center of Tibet's political, economic, cultural and religious activities, the "city of sunshine" also has many historic sites and famous relics in the city proper and its suburbs. Lhasa attractions include the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Dreprung Monastery, Sera Monastery, Ganden Monastery and the Bakhor Street. The Potala Palace is located on the Moburi Mountain, and is a huge treasure house for materials and articles of Tibetan history, religion, culture and arts. Declared a UN World Heritage Site in 1994, it is widely known for its precious sculptures, murals, scripture, Buddha figures, murals, antiques, and religious jewelry. Standing 117 meters high, with more than 1000 rooms, this majestic palace is full of elaborate art work and frescoes that tell many stories of religious and cultural customs. The 5th Dalai Lama's life story is depicted on the walls of the west hall. The Potala Palace features as one of the most preferred tourist attractions in Lhasa for its historical value.

The Jokhang temple is never missed by tourists on their Lhasa tours. It is located in the center of old Lhasa city and is the prime seat of the Gelupa of the Tibetan Buddhism. Originally built in 647 AD, the site was said to be chosen by the wife of King Songtsan Gampo, the Tang Princess Weng Chen. Built by craftsmen from Tibet, China and Nepal, the temple features different architectural styles. The most venerated statue of Sakyamuni at the age of 12 sits in the central hall. A gilded statue adorned with many jewels, this statue is the most sacred for Tibetans. For centuries, pilgrims have prostrated themselves in front of this statue.

The Dreprung Monastery lies in the west of Lhasa and was built 1416. One of the largest monasteries in the six principle monasteries of Gelu sect in China, it used to be the living place of the Dalai Lamas before the reconstruction of the Potala Palace. The roofs of the monastery offer a beautiful view of the Lhasa city.

Sera Monastery, Ganden Monastery and the Bakhor Street are also places of tourist attractions and are not to be missed on Lhasa Tours.

The places to visit in Lhasa,China are many and varied. This "City of Sunshine" holds the key to mystical revelation and spiritual purification.