Situated at an altitude of 3650 m above sea level on the northern bank of the Lhasa river, a tributary of Yarlungtsanpo, is the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region(Xiazang) -Lhasa. The city receives more than 3000 hours of sunshine every year. For this reason, it is also called the city of sunshine or the solar city.

For any tourists visiting Tibet, Lhasa is a good starting point. Infact there are two distinctly different portions within the city itself. The inner portion is the Tibetan quarter where the traditional lifestyle and culture prevail. Just outside this quarter, there is a new and modern Chinese city replete with sights and sounds.


The climate of the city is usually cold. The temperature is quiet similar throughout the year, however, the temperature varies between day and night. The ideal season to visit Lhasa is between the months of October to March.


Significance of Buddhism In Lhasa
Lhasa is the perfect place for any tourist who wishes to feel and explore the Tibetan Buddhism. As per legends, Lhasa was the capital of the 2nd Tibetan Emperor, Songtsen Gampo, however, the available documents reveal that the Empire was actually ruled from a moving capital.

With the construction of three Gelugpa monasteries in the 15th century by Je Tsongkhapa (founder of the Gelukpa school), Lhasa catapulted to a prominent position. The three monasteries are Ganden, Sera and Drepung.

The significance of Lhasa as a Buddhsits destination enhanced further when in the 17th century, the 5th Dalai Lama captured Tibet and made the city the centre of his administration. The construction of the Potala Palace commenced during the period 5th Dalai Lama but was finally completed only after his death. In the following period, Lhasa gradually gained the status of the political capital of Tibet. By 20th century, Lhasa had become the centre of Tibetan Buddhism with nearly half of its population as Buddhist monks.

Even today, the significance of Lhasa as a Buddhist destination in Tibet supersedes every other place.


Buddhist Attractions in Lhasa

• The Potala Palace : The Potala Palace was originally constructed in the 7th century by King Songtsan Gampo to mark his marriage with Princess Wencheng and also to provide her the accommodation she required. This original structure was badly damaged by lightening and war during Landama's reign. However, 17th century saw reconstruction work being done on the palace by the the 5th Dalai Lama. Later, even the 13th Dalai Lama added upon the existing structure to bring it to the size it has today.
  
  Situated atop the Red Mountain (Marpo Ri), the palace functioned as the residence of the Dalai Lamas till the Chines invasion forced them to seek refuge in India. Today, the palace is an immensely revered pilgrimage site, the State Museum of China and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  
  The complex is divided into White and Red Palaces. It rises to a height of 110m and extends 360 m. Its height made it one of the tallest structures in the world prior to the advent of the modern skyscraper era. The main building houses the Halls of Stupas of Dalai Lamas from various historical stages and halls of Buddhist statues. Also to be seen in the Potala Palace are a number of rare cultural relics like the Pattra-leaf scripture from India, Kanjyur texts and the imperial edicts, golden seals and titles of nobility granted by the Qing emperors to the Dalai Lamas.
  
  
• Jokhang Temple : The Jokhang temple was ercted in the 7th century by King Songtsan Gampo, the Tang Princess Wen Cheng and Nepalese Princess Bhrikuti. The temple, located in the heart of Lhasa, spreads over an area of 25,000 sqm. Infront of its main gate, there is a stone tablet with inscriptions both in Tibetan and Chinese script. The main building is a four storey structure with an architectural style that is a combination of the Han, Tibetan, Indian and Nepaless architectural styles, as well as a Mandala world outlook of Buddhism. The hall of Sakyamuni is the highlight of the temple with a golden image of the Sakyamuni. The image was brought to the temple by the first wife of the King Songtsan Gampo. The gold covered roof, the frescoes adorned lobby walls are beautiful sight that will catch your imagination almost instantly.
  
  
  
• Barkor Street : This shopping street around the Jokhang Temple is around 500 m long and is significant because it serves as the path on which the pilgrims walk around the monastery while turning prayer wheels in their hands
  
  
• Drepung Monastery : One of the three significant monasteries of Tibet, Drepung Monastery was erectedin the 15th century. It occupies an area of 250,000 sqm atop a cliff, six miles north of the city of Lhasa and is the largest Gelug Monastery in Tibet. In the days gone by, when the monastery was at its peak, nearly 10,000 monks resided here. However, today, the population of the monastery is much smaller because of the Chinese government population capping programme. Nevertheless, the monastery is still open for worshippers. Within the complex, there are temples with beautiful statues of Buddha, Zongkaba and other Buddhist pantheon. The monastery is specially worth visiting during the time of Shoton Festival which is one of the most spectacular religious activities in Tibet.
  
  
• Sera Monastery :In 1414, Jamchen Chojey, one of Tsong Khapa's disciples, paid a visit to Emperor Chengzu as former's emissary. The Emperor Chengzu graced him with the title of Dharma King of Great Mercy, sutras, and a set of sandalwood Arhats. On returning, Jamchen Chojey was instructed by Tsong Khapa to construct a monastery so as to house and safeguard the treasures he had received from the king. Thus came up the Sera monastery in 1419 at the foot of Wuze Hill, north of Lhasa. The monastery is not as magnificent a structure as the Drepung Monastery, yet its tranquil surroundings make it a perfect for a visit. The highlight of the monastery is the grand Sera Bungchen Festival which is celebrated on 27th day of the 12th month of the Tibetan calendar. This festival attracts countless Buddhist devotees and other tourists to this monastery.
  
  
• Klukang Monastery :Erected in the mid17th century, this monastery stands in the old city of Lhasa. Post its construction, the monastery has seen numerous damages and reconstruction work on its structure. The highlight of the monastery is the main hall with gilded full length image of eight year old Sakyamuni. This image was brought to Tibet by the Nepalese princess Bhrikuti. Apart from a statue, murals of Sakyamuni along with Maitreya too adorns the monastery temples. The monastery serves as the location of the Tantric college of the Gelug sect in Tibet.
  
  
• Ganden Monastery : The Gandain Monastery is located in the Dagze County, some 60 km east of Lhasa. It is counted amongst the three great monasteries of Lhasa and six great monasteries of the Gelug sect. The monastery was constructed in the year 1409 under the guiadance of the Gelug School founder of Tsong Khapa. The main buildings comprise the Coqen hall, the chamber of of Tsong Khapa and the college of Yangbajian. The highlight of the monastery is the annual celebration of one of the grandest Buddhist activity - Buddha Painting Unfolding Festival. A bus for this monastery is available from the square infront of the Jokhang Temple.
  
  
• Norbulingka : A Treasure Park located in the western suburbs of Lhasa, that is Norbulingka measuring 36 hectares in size. It was constructed in 1740 and the first palace on it came up at the behest of the Qing minister stationed in Tibet. The palace was meant to serve as the place for bathing and recuperating for the 7th Dalai Lama. The construction of the palace encouraged the 8th, 13th and 14th Dalai Lama who built a palace each for themselves.Because of this successive expansion which continued for well over 200 years, Norbulingka converted into a large scale palace complex and garden. Prior to 1959, the local people did not have entry into the palace, however, today, during festivals and holidays, well dressed localites turn up in large numbers with foods and tents. They sing, dance and enjoy themselves throughout the night here.
  
  
• Tibet Museum : The first modern museum of Tibet, the Tibet Museum occupies the southeastern corner of the Norbulingka. It spread over an area of 53,959 sqm with an exhibition area of 10,451 sqm. Architecturally, the museum is a wonderful example of the traditional Tibetan style, however, glimpses of modern style is also visible in places. Must see exhibits of the museum include cultural relics like Tibetan classics, colorful Thangka pictures, music and ritual instruments, unique handicrafts and pottery. Apart from the displays inside the exhibition hall, what will fascinate you are green lawns outside. The lawns are a good place to relax. Other attraction of the museum include an area for modern cultural and physical activities, a cultural gallery and a handicraft shop.
  
  
• Tsurphu Monastery : This monastery, constrcuted in the 12th century, is located in the Doilungdeqen County, 70 km away from Lhasa. It is the premier monastery of the Black Cap Group of the Karma Sect. The system of succession to grant the Living Buddha was started here and has, since then, become famous amongst the various sects of the Tibetan Buddhism.