| Lhasa, translated to "Land of the Gods" is the capital | | | | on the roof to pray and debate. The famous Potala |
| of Tibet. Nestled on the northern slopes of the | | | | Palace is also worth a visit. It is thought to have |
| Himalaya Mountains, it is the true heart of Tibet. It is | | | | originally been a fortress but has been rebuilt many |
| an extraordinary city which should be high on your list | | | | times by several Dalai Lamas over the years. |
| of travel destinations. More than 1,300 years old, | | | | Towering no less than 14 stories with more than |
| Lhasa is situated right next to the river with the | | | | 1,000 rooms, past Dala Lamas once lived in the |
| same name, affording it stunning views. Visiting this | | | | palace. Their remains are housed in golden tombs. |
| city is nothing less but a spiritual experience, not just | | | | There are guided tours inside the palace and plenty |
| because of the natural beauty of the region, but also | | | | of time to enjoy the grounds. But beware, it will take |
| because of the Tibetan influence. | | | | around an exhausting 45 minutes to climb the |
| For a more orthodox Tibetan feel, the eastern end | | | | hundreds of stairs! That said, getting around Lhasa is |
| of Lhasa is ideal. Visit the Jokhang and the Barkhor to | | | | quite easy on foot. However, if you don't want to |
| see traditional dress, locals engaged on a kora, and | | | | walk everywhere, there is the cycle rickshaw. |
| spinning prayer wheels. The western end of the city | | | | Remember to barter for your fare. You can also |
| has more Chinese influence and is quite modern. The | | | | take a taxi, minibuses, and buses. For buses, you can |
| diversity between the eastern and western sections | | | | buy tickets in advance or simply when you board the |
| of the city can be surprising to foreign visitors. The | | | | bus. |
| Jokhang Temple is a must-see for any visit. Built in | | | | All visitors must have a current visa and Tibet Travel |
| the 7th century AD, it was constructed to house | | | | Permit in order to visit Lhasa. The application can be |
| statues of Buddha. Over the centuries, the temple | | | | quite treacherous. It is easier if you work with a |
| has been enlarged and houses many historical statues | | | | Chinese travel agent to facilitate the application |
| of past kings and their brides. | | | | process. In remote areas of Tibet, you won't find |
| Spanning four floors and facing west with a gilded | | | | any money exchange services. This means that if |
| rooftop, the temple is located on Barkhor Square. | | | | you plan any treks out of Lhasa you better prepare |
| This is right in the center of the old section of Lhasa. | | | | yourself before you leave the city. |
| Sometimes monks congregate on the lower level and | | | | |