Lhasa is rightly one of the most featured and dreamt-about cities
in the world. This is not only because of its remoteness, its high
altitude at 3,650 meters (11,975 feet) means limited accessibility,
but also because of its impressive heritage of over a thousand years
of cultural and spiritual history that has helped to create the
romantic and mysterious Tibetan religion.
Differing from the inland cities and other places in Tibet, Lhasa is
unique with an allure all of its own. In the Tibetan language, Lhasa
means the Holy Land or the Buddha Land. It is the center of Tibet's
politics, economy and culture. The city has also been appointed as
one of the 24 historical and cultural cities of China. The splendor
and grandeur of the Potala Palace in Lhasa remains a world-famous
symbol of the enigmatic power of politics and religion in this
region.
As the beautiful capital city of Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR),
Lhasa is situated in the South Central part of the region, on the
North bank of the Kyichu River (Lhasa River) in a mountain-fringed
valley. This ancient sprawling city, settled 1,300 years ago, covers
30,000 square kilometers (11,583 square miles), with a population of
400,000, of which 87 percent are Tibetans. The urban population is
180,000.
Generally the period from March to October is the best time to visit
Tibet. Since Lhasa is located at such a high altitude it is wise to
be prepared before starting your journey. Generally speaking, due to
the large temperature differences during any given day in Tibet,
warm clothes should be taken to keep away the cold. However, because
it also receives a great deal of sunshine, sunglasses, suntan oil,
and a sun hat are indispensable items if you're traveling anywhere
in Tibet.
Currently there are three options for travel to Tibet, by plane, by
road and by train:
1. Taking the plane is a comfortable and timesaving option, but
offers little time for you to acclimatise to the altitude; this may
cause sickness.
2. Taking the bus along one of five highways that have been
opened-up for tourists' use. This will take longer but will enable
you to see the amazing scenery en route. Furthermore, taking extra
time allows for a more gradual acclimatization to the altitude.
3. Taking the train, is a fabulous new option, giving the
opportunity to see hitherto unseen mountain scenery. With the
operation of Tibet Railway from July 1st, 2006, more and more
tourist have swarmed into Tibet via the great Tibet train.'
One word of warning: although there is a gradually increasing
tourism industry in Lhasa, it is a city with many difficulties yet
to be overcome due to its unique location and geography. Please bear
in mind that traveling in Lhasa, as well as in Tibet on the whole,
is more challenging than in any other part of China.
Despite this more and more people from every corner of the world are
being attracted towards this vibrant city with its mysterious
culture. Its unique scenery, long history, exotic culture, mystical
religion and spectacular monuments will ensure your stay is
unforgettable.
Also see details on Tibet-tours page.
Lhasa tourist attractions:
Lhasa-Barkhor-Street Lhasa-Jokhang-Temple Lhasa-Potala-Palace Lhasa-Sera-Monastery Lhasa-Norbulingka-Park
Lhasa-Chakpori-Hill Lhasa-Drepung-Monastery Lhasa-Ganden-Monastery Lhasa-Carpet-Factory Lhasa-Mentsekhang
Lhasa-Nietang-Buddha Lhasa-Ramoche-Monastery Lhasa-Tibet-Museum |
