Exotic Ancient Lhasa - The Holiest City in Tibet - one of Sam's Exotic Travels

Lhasa, is situated on the North bank of the Lhasa River, in a mountain-fringed valley. At an elevation of 3,658 m, (12,000 feet), it is the highest city in the world. Settled 1,300 years ago, this ancient sprawling city has an urban population of approximately 200,000. It is the holiest city in Tibet, and one in which Tibetans have made to for centuries.

Principal sites visited on our tour include:

Potala Palace was the religious and political center of old Tibet and the winter residence of Dalai Lamas. It is a gigantic block of buildings nine stories high, whitewashed save for the central portion, which is red, and surmounted by gilded roofs and towers.

Jokhang Temple is the spiritual center of Tibet. Everyday, pilgrims from every corner of Tibet trek a long distance to the temple. The temple lies at the center of the old Lhasa, and has a history of more than 1,300 years.

Norbu Lingka was built in the 1750's by the seventh Dalai Lama about two km west of the Potala. Within its park-like setting, shady trees, fragrant flowers, sweet-voiced birds, terraces and pavilions are to be found everywhere. The Dalai Lamas used this park as their Summer Palace.

Barkhor, a circular street at the center of Old Lhasa, is the oldest street in a very traditional city in Tibet. It is a place where Tibetan culture, economy, religion and arts assemble .

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Lhasa
• Tibet
• holy
• Tibetans
• river
• roof
• world
• pilgrim
• valley
• mountain
• Barkhor
• Norbu Lingka
• Summer Palace
• Jokhang Temple
• Dalai Lama
• Potala Palace