The Potala Palace, towering above the city atop Marpo Ri, will be one of the most extraordinary sights of your visit to Lhasa. The enduring symbol of Tibet, the colossal landmark was the seat of the Tibetan government and home of the 5th to 14th Dalai Lamas. Today, though it is considered a shell of its former magnificence, the Potala, and its rich tapestry of history, is still astounding. The fortress like building climbs 13 stories and houses over 1000 rooms – most of these are not open to the public, but those that are filled with treasures. Join the groups of awe-struck Tibetans who you'll find wandering from room to room and leaving offerings in the chapels and before statues. Visit the private apartments of the 13th and 14th Dalai Lamas to get a glimpse of what life was like in the palace, whilst the views from the rooftop are unsurpassed.
The Jokhang Temple is considered the spiritual centre of Tibet, and is Tibetan Buddhism's holiest temple. Inside you will find the air is thick with devotion and the smell of yak butter candles with the atmosphere made even weightier thanks to the wafting clouds of incense that form an offering to the gods. Whilst many who worship within may be local, some travel the length of the country to visit the Jokhang, so ingrained it is with the national psyche, and whilst you stand amongst the flickering lamps and muttered prayers, you'll start to be able to imagine why. The Jokhang was built in the 7th century in a mix of Indian, Chinese and Nepalese styles – it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Norbulingka, set in charming parkland several kilometres outside of the city centre, was built in the 18th century to serve as the summer residence of the Dalai Lamas. The name translates as the 'jeweled park', and as you explore the many palaces and chapels which sit amongst colourful flowerbeds and fruit trees it's easy to see why. The summer palace itself is a unique example of Tibetan architecture and houses a collection of Italian chandeliers, frescoes and Tibetan carpets. Take a look at the new Summer Palace, built by the current Dalai Lama, as you wander the grounds.
Sera is one of Lhasa's great monasteries, as well as an important university monastery where monks are able to expand their philosophical knowledge. Set in the hills just north of the city, Sera was once home to over 5000 monks but after the 1959 revolt and the departure of the Dalai Lama, a great number of monks fled to Mysore in India where they have set up a parallel Sera Monastery. The monastery is best known for the daily debates (not at the weekend) by the resident monks, a ritual that is considered integral to the learning and understanding of Buddhist doctrine. Taking place in the debating courtyard, each point a monk makes is supplemented by gestures, such as claps and pushes, and is a unique sight to behold. The monastery itself is also well worth a look around, the hallways resplendent with scriptures, statues and murals.
The vibrant Barkhor is the perfect place to begin your explorations of Lhasa. A kora, or pilgrimage circuit, the road circumnavigates the Jokhang Temple at the heart of the city and is often bustling with fascinating people. Traditionally attired Khampo and Amdo pilgrims prostrate their way around the kora to earn merit, old ladies totter along spinning their hand held prayer wheels and muttering mantras and sellers peddle all sorts of wares from the stalls that line the way are just a part of the weird and wonderful world you'll step into. Follow the action in a clockwise direction soaking up the sights and sounds – you'll find this is a place you'll come back to again and again as an authentic taste of life in Tibet.
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