Note: All tourists to Tibet must possess a special permit in addition to a Chinese visa. We provide a service to enable you to obtain this permit.
Altitude - Lhasa has an altitude of 12,500 feet therefore if you arrive by air the initial you may experience altitude sickness. In our itineraries to Tibet we ensure that enough time is allocated to acclimatisation, however people can be affected in different ways. If you are affected badly by this then it may be necessary for your to return to a lower level as soon as possible. |
Lhasa
Lhasa
Tibet, known as the ‘Roof of the World', is mostly a plateau that rises from 3,962m to 5,000m above the sea level and covers a massive 1,220,000 sq km. Lhasa is the capital city of the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China. There are many sights in and around the city, they are:
Potala Palace
One of the architectural wonders of the world, built in the 17th century to house the Dalai Lamas. The great palace with its red and white walls set on a low hill dominates the Lhasa skyline.
Jokhang Temple
The golden-roofed temple is 1300 years old and one of Tibet 's holiest shrines. It was built to commemorate the marriage of the Tang princess Wen Cheng, an adopted daughter of Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) to King Songtsen Gampo, and houses a pure gold statue of the Buddha Sakyamuni brought to Tibet by the princess.
Lhasa River
Sera Monastery
About four kilometres north of Lhasa, Sera Monastery was founded in 1419 and now has 300 monks in residence.
Drepung Monastery
The Drepung dates back to the early 15th century and lies about seven km west of Lhasa. In its time it was the largest of Tibet 's monastic towns and the largest monastery in the world.
Gyantze
The city of Gyantze lies the altitude of 3,800m above sea level and locates the head of Nyangchy Valley that is the main route from India and Nepal to Lhasa. In ancient time it was a port to the outside world from which the Tibetan wool was exported to other countries.
Palkor Monastery
Driving to Gyantze from Lhasa, you will be able to see the Kampala Pass that has an elevation of about 4,877m, and then you will drive to see the beautiful turquoise coloured Yamdrok Lake that is one of the three largest lakes of Tibet. In Gyantze, you will visit the Palkhor (Baiju) Monastery which was built in 1365AD and now is the only one known to house monks from different Tibetan Buddhist sects; therefore, the Palkor Monastery is famous for its different architectural style and wall murals.
Shigatze
Shigatze is known as the ‘Centre of Rear Tibet', and is located 250km to the west of Lhasa. It is the second largest city in Tibet with an elevation of 3,800m. The history of Shigatze can be traced back five centuries. The residence for all the Panchen Lamas has been traditionally in this town.
Tashihunpo Monastery
Tashihunpo, meaning imminent bless, was built in 1447. The Monastery is the largest of its kind in Rear Tibet and covers 300,000 sq m. In the east of Tashihunpo are the 100m high stone blocks against a hill slope that are for displaying tapestry of image of the Buddha every year.
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