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Lhasa
Lhasa, meaning "the Sacred Land" or "Buddha place" in Tibetan language, has been the cultural, economic, political and religious center in Tibet since ancient time. Tibet was a theocratic state and Potala Palace was the symbol of supreme theocratic regime in old days. However, with the peaceful liberation of Tibet on May 23, 1951, theocratic regime went to its doom and Lhasa entered a new era. In 1960, State Council officially approved Lhasa for the prefecture-level city. In 1982 Lhasa was selected as one of the state level historical and cultural cities.
Lhasa is world-famous for its places of historical interest related with Buddhism, such as Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, etc. Tibetan ethnic group make a great contribution with its long history and rich culture. And one of them is Tibetan fresco which is an important component of Tibetan culture. Tibetan ethnic group is also featured by its special lifestyle and habits.
Beautiful Scenic Spots
Jokhang Temple is the spiritual center of Tibet. Everyday pilgrims from every corner of Tibet trek a long distance to the temple. Some of them even progress prostrate by body length to the threshold of the temple. Pilgrims fuel myriad of flickering butter lamps with yak butter, or honor their deities with white scarves (Kha-btags or Hada) while murmuring sacred mantras to show their pieties to the Buddha.
It lies at the center of the old Lhasa. Built in 647 by Songtsen Gampo and his two foreign wives, it has a history of more than 1,300. It was said that Nepal Princess Tritsun decided to build a temple to house the Jowo Sakyamuni aged 12 brought by Chinese Princess Wencheng. Princess Wencheng reckoned according to Chinese astrology that the temple should be built on the pool where the Jokhang now locates. She contended that the pool was a witch's heart, so the temple should be built on the pool to get rid of evils. The pool still exists under the temple. Then goats were used as the main pack animals, as is the reason the city is called Lhasa.
Namtso, or Lake Nam, Located in the mountainous area about 60 kilometers to the northwest of Damxung county of Lhasa, is one of the three holy lakes in Tibet Autonomous Region and should not be missed by any traveler to Tibet.
In Tibetan, Namtso means "Heavenly Lake". It is famous for its crystal clean scenery. The touching, beautiful view is suggested to every visitor coming to Lhasa.Namtso Lake occupies a sacred position in the heart of Buddhism followers. In the Tibetan New Year of the Sheep, thousands of pilgrims go there and pray for good fortune. They walk around the lake, spin prayer wheels and chant sutra.
Norbulingka, literally the "Jeweled Garden," is a palace and its surrounding parks located in a western suburb of Lhasa. It was constructed in the 1740s as a summer palace for the Dalai Lama and later served the whole governmental administration. The place boasts typical Tibetan palace architecture, as well as gentle streams, dense and lush forestry, birds and animals. Covering an area of around 36 hectares, it is considered to be the largest man-made garden in Tibet. Being part of the "Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace," Norbulingka is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and was added as an extension to this Historic Ensemble in 2001.
Delicious Food
Lhasa provides the best food compared with other places in Tibet. The food can be divided into Tibetan food, Sichuan cuisine and west-style cuisine. Nepalese and Indian food in some restaurants are also available. The flavor of Tibetan food is light and not greasy. Any spicy ingredients are not added in the food except garlics and green onions.
Accommodation
