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Dominating the skyline with immense walls of white and ochre, the famous Potala Palace greets you as you reach the capital of Tibet. In its maze of corridors, chapels and galleries, you will discover the former living quarters of the Dalai Lama and many sacred tombs.
In the old Tibetan Quarter you can walk through the narrow streets and explore nearby Barkhor Square and the spectacular golden-roofed Jokhang, the country’s holiest temple.
Around Lhasa
In Lhasa there are two monasteries of particular interest: Sera is set around a busy courtyard where monks spend heated afternoons debating philosophical questions, whilst Drepung was once the world’s largest monastery, housing up to 10,000 monks in its heyday.
A day trip into the countryside also reveals the monastic ruins and restorations of Ganden, passing monks on the way to isolated shrines and enjoying fantastic panoramas across the valley.
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Places near Lhasa
- Tsetang 49 miles away
- Gyantse 106 miles away
- Shigatse 138 miles away
- Everest Base Camp 280 miles away
- Tingri 283 miles away
Photos of Lhasa
Accommodation choices for Lhasa
We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Lhasa. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
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Dhood Gu Hotel
Lhasa -
St Regis Lhasa Resort
Lhasa
Ideas for experiencing Lhasa
Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Lhasa, and which use the best local guides.
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Potala Palace Visit Potala Palace Visit
Potala Palace Visit
The Potala Palace is an architectural wonder — a spectacular edifice whose gold roofs soar high above the town and rise more than 300 metres above the valley floor. The palace can be seen from all directions for miles around.
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Walking the Ganden Kora Walking the Ganden Kora
Walking the Ganden Kora
Walking the Kora — one of the circuits around a monastery — is a traditional way for Tibetan Buddhists to worship, and you will see pilgrims making circuit after circuit of major monastery buildings wherever you are in Tibet.
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The Dalai Lama's former Summer Palace The Dalai Lama's former Summer Palace
The Dalai Lama's former Summer Palace
The Norbulingka — the Jewel Park — contains the summer palaces of the 13th and 14th Dalai Lamas and is characterised by its spacious walled garden, the main throne hall, an audience hall, the Dalai Lama's private apartment and his mother's apartment.
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Sera Monastery Visit Sera Monastery Visit
Sera Monastery Visit
Founded in 1419 by one of Tsongkhapa's eight disciples, Sera became famous for its Tantric teachings. The warrior monks of Sera, the ‘Dob-Dobs’, were admired as athletes but also feared.
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