Top Things to Do in Lhasa

Lhasa, the center of Tibet, is a city brimming with tourism resources. As a gateway to Tibet's splendid and time-honored culture, the city of sunshine, with world-famous landmarks and hidden gems waiting to be discovered, is where most Tibet trips begin. Let's figure out what your bucket list should feature to maximize your Lhasa adventure.

Visit the Potala Palace

The Potala Palace, depicted on China's 50-yuan banknote, is an essential stop when touring. Rising 117 meters above Lhasa Valley, this 1,300-year-old palace is a masterpiece of engineering, its whitewashed walls and golden roofs shimmering in the sunshine. Inside, you'll find a treasure trove of religious artifacts such as thangkas and ancient manuscripts. Today, it remains a pilgrimage site for millions, where daily rituals create an atmosphere of sacred reverence.

Savor the Traditional Tibetan Cuisine

One of the must-do experiences in Lhasa is diving into Tibet's culinary treasures which reveal as much about Tibet's history and geography as it does about its flavors. Start with tsampa, a staple made from roasted barley flour. It's even more nutritious and delicious when paired with sweet tea or butter tea. This simple yet hearty dish reflects Tibet's high-altitude agricultural heritage. Moreover, try momos—steamed dumplings filled with yak meat or vegetables, often served with a fiery chili sauce. What makes Lhasa's culinary scene particularly enchanting is its accessibility. These authentic flavors aren't confined to tourist attractions, and they are embedded within the routines of Tibetan people's daily life. A casual stroll through the Barkhor Street might lead you to a family-run eatery that captures the essence of Tibetan food.

Explore the Jokhang Temple

The Jokhang Temple is super important in Tibetan Buddhism. It's been around for over 1,300 years and is considered one of the most sacred sites for Buddhists. Inside, you'll find the famous Jowo Shakyamuni Buddha statue, which is said to be brought by Princess Wencheng from China's Tang Dynasty. People from all over the world come here to pray and pay their respects, and you can really feel the spiritual energy and devotion in the air. While visiting, you'll see lots of colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind. These flags are believed to carry prayers and blessings to the heavens. You can also join in the kora, which is the traditional circumambulation around the temple. It's a special experience to walk clockwise with the locals, spinning Tibetan prayer wheels. Inside the temple, there are beautiful murals, intricate carvings, and ancient artifacts. You can explore the different halls and chapels, each with its own unique charm and significance.

Photograph the Turquoise Lake Yamdrok

When planning your trip to Lhasa, putting a visit to Lake Yamdrok on your itinerary is an absolute must. Revered as one of Tibet's three sacred lakes, Lake Yamdrok's ethereal beauty is simply unparalleled. Its waters, a vivid shade of blue that seems to change with the play of sunlight, are set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. This makes it a photographer's paradise. Whether you're a professional or an amateur with a smartphone, you'll capture shots that will leave your friends and family in awe. What's more, the area around Lake Yamdrok offers an authentic taste of Tibet. Just by the lakeside, there are charming rural villages where you can savor genuine Tibetan cuisine. Indulge in momos, or enjoy a bowl of thick, warming Tibetan noodle soup.

Witness the Process of Making Tibetan Handicrafts at Barkhor Street

Visiting Barkhor Street in Lhasa is not only about shopping for handicrafts but also about witnessing their fascinating creation processes. Barkhor Street is lined with numerous workshops where skilled artisans work their magic. For instance, there are places dedicated to making traditional Tibetan incense. You can observe as they blend various natural ingredients like herbs, spices, and even some precious Tibetan medicines. If you're interested in thangka painting, there are also workshops where you can watch artists at work. Thangka painting is a highly intricate art form. First, the artist prepares the canvas, often made of cotton or silk. Then, they use natural pigments, many of which are derived from minerals and plants. You'll see the artist meticulously draw the outlines of Buddhist stories with a fine brush. The coloring and shading are done with painstaking precision, layer by layer, to create a rich and detailed final piece.

Conclusion

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