Name: Lhassa

Chinese name: 拉萨 (ལྷ་ས་)

Region: Tibet Autonomous Region

Status: Prefecture-level city

Population: 559,423 inhabitants

Area: 31,662 km²

Lhassa, a sacred city, the heart of Tibet and also the roof of the world, is a historic capital and a holy city for all Buddhists. Destined for an uncertain future, the city of Lhassa stands today as a modern metropolis.

Nevertheless, for travelers who venture there, the wonder at the grandeur of the Potala Palace and its spiritual atmosphere will make you forget its rapid development under Chinese occupation.

History

According to tradition, Lhassa became the Tibetan capital during the reign of the second Tibetan emperor Songtsen Gampo (609, 613–650). This Emperor subsequently had the Jokhang and Ramoché temples built, as well as the first structure of the Potala Palace.

Lhassa then gained in importance, particularly regarding Buddhism, and attracted increasingly more pilgrims.

The 5th Dalai Lama (1617–1682) relocated Tibet's administrative center to Lhassa and had new buildings constructed to expand the Potala Palace and establish it as the seat of religious and political power. It was then that Lhassa prospered and saw the opening of grand residences, hotels and shops, particularly in the Barkhor district.

Lhassa long suffered from poverty. Without water, electricity or sewerage, the streets were dirty and overrun with beggars. Only Barkhor was presentable.

In 1959, the Tibetan uprising broke out against the Chinese army and nearly 30,000 Tibetans gathered in front of the Norbulinka Palace to prevent the abduction of the Dalai Lama.

Between 1987 and 1989, major protests erupted. Monks took to the streets to advocate for a free Tibet and these uprisings led to the implementation of martial law in 1989. It was imposed until 1990.

In 2008, new protests emerged and monks took to the streets to demand the release of imprisoned monks in 2007. Many Tibetan monks immolated themselves for Tibet's freedom and for the prisoners.

Since then, Lhassa has experienced an influx of Han Chinese and seen its city transform into a modern metropolis.

Today

Capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region and center of Tibetan Buddhism, Lhassa is a pilgrimage city situated at 3,700 meters altitude. Destined to become a modern city, Lhassa will always remain the jewel of Tibet with its old quarters and buildings that will forever remind visitors of the Tibetan people's passion for their beliefs.

The city is today divided into two distinct sections that display striking contrasts. The western section houses the Chinese part, now altered, urban and modern with tall buildings, trendy bars and restaurants. To the east stands the old Tibetan town, an aging but increasingly threatened historical district that resists and presents itself as more traditional, notably with the Barkhor district which surrounds the Jokhang Temple and other authentic buildings. Jokhang Temple is the spiritual center of Tibet and welcomes numerous pilgrims each day. Its visit is an opportunity to immerse yourself for the first time in genuine Tibetan Buddhist culture.

Further on, the famous Potala Palace that overlooks the city is undoubtedly the symbol of the Tibetan capital. Its imposing structure will leave you speechless. Its visit, though heavily monitored, is absolutely worth the detour.

Continuing toward the old town, you can soak in the sacred atmosphere and encounter Tibetans still living in the traditions of the autonomous region. To immerse yourself further in Tibetan culture, wander through the streets of the Barkhor market and mingle with Tibetan merchants and pilgrims engaged in circumambulation.

Lhassa abounds with points of interest. Beyond its Buddhist monasteries and other religious buildings, Lhassa is surrounded by breathtaking nature and is consequently an essential starting point for exploring the lands, mountains and lakes of Tibet.

The power of Lhassa and its buildings continues to intrigue and fascinate travelers from around the world. A trip to Lhassa will be an unforgettable experience that will immerse you in a world where Buddhism leaves no room for any other religion.

Climate

Lhassa is a high-altitude city that enjoys a mountain climate influenced by the monsoon. Temperatures do not vary greatly throughout the year, averaging –2°C in the coldest month and 15°C in the warmest month. Rainfall is mainly concentrated around July and August, and winters are very dry.

Lhassa is a very sunny city with approximately 3,000 hours of sunshine per year.

Lhassa can be visited year-round; however, spring is the most favorable period for discovering this Buddhist city.

By Air

Lhassa is most often reached by plane. Lhassa has four airports, all more or less far from the city center: Gonggar Airport (the main one), Bangda Airport in Chamdo, Milin Airport in Nyingchi and Gunda Airport in Ngari. Daily flights serve the Tibetan capital from Chengdu, Beijing, Xi'an, Chongqing and Xining. A few flights are also operated from Guangzhou and Lanzhou.

There are also international flights to Nepal between Kathmandu and Lhassa.

By Train

Traveling to Lhassa by train is a wonderful experience. The Qinghai–Tibet railway opened in 2006 and covers nearly 2,000 km, sometimes reaching an altitude of 5,072 meters, making it the highest train in the world.

The landscapes traversed are fantastic, but altitude sickness can quickly take its toll and spoil the journey. Remember to bring altitude sickness medication in this case.

By Bus

Five roads connect Lhassa from Chengdu in Sichuan, Xining in Qinghai, Yunnan or Xinjiang.

You do need to be brave to reach Lhassa by bus. Although buses are equipped with sleeping berths, the roads are not always in good condition and journeys are very long.

Minibuses and taxis offer to take you around the city or to tourist sites outside. Pedicabs or cycle rickshaws are a more traditional way to get around town. Slower but more authentic than taxis, try a ride that will cost you only a few yuan.

Finally, for the athletic, it is possible to rent bicycles.

What to Do in Lhassa?

• Stand before the imposing structure of the Potala Palace.
• Let yourself be swept up by the human energy of Barkhor.
• Observe pilgrims prostrating themselves before the Jokhang Temple.
• Enjoy the lovely Norbulingka park, the former residence of the Dalai Lama.
• Venture from the city to discover the Drepung Monastery, the Sera Monastery and the Ganden Monastery, the three great Gelugpa monasteries.

Discover all the attractions in Lhassa.