Destinations of Tibet

Lhasa

Lhasa, the capital of Tibet is one of the most dreamt-about cities in the world. It is not just because of its exclusivity but also because of its location at an altitude of 3,650 meters. Lhasa is renowned for its impressive heritage of over a thousand years that has helped Lhasa to create a religious place for Tibetan religion. According to Tibetan language Lhasa means Holy or Buddha Land and this place certainly has a charm of its own. Lhasa is rightly considered as cultural, religious, political, and economic centre of Tibet that differs from inland cities and other places in Tibet. Some of the Lhasa major attractions include:

Potala Palace - The splendid Potala Palace in Lhasa is a renowned symbol of the enigmatic power of politics and religion. Potala Palace situated on the Red Hill was built in 647 A.D and was destroyed in 9th century and it again rebuilt in the 17th century at the time of 5th Dalai Lama. This palace built in 1645 at the top of the hill was also former seat of the Dalai Lama and contains 1000 rooms, 10,000 shrines and 200,000 religious statues.

Jhokhang Temple - The City of Lhasa revolves around the Jhokhang Temple and the Barkhor Market, which surround the Lhasa city. Built in the 7th century, Jhokhang Temple is considered as the holiest Buddhist shrine in Tibet, having mural paintings, finely worked golden roofs and various other artifacts of temples are just awesome and splendid.

Norbulingka - Another attraction of Lhasa includes Norbulingka consisting of wooded greenery and three palaces which was once used by Dalai Lama as summer retreat.

Drepung Monastery - This is another attraction of Lhasa that lies 10 km. from the Lhasa city and was built in 1416. It is the largest monastery of Tibet.

Sera Monastery - This monastery is learning center for Buddhist, which is about 5km to the north of Lhasa. Built on the foot of the Wudu Hill this monastery comprises of great sutra chanting hall, a college and 32 sections.

Barkhor Bazaar - This market is the oldest street of Lhasa city.

Mt. Kailash - This Mountain is considered as sacred pilgrimage for Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Bon.

Lake Mansarovar - This Lake is considered as sacred pilgrimage for Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Bon.

Tsetang

Tsetang is the political and economical centre of Shangnan and is located between two mountain ranges. This place is of great importance as Tsetang has the first farming land and also has the first king of Tibet. The first palace and the first monastery were also found in Tsetang and several kings tomb are built here. World Treasure-Pearl Thangka is a type of painting, which is still kept in Changdrok monastery. Chenpu meditation caves area is a dream place for followers of Tibetan and Buddhism. Tsetang also has holy lake called Larmulatso, which still remain a source for finding clues to choose the reincarnation of the past Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama. In the 19th century this city is said to have some 1,000 houses, markets, a gompa and a fort. Tsetang is the capital of Shannan and is the second-largest town in the region.

Shigatse

Shigatse, one of the world's highest cities boast of beautiful high plateau and is considered as a hottest spot in China. Shigatse means 'the fertile land' and is located in the plain at the convergence of the rivers Yarlong Tsangpo and Nyangchu. This place is known for having most fertile land of Tibet. This city was capital of Tibet under the Yuan dynasty in the 13th and 14th century. Mt. Everest, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Luozi, and Mt. Choaoyou are the worldwide renowned mountains found at Shigatse. Shigatse also has some well renowned monasteries like Tashihunpo, Xilu, Nhatang, and Perkhor. Tashihunpo Monastery built in 1447 is considered as the most attractive building found in Tibet. This city boasts many other attractions that are worth seeing like Shigatse Gold, Silver and Copper Crafts Factory and Sakya Monastery.

Zhangmu

Zhangmu Town lies in the southern piedmont of the Himalayas and is about 776 km. away from the Tibet capital, Lhasa. Ten kilometer away from Zhangmu is the Sino-Nepal Friendship Bridge and a drive of 100 km from Zhangmu will lead to Kathmandu. Zhangmu is the most welcome city both for tourists and traders after the drudgery of the Sino-Nepal Road. Located at an altitude of 7,546 ft. Zhangmu has subtropical climate, which is mild and humid. Zhangmu is embraced by wondrous mountains, rivers, pines and beautiful flowers throughout the year. The hills around Zhangmu are flooded with numerous waterfalls in the summer and frozen icicles during the winter. This place has all the vital places like bank, post-office, government store etc.

Nyalamu

This place is a vital trade post placed in a fertile valley and is called as 'Kiti' by the Nepalese traders. Flat roofed mud brick houses are surrounded by the Chinese communes. At Nyalamu one can find abundance of alpine fauna during the month of summer, however this place is suppose to have sparse vegetation.

Gutsuo

Gutsuo is a military camp, located at the beginning of the Tibetan plateau. This place comes immediately after crossing through the Thongla Pass and from here one can unfold the most panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges. Tourists can also have the best view of Mt. Everest and its neighboring peaks from the street of Gutsuo. Visitors coming to Gutsuo are accommodated in tented camps or at the barracks.

Xegar

Xegar situated at the height of 13,800 ft, is built at the foot of Xegar Dzong ruins. It is a Chinese commune built at the ruins of Xegar Dzong. This place is of highly importance as it is the centre and base from where the expeditions to Mt. Everest and other peaks of Tibet are launched.

Lhaze

Lhaze is located at the cross roads and from here the road turns west direction towards Mt. Kailash and Mansarovar Lake. The whole valley is covered during summer with green fields and yellow mustard and is quite refreshing after the barren lands of the plateau.

Xigatse

This place is renowned for Tashilhunpo Monastery and also as the place belonging to Panchen Lama. Panchen Lama is considered as the re-incarnation of the Buddha by the people of Tibet. Tashilhunpo Monastery was built in 1447 by the first Dalai Lama and comprises of various interesting items like relics of Shakyamuni, beautiful collection of Thankas, Frescoes and statues and the hall of Maitreya.

Gyantse

Gyantse located at the height of 13,050 ft. is renowned as agricultural land and is popular for carpets and Phalkor Choide Chortens. This unique structure was built in 1414 and it comprises of five stories symbolizing the five steps of enlightenment and topped by thirteen rings representing stages towards Buddha hood. This structure has 108 halls and each hall has frescoes and shrines of Buddha.

Nagarje

Situated at the height of 14,300 ft, this place is a settlement by the Yamdrok Lake shores. Yamdrok Lake is a fresh water lake having sweet and non-saline water. This lake extends for 624 sq. km and has shape of the two pincers of a large scorpion. Yamdrok Lake is turquoise green in colour during summer and it has thick crust of ice during winter. Abundant of fish and migratory birds can be observed in the vicinity of this lake.

Tour Cost:

HOTEL CLASS	STAR RATING	$ PRICE
Budget Class		US $ 300 (per person)
Standard Class		US $ 380 (per person)
Deluxe Class		US $ 480 (per person)
Premium Class		US $ 680 (per person)

Inclusions

• Welcome drink on arrival
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Free usage of Gym
• Free use of games room
• One full day sightseeing