10 Most Attractive Places in Tibet

1. Potala Palace

The Potala Palace, an administrative, religious and political complex, is built on the Red Mountain in the centre of the Lhasa valley, at an altitude of 3,700m. The complex comprises the White Palace and the Red Palace, with their ancillary buildings. The Potala, winter palace of the Dalai Lama since the 7th century A.D., symbolises Tibetan Buddhism and its central role in the traditional administration in Tibet. The beauty and originality of its architecture, its ornate decoration and its harmonious integration in a striking landscape add to its historic and religious interest.

2. Jokhang Temple

Jokhang Temple situated at the heart of the old town of Lhasa, Built in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsan Gambo, the Tang Princess Wencheng and Nepalese Princess Bhrikuti, the Jokhang Temple demonstrates a combination of the architectural style of Han, Tibetan, India and Nepal, as well as a mandala world outlook of Buddhism.

3. Barkhor Street

Barkhor Street is the necessary place for domestic and foreign tourists in Tibet. Here you will learn more about Tibetan culture, economy, religion and arts. Surrounding the Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street served as a trading and religious center. Many commodities in the Bakhor Street are displayed with the characteristics of Tibet including local folk art crafts, Tibetan-style daily goods, prayer wheels, etc. as well as knives, tanka, religious musical instruments, gold and silver ware, masks and much more.

4. Namtso Lake

Namtso Lake means “holy lake” in the Tibetan language. With over 30km from north to south and over 70km from east to west, Lake Namtso covers a total area of more than 1,900 square km, being the second largest salt lake in China. At an elevation of 4,718m, it is also the highest-altitude salt lake in the world, the furthest depth being more than 33m. The water in the lake for the most part arises from rains, melted ice and snow of Nyenchen Tonglha Mountains and the inflow of crooks and streams, hence the lake is very clear and limpid. With the lake surface assuming sky blue, the lake and the sky seem to be one and undivided, which may make visitors feel themselves in a fairy land if they have a stroll by the lake.

5. Yangbajain Hot Springs

The Yangbajain hot springs field is at an altitude of 4,290m to 4,500m which makes it the highest hot springs of the world and surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The water bubbles up at a temperature of 30 degrees C which at this altitude is above boiling point. Much of the electricity in Lhasa comes from the engineers having harnessed this natural power and there is a huge thermoelectric power plant on the edge of the Yangbajain plain.

6. Tashilumpo Monastery

Tashilunpo Monastery was founded in 1447 by Genden Drup, the first Dalai Lama. Since 1642 it has been the seat of the Panchen Lamas, who are second in authority to the Dalai Lama. It is a huge monastic compound of golden-roofed venerable buildings and cobbled lanes and it would take days to explore it fully. At its peak the monastery housed around 4.700 monks.  It's golden roofs and red walls glitter under the sunlight and the sight is supposed to bring peace to your soul.

7. Palkhor Monastery and Kumbum Stupa

The Palkhor monastery is famous for it's unique architecture and the 'Bodhi Stupa' or 'Kumbum'. Built in the year 1427, the monastery has gained the position as the Lord of Tibetan Stupas. The Palkhor monastery is a classical example of age old Tibetan monasteries as it houses both, a temple and a Stupa. What you would find most interesting can be the mural paintings on the wall that depicts stories of Buddha. You will notice that the painting style in this monastery is quite different from paintings that one seen in other monasteries. Visit the monastery on 15th of April according to Tibetan calendar Saka Dawa festival is celebrated, the birthday of Sakyamuni.

8. Mount Everest and Rongbuk Monastery

Mount Everest, located in Xegar County, is the highest peak on earth with an altitude of 8848m. It is 620km from Lhasa and it takes one and a half days to get there. Rongbuk Monastery is the highest monastery in the world, 5000m above sea level, and from there you can get excellent views of Mount Everest. You can walk the 8km from Rongbuk to North Everest Base Camp.

9. Mount Namcha Barwa and Yarlung Tsangpo River

Mount Namcha Barwa (7756m) is the highest snow peak in the Linzhe area. The Namcha Barwa Trek circles the Yarlong Tsangpo River valley (also known as the Namcha Barwa valley), and is the largest valley in the world. The average depth of the valley is 5000m, with the lowest point 5382m. In 1994, the Great Canyon of the Namchag Barwa valley was confirmed as the largest in the world by both the American Geographic Committee and the Guinness Book of World Records. Here you will find rich plant life as well as stunning geography, and you will also have the chance to see the Menba and Luoba minority people who populate the valley.

10. Mount Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

Mount Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is very beautiful and scenic view of Mansarovar Lake with Holiest Mount Kailash (6,714m) - In the far west of Tibet is Mount Kailash, the most sacred mountain in Asia, which is recognized by Buddhists, Hindus, Jains and the ancient Bon religion of Tibet. From it flowing four great rivers such at the Karnali, the Indus, the Sutlej and the Brahmaputra. Which are draining the vast Tibetan Plateau. It is an important site for Tibetan and Indian pilgrims who make a 53km circuit, or kora, of the mountain.

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