Lhasa Overview
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Lhasa Overview

Lhasa is a unique tourist destination. It is the amazing capital city of the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) and the political, economic, cultural, transport and tourist centre of the Region. Situated on the north bank of the Kyichu River (Lhasa River), this Sunlight City, which is 3,658 meters (12,000 ft) above sea level, provides visitors with an entree to a splendid history of more than 1,300 years through its ancient palaces, temples and monasteries. Potala Palace, Lhasa According to Tibetan history, King Songtsen Gampo established Lhasa as his capital after he unified Tibet. His vision for Lhasa resulted in the building of the Potala Palace, the Jokhang Temple, the Ramoche Monastery and many other monasteries and palaces around the city.
In the centre of old Lhasa is the ancient circular Barkhor Street, which surrounds the Jokhang Temple. The street was and still is a market with shops selling silks and furs and other artifacts. After the death of King Songtsen Gampo and his wives, the city's fortunes rose and fell frequently because of the struggles between Bon and Buddhism.

Today it is a city where increasingly modern life coexists with holy Buddhism. This ancient city covers an area of about 30,000 square km (about 7,413,155 acres), with a total population of 474,500, of which 87% are Tibetans. Other nationalities, such as Han, Hui, Menba, Luoba, Sherpa, etc. also live harmoniously in the city. Most Tibetans believe in Tibetan Buddhism , which even today is the source for many legends and mysteries in Tibet.
 

Tibetan People, Lhasa

In addition to being the highest city in the world, Lhasa has marvelous natural scenery and a beautiful unspoiled landscape. Norbulingka, the former summer palace for Dalai Lamas, is now a park open to the public. Yangpachen, 87 kilometers (54 miles) north of the city, is renowned for its rich source of hot springs.  
 

Although Lhasa has yet to develop into a metropolitan city, it has a unique charm and atmosphere and is a good place to live and travel. Walking in the ancient streets and experiencing the exotic customs and religion can relax one's exhausted spirit. Delicious food and drinks are available in night markets and, in Tibetan and western style restaurants. Spending a leisurely day on the big terrace of Barkhor Cafe in the sunshine with cups of coffee, you can see devoted pilgrims walking slowly around the Jokhang Temple not far away. Visitors will find that peace and harmony are the outstanding attributes of this ancient city. You will even find friends with similar interests from all over the world in the small hostel you lodge in. And, even while getting around the city in a pedicab or taxi, you will find that the ancient religious atmosphere, beautiful landscape and the simple hearted local people provide a very satisfying experience. 
Comments and Questions

Hi,

I'm interested travel to Tibet. I would like to know what are the suggested itinerary for this trip. I'm thinking of staying a week there. Please let me know how much it cost too. I may have a group of 5-10 pax.

Reply

3/14/2012 1:30:00 AM

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Asked by Yen Ching (Malaysia)

Hi Yen Ching,
you can find the Tibet tour packages and their quotation at:
http://www.tibettrip.com/travel/

3/14/2012 6:39:00 PM

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Gee

I will be traveling to Shanghai in June 2011 and would like to obtain my travel permit to Tibet. How do I go about about it. Do I wait till I get the Shanghai.

Reply

5/20/2011 2:18:00 PM

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Asked by Gerard (United States)

hi Gerard,
foreign visitors are required to take a group tour to Tibet.
so you need to book a Tibet tour through a reliable travel agency and the travel agency will settle down the entry permit.
i know this wibsite provide Tibet Tour, you may have a try.

5/22/2011 3:03:00 AM

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Sera

Hi, in 2012 my friend and I would like to acclimatise in Tibet to thereafter summit Cho Oyu from there. This will require a 6-8 week long visa for Tibet. Is it possible to achieve this? We are from Austria and Canada. Thank you!

Reply

11/11/2011 11:23:00 AM

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Asked by Lisa

You should apply for a China Tourist visa and a Tibet Entry permit in fact. For a China tour to Tibet, you must take part in a tour group through a China travel agency, or you will not be given the Tibet entry permit. You are able to get the China visa and Tibet permit if you can offer all of the required docuemnts.

11/11/2011 6:31:00 PM

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Simon

Hello,

My fiancee and I would like to visit Lhasa for two weeks following our wedding. We do not want to join a larger travel group and would like to stay at the St. Regis. Would this be possible?

Reply

5/13/2011 1:44:00 PM

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Asked by Colleen (United States)

hi Colleen,
you can take a small group tour. i know this website provide small group tour to Lhasa, you can book a tour on this website.

5/15/2011 2:05:00 AM

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Crist Lee

Collen I plan to go also but was wondering how you guys plan to go about getting you travel permit.

5/20/2011 2:22:00 PM

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Bobby ( United States )

what is the best time to Lhasa?

Reply

11/27/2010 8:44:00 PM

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Asked by Jane (Finland)

August is the best time to Lhasa.

11/28/2010 8:19:00 PM

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Emily ( Belize )

May I know the admission fee of Potala palace?

Reply

11/26/2010 3:52:00 AM

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Asked by Conner (United Kingdom)

How long time does it take to visit the Potala Palace?

Reply

10/23/2009 2:24:00 AM

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Asked by Abby (Italy)

Roughly an hour or more...

10/23/2009 2:36:00 AM

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Lily ( China )