Tibet Attractions

Potala Palace

The world famous Potala Palace is located on 'Red Hill', to the west of old Lhasa. It was originally built in the 640's, during the reign of King Songtsan Gampo. The 13-story palace stands 117 meters high and has over 1000 rooms. It covers an area of 130,000 square meters. The entire building is made of stone and wood, with walls averaging 3 meters thick.

The Red Palace contains various chapels and mausoleums for previous Dalai Lamas.

Jokhang Temple

The Jokhang Temple, situated in the centre of old Lhasa, was originally built in 647 A.D. It is said that the site was chosen personally by the wife of King Songtsan Gampo, the Tang Princess Wen Cheng. It was built by craftsmen from Tibet, China and Nepal and thus features several architectural styles. The Jokhang is the spiritual centre of Tibet and the holiest destination for all Tibetan Buddhist pilgrims.

In the central hall is the Jokhang's oldest and most precious object -- a sitting statue of Sakyamuni when he was 12 years old.

Drepung Monastery
Drepung Monastery, situated west of Lhasa, was founded in 1416 by one of Tsong Khapa's disciples. It was the largest and richest of the three major Yellow Sect monasteries in Lhasa, and it also became the most powerful. It is one of the largest monasteries in the world.

The 5th Dalai Lama enlarged Drepung and ruled there while the Potala was being built. This magnificent monastery was built on an enormous scale, resembling a huge walled city. From its roofs, one can enjoy a scenic view of Lhasa city.

Norbulinka Park

Norbulingka, or 'Jewelled Garden', was the site of the Dalai Lamas' summer palace. The site was originally chosen for the shade of its many willow trees. From the mid-18th century, each successive Dalai Lama moved to the park during the summer season, and carried out all their religious and political affairs from there.

In the 1750's the 7th Dalai Lama spent much time in the peacefulness of this area, studying Buddhist texts. It was during his lifetime that the tradition of a 'Summer Retreat' began. The park was considerably extended during the reign of the 13th Dalai Lama (1876-1933) and many more buildings were erected.