Attractions

 Beyond all doubt, the Potala Palace is the number uno attraction in all of Tibet. The majesty and grace of the palace and the fervor of the captivating pilgrims surrounding it, compares only to the thrill of seeing Egyptian tombs for the first time.  The fact that there are still Tibetan pilgrims circumambulating, prostrating themselves, twirling their prayer wheels and whispering prayers gives a life to this place that no other ancient attraction can offer. For thousands of years, Tibetan Bhuddist have clung to their roots, their beliefs and their form of worship. To see this in action, not as a play or enactment, but as it has been over the centuries is an incomparable experience for any traveler, especially those seeking enlightenment or deeper thought. Even though the Chinese don’t let tourists see much of the inside of the Potala, it is still a must-see attraction. Spend a day roaming the outer kora (path that encircles the holy edifice) with the pilgrims, enjoy the beautiful park build by the communist government, and be sure to take your best camera! Within the park confines there are stupas and incense burners where you can join the pilgrims for a smaller kora.Perched on Marpo Ri hill, 130 meters above Lhasa valley and backlit by a collection of noble mountain ranges in the distance, stands the splendid Potala Palace, the former winter palace (home) and government building of the Dalai Lama and his large staff. This was the seat of the Tibetan government, where all ceremonies of state were held before the Tibetan government fled into exile in Dharamsala, India in 1959

With a colossal five-square miles of complex, this nine stories high edifice with over 1000 rooms and interior space in excess of 130,000 square meters, is beyond breathtaking. Whitewashed except for the central portion, which is yak-blood red, this colossal chapels, and living quarters for thousands of monks. It also housed a school for religious training of monks and administrators. Surprisingly, there was also a prison within its confines.Early legends relating to the rocky hill speak of a sacred cave, considered to be the dwelling place of the Bodhisattva Chenresi (Avilokiteshvara), which was utilized as a meditation camp and retreat by Emperor Songtsen Gampo in the seventh century AD. In 637 Songtsen Gampo built a large palace on the hill. This structure stood unchanged until the seventeenth century (1645), when it was incorporated into the foundations of the glorious buildings still standing today by Lobsang Gyatso, the 5th Dalai Lama. By odd fate, the building was not destroyed during the cultural revolution. It was slightly damaged during the Tibetan uprising against the invading Chinese in 1959. but, unlike most other Tibetan religious structures, it was not raided and razed by Mao’s Red Guards during the 1960s and 1970s, evidently through the personal intervention of Chou En Lai. As a result, all the chapels and their artifacts are very well preserved, which leaves a immeasurable treasure for the conquerors who charges a pretty penny for a fast peak at a few rooms.

As the spiritual and political heart of Tibet, before the Chinese invasion and subsequent occupation, this 425 ft tall creation is a stupendous and magnificent monument that stands as a witness to the once-splendid Tibetan kingdom. With its three kora circuits and tombs of many previous Dalai Lamas, it remains a major pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists.

Situated five kilometers from Lhasa at the foot of Mt. Ganpoi Uze., Drepung Monastery was founded in 1416 by Jamyang Choje. He was a disciple of Tsongkapa, the founder of Gelugpa Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery, occupying an area of 250,000 squire meters with about 7,700 monks (unknown number since 2008)is the largest monastery in Tibet (TAR). The monastery keeps plentiful historical relics, Buddhist scriptures, statues, religious arts and crafts.

Jokhang TempleThe Jokhang Temple (not a monastery) situated in the center of the old section of Lhasa was built in the mid – 7th century A. D. and later extended by successive rulers. It is now a gigantic architecture complex. Located in the east, facing to the west, it is a four-story temple with splendid golden roofs, spires and emblems.  The murals in the temple mainly depict the life stories of historic characters. The temple houses many historical relics including statues of King Songtsen Gompo, Princess Wencheng, Princess Bhrikuti Devi (Nepalese). The Jokhang Temple is the most important temple in Tibetan Buddhism. Pilgrims come from all Tibetan areas to worship the Sakyamuni Buddha and other important deities.

The Sera Monastery is of the Gelugpa or Yellow Hat Sect, a branch of Tibetan Buddhism, founded by Tsong Khapa. The monastery was named Sera which means wild rose in the Tibetan language, because the hill behind it was covered with wild roses when the monastery was built. The monastery is magnificent and covers an area of 114,946 square meters (28 acres). Its main buildings are the Coqen Hall, Zhacang (college) and Kamcun (dormitory). Scriptures written in gold powder, fine statues, scent cloth and unparalleled murals can be found in these halls. Colorful debates on Buddhist doctrines are held here (when occupied by monks).

Ganden Monastery is located on Wangbur Mountain, on the southern bank of Lhasa River in Tagtse County, 29 miles from Lhasa City. It stands at an altitude of 3,800 meters (12,467 feet) above sea level.  It is one of the earliest and largest Buddhist monasteries in Tibet, and stands atop of the six famous temples of Gelugpa. Its significance as a religious, artistic, political and cultural relic led to it being preserved by the National Key Cultural Relic Preservation scheme in 1961, and is now known as being one of the ‘Three Great Temples. Every year, one of the grandest of Buddhist activities – Buddha Painting Unfolding Festival – is conducted in the monastery, attracting thousands of visitors and disciples (when open).

 Tashilhunpo Monastery-Shigatse

Tashilhunpo Monastery is the biggest Gelugpa monastery in the Tsang region of Tibet. It is located inShigatse around 250 kilometers away from Lhasa, the capital of Tibet.  Situated on the foot of Mt. Drolmari, this magnificent structure is one of the six huge monasteries of the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism in Tibet. It was built by First Dalai Lama in the year 1447 and expanded by successive Panchen Lamas over the centuries. It stands on a whooping area of around 300,000 square meters! Also this place has been the seat of the Panchen Lamas for hundreds of years. As the second most important religious leader of Tibet, Tashilhunpo Monastery has become a prominent landmark in Shigatse,  the second largest city in Tibet.

The Tashilhunpo Monastery was founded by Gedun Drub, later titled the first Dalai Lama. He was also the nephew and follower of the legendary Buddhist Philosopher, Je Tsongkhapa. This is one of those sites that is difficult to describe because of its circumference. The massive renovation of the monastery was started by the fourth Panchen Lama and was carried on by successive Lamas. When the monastery was at its most active, there were more than 4000 monks and 4 tantric colleges with their own abbot. In 1960, the Chinese attacked the monastery in the absence of the Pachen Lama. As you enter the monastery, you will see a wall overlooking the monastery. This wall was build by the order of the first Dalai Lama. Visitors are in awe by the mere dimensions and size of this monastery. The largest number of visitors come during the Buddha Thangka display festival which is usually held every 14, 15 and 16 of May on the Tibetan calendar. On this day, the wall displays images of Lord Buddha. Inside the Maitreya Chapel holds the biggest statue of a sitting Maitreya Buddha, almost 86 feet in height, well decorated with 275 kilograms of pure gold, diamonds, pearls, turquoises, corals and ambers, and other rare stones. It is rather spellbinding to know that the Buddha was handcrafted by around 900 craftsmen and took more than 9 years to construct. The other fabulous attraction of the Tashilhunpo Monastery is the Stupa from the tenth Panchen Lama. It lies east of the chapel and is covered with gold, jewels and precious stones.The another significant building in Tashilhunpo is the Kelsang Temple. It is one of the oldest and largest buildings in Tashilhunpo. It is truly a colossal compound. It has a Main Chanting Hall where lamas learn sutras and listen to Panchen Lama sermons. On the back end of the hall lies a 5 meters (16 feet) high statue of Sakyamuni. It is said that a part of Sakyamuni’s remains were placed inside this statue!

Mt. Kailash

Awe inspiring “Sacred” Mt. Kailash and “Holy Lake” Lake Manasarovar are venerated places for many faiths, including Tibetan Buddhists, Buddhists, Bon, Jains, and to those with other esoteric beliefs. They come to walk the kora around the mountain, around the “center of the world”.  Not only is this trek a life-long goal for pilgrims, but many visitors find the attraction irresistible. Ancient Sanskrit documents tell us the Gangdise Range had become a holy mountain 2,000 years before Christ. A Hindu myth explains how a palace for the god of gods was build on Mt. Kailash. With 6656 meters, this is an extremely important mountain in Asian and Tibetan history. Tibetan Buddhists have a belief that the mountain is in a shape of an olive. The legendary palace is thought to have been build right on the peak. Centuries ago a visiting Bangladesh monk heard bells chiming from the palace, along with drums beating and mysterious sounds. Even pilgrims today claim to hear things during their kora around this mount. Kailash crowns the Himalayan Mountains with its innumerable myths and legends. By far, it remains the focus of the religions that believe in the magnetic draw of the mountain. It takes from 24-36 hours to make the full circle (kora) around the mountain. Some people caravan with their yaks, camp and do the kora in two days time. This form of worshipping is common to Tibetan Buddhists who do koras around all important religious sites. The more koras done, the better your life now and the next time will be. This deep rooted notion of circling holy mountains and places started in ancient times with pagan rituals. 

Namtso Lake

Heavenly Namtso Lake is one of the four most sacred lakes in Tibet. Namtso Lake is defined as ‘Holy Lake’. This lake is located in Nagqu and is an important pilgrim destination. The lake is situated at a height of 4720 meters and covers an area of 1900 sq. km. This lake is the highest and largest salt lake in the world. Wild yaks, hares and other wild animals leisurely look for food along the expansive lake shores; countless migratory birds fly here to lay eggs and feed their young. The best time for photos is dawn or dusk when you can capture the reflections of the mountains on the water. There is no shortage of decked out yaks and yak canoes for photographic diversity. Dozens of men and women in colorful garb mosey on down to the lake  after breakfast, ready and willing to help you jump on on their finely combed yak for a few coins. But after all the touristy photo opportunities, take a nice long walk along the shore, climbs the stones, go to the top of the monastery on the hill overlooking the water, check out the old monastery built cleverly into the rocks. Check out the huge pile of mani stones and make friends with a local. This place will be one of your favorite memories of Tibet.