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south central
part of Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) and counts among one of
the highest cities in the world. Lhasa literally means "the
Place of Gods". With more than 3,000 hours of sunshine
annually, Lhasa is famed as "the City of Sunshine" also. There
are many historic sites and famous relics in the city proper
and its suburbs, among which the Potala Palace, Jokhang
Temple, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery and Gandan Monastery
are world famous. The city is the traditional seat of the
Dalai Lama and the Potala and Norbulingka palaces and in
Tibetan Buddhism is regarded as the holiest centre in Tibet.
Lhasa also serves as a home to 31 communities and is the most
thrilling city that offers everything from calm corners to
bustling markets that beckons tourist from around the world.
Lhasa has the most challenging terrain to reach and move
around when compared to other parts of China and Tibet, as it
has extreme altitude location.
Climate of Lhasa
Lhasa enjoys mild weather and is free of both frigid winters
and unbearably hot summers. It rains mainly in July, August
and September. The rainy seasons in the summer are widely
regarded the "best" seasons of the year, during these seasons
it rains mostly at night and days are bright and sunny. The
city receives amazing amount of sunshine that keeps the
temperature a bit high, but as the sun sets the temperature
starts to fall drastically making nights extremely cold. So it
is advisable to take woolen clothes as well with you. The
environment here is conducive to traveling throughout the
year, though most pleasant will be during the period from June
to August. Atleast keep three full days in hand to complete a
tour in Lhasa City.
History of Lhasa
Lhasa has long interesting history. Before the mid-seventh
century when Lhasa was yet to come into being, the area was
known as Wotang. It was a marshy land of wildness, frequented
by antelopes. On one bright summer day, Songtsan Gampo, leader
of the Tubo tribe that had risen to power in the Yarlung River
Valley, was struck by the perilous position of an area flanked
by two steep mountains, while bathing in the Lhasa River, and
decided that this was to be the home of his kingdom. This
ambitious Tibetan king moved the center of his rule to Wotang
and ordered the construction of his residence on the hilltop
of Potala. In 641 A.D., Songtsan Gampo who by this time had
conquered the whole Tibetan region wedded Princess Wencheng of
the Imperial Tang Court. When the princess arrived, she became
convinced that Lake Wotang was a devil's heart to be
overpowered by the construction of a grand temple after
filling up the lake with earth. The princess further suggested
that the earth be carried by white goats. This imposing grand
temple became a symbol of the kingdom. The temple, later known
as Jokhang, was initially named Lhasa, "the Sacred Land" in
Tibetan. Over the centuries, Lhasa became a political and
religious center of Tibet. Administrative orders were issued
from the myriad of imposing palaces. The great temples and
monasteries were home to invincible liturgical establishment
and witnessed the rise of many religious leaders and endless
religious ceremonies. The faithful composed the population of
the town and Lhasa became a true "Mecca" of Tibet.
Tourist Attractions in Lhasa
Lhasa city is probably the most gifted city of Tibet in terms
of natural beauty, magnificent historical monuments,
monasteries, and shopping. You are bound to find few of the
most visually enthralling architectural structures in Tibet,
not only in form of famous temples and palaces but also in
Tibetan residential homes, which are quite tastefully
decorated. Lhasa has many historic sites and famous relics in
the city proper and its suburbs, among which the Potala
Palace, Jokhang Temple, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery and
Norbulingka Palaces are world renowned.
More...
How to Reach Lhasa
By Air
The nearest airport to Lhasa city is the Lhasa Gonggar Airport
which is around 97 km away.
By Rail
Tibet railways, having started the train service since 1st
July 2006 has opened up a new opportunity for the tourist to
explore the fantasies yet unseen.
By Road
From airport, the road linkage is good and regular bus service
is available.
Local Transport
Getting around in a mini bus is the best way to explore this
beautiful city of Lhasa. You can even opt for a taxi or a
manually powered tricycle that are there in large numbers. |
