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Lhasa the Tibetan Capital

Updated: 2011-06-24 17:22

By Daniele87 (chinatraveldepot.com)

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Lhasa the Tibetan Capital

The land of Tibet represents one of the most mystic and religious region, to discover in China. It is easily accessible thanks to Travel to Tibet which gives the opportunity to book flight to Gonggar airport, situated very close to the Tibetan capital Lhasa.

Lhasa “The Land of Gods”, is the core of Tibet, The capital is more than 1300 years old, and is located just in a valley close to the Lhasa River. Tourists can easily accommodate booking through Hotel China, as the city provides all the necessary facilities and various types of accomodations.

Tourists within the city can perceive a Chinese influence in the architecture, but the Tibetan capital has still maintained old traditions especially in the Eastern end district around the Jokhang and the Barkhor. Along this same area it is possible to admire local Tibetans wearing the traditional dress engaging on the Kora which is a prey journey around the major Buddhist shrine. Meanwhile On the other side of the city (Western end) the city is modern and developed surprising tourists in many aspects.

Jonkhang also better known for its Jokhang Temple, located on Barkhor Square, for most of the locals represents the most sacred temple in the region. The temple was constructed on the 7th century and it is a blend of different architectural styles such as Indian, Chinese and Nepalese design. It is also known as the house of Buddha, indeed the temple is home of the original statue of Jowo Sakyamuni Buddha that princess Wen Cheng brought from Chang’an over 1300 years ago making the place the most sacred in Tibet. Just surrounding the temple is positioned a circular street called Barkhor Street market where tourist can enjoy on bargain with the Tibetan vendors, the street it’s also place of Buddisth pilgrims at night time.

Lhasa the Tibetan CapitalAnother important site that tourist can miss out when they travel to Lasha is the Potala Palace. The latter has been rebuilt several times, by Songtsen Gampo during the 7th century, by the Fifth Dalai Lama and the Thirteenth Dalai Lama who enlarges and repaired it what is today actual structure. Since that time the palace has always hosted the Dalai Lama with more than a thousand rooms. The palace contains many relicts such as the gold hand written-Buddhist scriptures, valuable gifts from the Chinese emperors and a lot of priceless antiques. Furthermore in 1994 the palace became part of the UNESCO World Heritage List Around the area almost one mile south from the Potala Palace is located the Summer Palace built by the Seventeenth Dalai, which includes a zoo, botanic gardens and a mansion.

However to get into the region of Tibet requires a special visit permit for those non-Chinese tourist, in order to avoid negative issues it is always better to contact a Tibet Tour. From Lasha is also possible to visit different destinations as several Tibet tours depart from the Capitol. It is strongly advise to visit the Yamdrok lake (labelled as sacred lake) which is almost 80 miles away from Lasha and represents one of the third largest lakes in Tibets.

 

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