Lhasa, Tibet. Tours, Hotels and prices. Reviews from tourists. Excursions and attractions. Travel photos and videos

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Lhasa

Tibet

About Lhasa

Lhasa is a high-altitude city located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. It serves as the regional capital and is situated in the Lhasa River valley on the northern slopes of the Himalayas. Lhasa is globally recognized as the historic capital of Tibet and one of the highest elevation cities in the world. It is most notable for its profound cultural and religious significance as a major center of Tibetan Buddhism, housing numerous historic temples and palaces, including the iconic Potala Palace.

Basic information

The area has been a significant center of habitation since its founding as a capital in the 7th century under King Songtsen Gampo. The city's key architectural features include traditional Tibetan structures characterized by massive stone walls, inward-sloping whitewashed walls, and flat roofs, with the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple being the most prominent examples. The Potala Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city's current purpose is as the political, economic, and cultural hub of the Tibet Autonomous Region, with a mix of administrative functions, commerce, and religious pilgrimage.

Location

The primary point of entry for most visitors is Lhasa Gonggar Airport, located approximately 60 kilometers southwest of the city center. The city is also connected to other parts of China by the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. Road access is provided by several national highways. Tourist infrastructure within the city is well-developed, with paved roads, hotels, and designated visitor areas at major historical sites. Access to the region for foreign tourists requires a Tibet Travel Permit, and travel is often organized through approved tour operators. The high altitude presents a significant accessibility consideration, requiring acclimatization to avoid altitude sickness. Travel is possible year-round, though the most favorable conditions are typically from April to October.

Nature

Lhasa is situated at an elevation of approximately 3,650 meters above sea level in a valley surrounded by mountains. The climate is a high-altitude semi-arid climate with thin air, low annual precipitation, significant daily temperature variations, and very strong sunlight. The natural vegetation is predominantly alpine steppe and grassland, with limited tree growth. The Lhasa River, a major tributary of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, flows through the city. The surrounding landscape is marked by rugged, barren mountains. Human influence on the natural environment is extensive, as the city is a major urban center in an otherwise sparsely populated region.

Story

Lhasa rose to prominence in the 7th century when King Songtsen Gampo of the Tibetan Empire moved his capital to the site and constructed the first structures of what would become the Potala Palace and the Jokhang Temple. It became the religious and political center of Tibet, housing the successive Dalai Lamas from the 17th century onward. The city was the focal point of the Tibetan administration until the mid-20th century. Its history is deeply intertwined with the development and spread of Tibetan Buddhism, and it has been a destination for pilgrims for centuries. The city has undergone significant modernization and expansion since the latter half of the 20th century.