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Lhasa Travel Guide

Lake Namco: Lhasa the capital city of Tibet at an altitude of 3,650 meters, is situated on the northern banks of the Kyichu River. Lhasa in Tibetan means "Palace of Gods", the residence of Lhasa Tibet Dalai Lama (The God King), is the earthly representation of the Celestial Palace of Avaloketeswora, the Buddha of Infinite Compassion whose incarnation in the human form is believed to be Dalai Lama. As Tibet's political, religious, and cultural center, it is a city truly blessed by the gods, where life is unhurried, it's people jovial and yet remaining staunchly independent.

Potala Palace: This legendary palace built atop, a single hill is synonymous with Tibet. First built in the 7th century as a fortress by Tibet's foremost king, Srongsten Gampo was later expanded to its present structure during the 17th century by the 5th Dalai Lama. This 13 storied, 1000 room citadel served as the headquarters of the former 'church-state' of Tibet and was home to the successive Dalai Lamas, who from the latter half of the 18th century used it as their winter palace.

The Norbu Linkha:The 'Jewel Park' as it is known in Tibetan, was built in the 18th century and served as the Summer Palace of the Dalai Lamas. This colorful garden landscape was the site of picnic gathering. The palace is richly decorated creating an atmosphere of peaceful response.

The Jokhang Temple: Situated in the heart of Old Lhasa, it houses Tibet's most precious religious relics, a golden Shakyamuni Buddha which was brought as a gift by the Chinese Princess Wen-Ching on the occasion of her wedding to the Tibetan King, Srongtsen Gampo. Surrounding the Jokhang Temple is the bustling Barkhor market place which is the religious and social focus of Lhasa.

Drepung Monastery: Said to be the largest monastery in the world housing over 10,000 monks, it was founded in AD 1416 by the disciple of Tsongkhapa, founder of the Gelugpa Yellow Hat sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The Second, Third, and Fourth Dalai Lamas lived and were entombed here. Drepung in Tibetan means'mound of rice'.