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Places to visit in Tibet
 Potala
Durbar: The Potala Durbar
(Palace), a dominant landmark of Lhasa, is 117 meters above the city.
The construction works of this renowned palace were started during the
5th Dalai Lama in 1645. The enormous 13-storey palace has more than 1000
rooms, 10,000 shrines and 20,000 statues and monuments. The gigantic
building is not only the residence of the current Dalai Lama but also
the tomb of the former heads of state. The building, which is made of
stone and wood, covers an area of 130,000 square meters. The art works
and wall paintings of the palace certainly depict the history of Tibet
and the religions and cultures of the ancestors of the Tibetans.
Narbulingka -
Summerpalace: The Norbulingka or the Jewel Park lies on the banks of
the Kyichi River. The beautiful park, which was originally laid out in
the 1750s, covers an area of 360,000 square meters. The fountains,
pavilions, terraces and stone tablets tempt visitors. The famous park
having various species of tress and flowers has two major parts -
Norbulingka and Jianselingka.
Norbulingka is also the summer palace of the Dalai Lamas (8th to 14th
centuries). The small palace of the 13th Dalai Lama is the blending of
traditional Tibetan architecture and modern one. There is only zoo of
Tibet is at Naobulingka.
Jokhang Temple:
Constructed in the 7th century, it is the foremost monastery of Tibet.
The 1300-year-old Sakyamuni Buddha statue is in the temple. The main
section of the temple is topped with exceptional golden roofs. A number
of worshippers can be found paying their respects the Lord Buddha at the
main gate. The Barkhor Bazaar, a sacred pilgrims’ path, is also a
lively and colourful market where many types of jewels and antiques are
available.
 Sera Monastery:
Sera Monastery lies on the outskirts of Lhasa at the base of Tatipu
hill. It is the main teaching monastery and one of the three great
Gelukpa 'Universities'- once housing more than 5500 monks. One can see
young novices learning scriptures in the Debating Garden.
The monastery is also the
birthplace of Tibetan medicine.
Drepung Monastery: Drepung monastery is situated in the west
suburbs of Lhasa city. Formerly the largest and richest monastery in the
world with 10,000 monks (now about 400), the monastery is in the
medieval monk's kitchen. One can enjoy a beautiful scene of Lhasa from
the roof of the monastery.
Tsurpu : Lying in the Dowo Lung Valley, this is the home of
Karmapa, the true 'living little Buddha' and new reincarnated leader of
the black hat sect. He is the only spiritual leader actually living in
Tibet. Visitors can see the recently recognized 17th Karmapa.
Constructed in the 12th century, Tsurpu is considered to be
the richest monastery in Tibet.
Gyantse: Gyantse was once Tibet's third most important city,
lying in the Nyangchu valley along the main routes from India and Nepal
to Lhasa. In the past, it was a fort, the centre of Tibet's wool trade
and a gateway to the outside world.
Shigatse: Shigatse is the second largest city in Tibet. It is the
administrative centre for 18 countries in southern and western Tibet.
Along with its fiche cultural heritage, native fruits and other products
can be found in the city. Shigatse has and abundance of native fruits
and products. There are more than 300 stalls selling local products as
well as colourful and elaborate handicraft, accessories, antiques and
porcelains. One can also find Tashilumpo monastery, the seat of the
Panchen Lama. Constructed in 1447 by a nephew of Tsong Khapa, the
monastery once housed over 4000 monks. But now there are only about 600
monks in the monastery.
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