"Lhasa, the pilgrim capital of Tibet" Top 5 Page for this destination Lhasa by grets

Lhasa Travel Guide: 571 reviews and 1,187 photos

Lhasa is situated at an altitude of 3,595 metres on the north bank of the Kyi-chu River. The name Lhasa is thought to come from the Tibetan words Lha (sacred) and Sa (earth). In Chinese the town is known as Lasa Shiqu. Lhasa has always been a sacred city to Tibetans, ever since it rose to importance in the 7th century, although some of the mystery of yesteryears has disappeared over the last few years, to reveal a dull Chinese city, full of high-rise Chinese buildings and faceless apartment blocks.

Population = 200,000

Lhasa, the pilgrim capital of Tibet - Lhasa

The approach to Lhasa from Gonggar airport takes you through what at first appears as an ugly, modern sprawling Chinese City. You pass the huge monstrosity of a golden yak sculpture, and then, suddenly, you are in Potala Square. Like magic, like something out of a film. It seemed so unreal to finally be here in person, but I didn’t feel the depth of emotion as I expected when seeing the Potala Palace for the first time.

The old city is lovely, with traditional architecture and locals milling around going on with their everyday business. There are many Chinese tourists, but hardly any other Westerners. On the one afternoon we had free to wander about the city, we saw three other Westerners, and one of those was from our party! Immerse yourself in the atmosphere and soak up the character of this wonderful Tibetan city before it becomes too Chinese!

Pros and Cons

Pros:Hardly any Western tourists
Cons:Lots of Chinese tourists
In a nutshell:The home of Potala Palace and a fantastic place to visit

Last visit to Lhasa: Sep 2005
Intro Updated Oct 30, 2005
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Reviews (46)

8th century carved Buddha pilgrimage site - Lhasa

Sakyamuni Buddha Off The Beaten Path (8)

On the main roads leading south west out of Lhasa, you can find this 11th century carved Buddha. This is considered a... more travel advice

The anniversary monument Tourist Traps (3)

Many Chinese tourists have their photographs taken against this monument, often by professional photographers who have a... more travel advice

Internet Cafes Tourist Traps (3)

There are plenty of internet cafes in Lhasa, and we were told about this one literally just around the corner from our... more travel advice

The Crazy Yak Show Nightlife (1)

The Crazy Yak Troupe entertains at a couple of different venue in Lhasa, including the Crazy Yak Restaurant and the... more travel advice

Restaurants (8)
See All An interesting buffet
Things to Do (19)
See All Norboulinka - 14th Dalai Lama's Palace
Local Customs (2)
See All Carpet making

Comments (24)

uglyscot Sep 10, 2010 at 12:26 PM Report Abuse

Most interesting and informative. t is a place that is seldom in the news these days, so no wonder you were an object of interest.
balint01 Oct 14, 2008 at 3:14 PM Report Abuse

Great tips for Lhasa, I didn't have to think which one to save in my Trip Planner -> all! :) Thanks Grete!
Gillybob Aug 19, 2008 at 6:39 AM Report Abuse

I thought that was a huge swimming pool in the middle of the photo at first!! LOL!!! Going anywhere nice? Gillybob greetings
goutammitra Jul 27, 2008 at 6:33 AM Report Abuse

What a marvellous page and tips Grets! I think it is as good as carrying a Lonely Planet book. Surely the best page on Tibet.
chennaismartguy Jul 12, 2008 at 2:42 AM Report Abuse

Excellent views!! Hope to be there one day!
Basaic Nov 27, 2007 at 9:17 AM Report Abuse

Love your Lhasa Page! Great tips.
asphura Jun 18, 2007 at 9:40 PM Report Abuse

You should try the Yak Sizzler at the Dunya. It is excellent! Snowlands is still my favorite place to eat in Lhasa, their Lassi's are to die for!
Shajenn Apr 9, 2007 at 1:23 AM Report Abuse

wooow, this is an interesting page, I read the book by Heinrich Harrer and had the idea, that everything was destroyed by the Chineese troops
raytor Dec 12, 2006 at 7:16 AM Report Abuse

Pierced right through the heart!!!!
tiabunna Dec 12, 2006 at 3:07 AM Report Abuse

A truly engrossing page. I was impressed by so much colour, especially in the interiors. And yes, I think I'd also be overwhelmed with emotion if my bedroom window featured a view of the Potala!