Lhasa

Lhasa, China
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lhasa_from_Potala_place.JPG
Author: Rainer Haessner


Lhasa is the biggest city as well as administrative capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region in China. It is located at the foot of Mount Gephel. Standing at an elevation of 3,490 meters (11,450 feet), Lhasa is one of the highest capitals in the world.

Lhasa is the home of the Potala Palace and Norbulingka, both World Heritage Sites.

Lhasa was founded in AD 637 when Songtsän Gampo, founder of the Tibetan Empire, moved his capital there. Construction of the first buildings of the Potala Palace began soon after, making Lhasa both the political as well as religious center of the Tibetan people. The empire survived until the 9th century, when it collapsed and its sacred sites destroyed.

Inside Jokhang Temple, Lhasa
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jokhang_C.jpg
Author: Baldiri


It started to regain its glory with the construction of three large Gelugpa monasteries by the famous Tibetan Buddhist teacher Je Tsongkhapa. In 1642 the 5th Dalai Lama, Lobsang Gyatso conquered Tibet and made Lhasa his administrative capital. Construction of a new Potala Palace began in 1645.

At the beginning of the 20th century, Lhasa was a major center of Tibetan Buddhism, with nearly half its population comprising Buddhist monks. The invasion of Tibet by the People's Liberation Army in 1950 caused a mass exodus of Tibetans. It also compelled the 14th Dalai Lama to flee into exile on 1959.

The People's Liberation Army's entry into Tibet was regarded as a peaceful liberation in accordance to the Seventeen Point Agreement signed between delegates of the Dalai Lama and the government of People's Republic of China on 23 May 1951 in Beijing. The validity of the Seventeen Point Agreement has long been disputed by the Dalai Lama, claiming that the signing was done under duress. China regarded it as legally binding, pointing out that the Tibetan delegates signing the agreement were not subject to any physical harm.

Lhasa street market
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Items_for_sale_on_street_of_Lhasa_-_Flickr_-_archer10_(Dennis).jpg
Author: Dennis Jarvis


The objection to Chinese presence in Tibet has resulted in several major demonstrations in Lhasa, making it one of the most volatile cities in China. Due to this, non-Chinese nationals wishing to visit Tibet has to obtain a special permit. Group permits for 5 persons or more are much easier to obtain than individual permits.

Planning your trip to Lhasa

By Plane
You can fly into Lhasa from Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Kunming and Shanghai, among others. Remember to get your permit before arriving.

By Bus
There are buses to Lhasa from Golmud in Qinghai province, but it is really not worth trying to reach Lhasa by bus as the issue with the permit makes the journey as expensive as flying in.

Lhasa, as seen from the Potala Palace
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lhasa_from_Potala.JPG
Author: Rainer Haessner

Exploring Lhasa

It is quite possible to explore Lhasa on foot. For longer distances, there are cycle rickshaws. Bargain down to a reasonable price.

Places of Interest in Lhasa

Farther Away Sights

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Please use the information on this page as guidance only. The author endeavours to update the information on this page from time to time, but regrets any inaccuracies if there be any.

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