lhasa-tibet Photos

LHASA (TIBET) is a UNESCO world heritage site.

Lhasa is the capital of Tibet, situated at an altitude of 3,700 m. In the Tibetan language, Lhasa means ”The Land of the Gods” and it is considered Tibet’s Sacred Town.

Hidden behind a wall formed by the highest mountains in the world, Tibet has been along the centuries the most isolated state in the world. Up until the Chinese intervention of 1950, Lhasa was closed to foreigners, who were not permitted any kind of access. This captivated even more the Europeans’ imagination in the 19th century, strengthening in their mind the conviction that it is a completely isolated and mystical place, filled with legend and wonders.

The famous Potala Palace, the Dalai Lama’s winter residence is in Lhasa, as well as Norbulingka, the Dalai Lama’s summer residence. Among Lhasa’s buddhist temples and monasteries, the most important one is the Jokhang temple.

By excellence, Lhasa is the city of Buddhist monks and pilgrims. It is also a town of traditional Tibetans, who wear their hair long and go around dressed in traditional outfits, with silver and turquoise amulets and jewelry.

An absolutely unique town, Lhasa literally dazes its visitors with its extremely high altitude but especially with its traditions and Buddhist temples.

(see Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple).