Lhasa - What all Tourists Need to Know About The Capital Of Tibet

Lhasa, translated to "Land of the Gods" is the capital of Tibet. Nestled on the northern slopes of the Himalayas, it is the true heart of Tibet.

More than 1,300 years old, the city is situated right next to the Lhasa River, affording it beautiful views. Though there are plenty of hotels, delicious restaurants, travel agencies, and Chinese supermarkets, the Tibetan influence is still quite evident in Lhasa, especially in the oldest parts of the city.

The Beauty

Visiting the capital of Tibet can be quite a spiritual experience, not only because of the Tibetan influence but because of the natural beauty of the region. For a more traditional Tibetan feel, the eastern end of Lhasa is ideal. Visit the Jokhang and the Barkhor (see pic above) to see traditional dress, locals engaged on a kora, and spinning prayer wheels.

The western end of the city has more Chinese influence and is quite modern. The diversity between the eastern and western sections of the city can be quite surprising to most visitors.

Getting Around

Getting around the capital of Tibet is quite easy on foot. However, if you don't want to walk everywhere, there is always the cycle rickshaw, but remember to barter for your fare. You can also get around Lhasa via taxi, minibuses, and buses. For buses, you may purchase tickets in advance or simply when you board the bus.

What to Know Before You Go

All visitors must have a current visa and Tibet Travel Permit in order to visit. The application can be quite treacherous, so it is advisable that you work with a Chinese travel agent to facilitate the application process. Lhasa airport is the entry point for most who visit the capital of Tibet.

In remote areas of Tibet, money exchange services are not available. This means that if you plan any treks out of Lhasa to prepare yourself before you leave the city. Your best bet is the Bank of China Tibet for a fair rate and easy exchange.

What to See

The Jokhang Temple (see pics above and below) is a must-see for any visit to Lhasa. Built in the 7th century AD, it was constructed to house statues of Buddha. Over the centuries, the temple has been enlarged many times and houses other historical statues of past kings and their brides.

Spanning four floors and facing west with a gilded rooftop, the temple is located on Barkhor Square, right in the center of the old section of Lhasa. Some evenings monks congregate on the lower level and on the roof to pray and debate.


The Potala Palace is also worth a visit. The palace is thought to have originally been a fortress but has been rebuilt many times by several Dalai Lamas over the years. Towering 14 stories with more than 1,000 rooms, past Dalai Lamas once lived in the palace. Additionally, their remains are housed in golden tombs.

There are guided tours inside the palace and plenty of time to enjoy the grounds. It will take around an exhausting 45 minutes to climb the hundreds of stairs so be prepared (see picture below).


Learn more about Child of Tibet, my coffee table book on Tibet.