TIBET
The Internet Travel Guide
Peter M. Geiser
LHASA
Situated 3683 m above sea level, Lhasa has long been the political and
spiritual capital of Tibet. Its main attraction is of course the huge
Potala Palace. Also interesting is the Jokhang Temple.
Potala Palace
Built in the 17th century, the Potala is one of the architectural
wonders of the world, containing thousands of rooms. It stands at the
site of older structures, dating back another thousand years. Before the
Chinese occupation it was the center of the Tibetan government and the
winter residence of the Dalai Lama.
Jokhang Temple
One of Tibet's holiest shrines, it was built some 1300 years ago in
celebration of the marriage of the Tang princess Wen Cheng and King
Songtsen Gampo. It houses a golden statue of the Buddha Sukyiamuni
brought by the princess.
Norbu Lingka
The former summer residence of the Dalai Lama is about three km west of
the Potala.
Drepung
Some 7 km west of the Potala lies the monastery Drepung. While it was once
a big monastery with over 7000 monks in 1959, nowadays there are only 200
to 300. Take bus no. 1 or 9.
Sera
About four km north of Lhasa is the monastery Sera. It was fonded in 1419
by a disciple of Tsong Khapa. There are about 100 monks living there, who
practice debate every day at noon. Take bus No. 10 to get there.
Ganden
Farther away, 45 km east of Lhasa lies Ganden monastery. Founded in 1409
by Tsong Khapa it was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution. Today, for
the sake of tourism, it is being revitalised and rebuilt by 200 monks.
Accommodation
There are many budget places in Tibet. The Banak Shol, Kirey Hotel, Yak
Hotel and Plateau Hotel all are about USD 3 for a single room.
Climate
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Air C -2 1 5 8 12 16 16 16 14 9 4 0
F 29 34 41 47 54 61 62 60 58 48 39 32
Rain mm 0 13 8 5 25 64 122 89 66 13 3 0
in 0 .5 .3 .2 1.0 2.5 4.8 3.5 2.6 .5 .1 0
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