LHASA
Lhasa, the heart and soul of Tibet had been centuries long abode of the Dalai Lamas and object of devout pilgrimage is now regarded a city of wonders. Also, it is the capital of Tibet Autonomous Region and the center of Tibet's political, economic, cultural and religious activities. It is situated at an altitude of 11830ft to the north bank of Kyushu River. There are numerous scenic spots and historical attractions, among which Potala Palace (the landmark of Lhasa) Joking temple (the spiritual center in Tibet), Sera and Drepung monasteries, Barkhor street are the major sightseeing spots.
Potala Palace:
The present Potala Palace was built in the 17th century on Mt. Marpori (Red Hill), at the western end of Lhasa during the 5th Dalai Lama’s reign. The Potala became the center of political and religious power for the Dalai Lamas till the Chinese invasion took place. It is said that there are 999 rooms, but most of them are not open to public. The 5th Dalai Lama’s Tomb contains a ton of gold and priceless jewels. The east chapel is dedicated to Tsong Khapa. The south chapel centers on Padmasambhava.
Sakya:
Sakya is 161 km (100 mile) to the southwest of Shigatse, along the upper reaches of the small, fertile valley carved out by the Trom River. The highest pass between Shigatse and Sakya is the Tso-La (117 km or 73 mile from Shigatse). When coming from Shigatse, the turning for Sakya is 15 km (9 mile) from the pass. You turn left and drive 21 km (13 mile) up the valley until you come to the small town of Sakya, dominated by the massive structure of the Southern Monastery. Sakya Monastery, the center of the Sakya order of Tibetan Buddhism, was founded in 1073 by Konchok Gyelpo of the powerful Khan family.
Tsetang:
Tsetang, the third largest town in central Tibet, situated 170 km south east of Lhasa in the Yarlung Valley, is known as the cradle of former Tibetan civilization. The ancient town offers a number of side trips that illustrate Tibet’s early history. The Valley of the Kings (ancient capital of the Yarlung kings who established the Tibetan nation), the Yumbu Lagang Palace (built for the first Yarlung King), and the Tandruk Monastery (one of the three royal Buddhist temples) are some of the major sites. Now, Tsetang is the capital town of Shannan region as well as major tourist destination in Tibet with mild climate and rich natural resources.
Gyantse:
Gyantse is regarded as the third largest city in Tibet. This ancient temple town attracts the visitors from all over the world for its long standing history, outstanding Buddhist region and breathtaking view. Pelkhor Choede, one of the well preserved monasteries, was established by the king of Gyantse in the 15th century. This monastery does not belong to any particular Buddhist order. There is also another largest Stupa called Kumbum worth visiting. This stupa was built in the 15th century by the Nepalese Newari Craftsmen and is very popular for being "The Museum of 100,000 Buddha Images" drawn on the world.
Shigatse:
It is known for its Tashilhunpo monastery- the seat of the Panchen Lama, who is regarded as the reincarnation of the Buddha of endless enlightenment. This monastery was built in 1447 by the first Dalai Lama and this place is also popular for a bustling market at the foot of the ruins of the Shigatse fortress where one can buy local handicrafts embedded with coral and turquoise, Tibetan daggers, Chinese porcelain and yak butter.
Zhangmu:
Better known by a Tibetan name, Lhasa, it is a small settlement clinging to a hillside 10 km inland from the friendship bridge across the Bhote Koshi River. It is a major trading route between Tibet and Nepal. The hills around Zhangmu are heavily wooded with innumerable waterfalls in the summer and frozen "icicles' during the winter. |