Things to do in Tibet

Inspiring architecture by any measure, but all the more so given its location at thousands of meters above sea level, the more than 1,000 rooms, and its preservation in spite of the vicissitudes of history, Potala Palace is certainly a sight to behold. Expect to be awed and in wonder.
Potala Palace’s history is a marvel in itself. Ascending 13 storeys from Marpo Ri or Red Hill, it took 50 years to build, with construction commencing in 1645 during the reign of the fifth Dalai Lama. Historically functioning as the winter residence of the Dalai Lama, Potala Palace forms part of a larger complex of buildings that include Jokhang Monastery and Norbulingka.
For insights to Tibetan culture, detailed in historical documents, scriptures, artifacts, sculptures, and artworks of religious significance, Potala Palace offers a rich trove that will reward travelers who make the trek here, along with the many thousands of Tibetan pilgrims who continue to visit annually.

As the preeminent temple for local and visiting devoted Tibetan pilgrims, time spent at Jokhang Temple ranks high among things to do in Lhasa. Originally built to cultivate Buddhism in Tibet, Jokhang Temple is quite literally the home of Buddha. Here you will find over 3,000 images of Buddha, not least of which is the centrally positioned image of Jowo Shakyamuni (or Jowo Rinpoche) – the golden Buddha.
Expect to be joined by throngs of prostrating pilgrims as you marvel at the vibrant blend of Chinese, Nepalese, and Indian architectural elements that are evident in the temple’s remarkable design. Keep in mind that Jokhang Temple is first and foremost a place of reverence for Tibetan Buddhists, so visitors are encouraged to remain mindful of this while visiting.

Barkhor Circuit is a precinct of narrow streets and a public market square in the old city of Lhasa. For a direct experience of traditional Tibetan daily life, culture, and religion, a wander around the hexagonal shaped Barkhor Circuit offers insights that cannot be gained elsewhere in Lhasa. Referred to by locals as the ‘Holy Road’, Barkhor Circuit is effectively a kilometer long pilgrimage route, taken clockwise, around Jokhang Temple. Whether you’re after a traditional handcrafted Thangka (Tibetan scroll), locally made leather goods, or the opportunity to try traditional Tibetan food, Barkhor Circuit is where you’ll find it.

Located on 28 acres on Lhasa’s outskirts, Sera Monastery holds a special place in the hearts and minds of Tibetan Buddhists. With a centuries old history steeped in learning, Sera Monastery is one of the Great Three university monasteries built in the Gelug tradition, which operate as a teaching monastery.
Sera monastery is home to several thousand monks, as well as the monumental Jampa Buddha and many other statues of Buddhas and the deity Hayagriva. Apart from taking in the monastery’s distinctive architecture of whitewashed walls and colorful facades, international travelers can enjoy a firsthand experience of monastic debate, where monks engage in philosophical debate, all while stomping, clapping, and even pushing one another to make their point.

Another of the Great Three Gelug Monasteries, Drepung Monastery is another iconic center of learning. Arguably the most important of all three, Drepung is famous for its size (it’s the largest monastery) and for having once been the home of the Dalai Lama before the Potala Palace took preeminence. The monastery consists of large and small halls – the Tsokchen Lhakhang is the most significant of these – as well as four colleges, the largest of which is Loseling Dratsang, which includes a remarkable scripture hall lined with traditional and contemporary versions of the sutras. Depending on the timing of your visit, you may be able to attend the Shoton Festival, considered a Lhasa summer highlight. Based around the monastic tradition of meditation and fasting for 100 days followed by the gifting of yogurt by locals, the Shoton festival is now also synonymous with the tradition of the unfurling of a large thangka. Tibetan monks debate here too, so if you miss out at Sera Monastery, be sure to catch the spectacle here.

Originally established as a place of healing for the seventh Dalai Lama who visited it annually due to ill health, Norbulingka became the summer residence of subsequent Dalai Lamas and a place of study prior to officially assuming office in the role. Separable into three parts: the courtyard, palace and forest, Norbulingka is perhaps not on the scale of other residences at just 400 rooms, but is still significant. Today visitors can enjoy daily performances of Tibetan opera, with additional special operatic events during the Shoton Festival. Now a public park, Norbulingka carries forward the horticultural tradition of exquisite gardens which were established centuries previously when the palace functioned as a residence for the Dalai Lama.

Located near Jokhang Temple, Ani Tsankhung Nunnery is the only nunnery in downtown Lhasa. First built in the 15th century, the approximately 100 Tibetan nuns who live there today make a livelihood through sales of alms, clothing, printed holy texts, as well as meals prepared daily at a now famous teahouse associated with the nunnery. Definitely worth a visit to sample perhaps the best traditional Tibetan sweet tea in Lhasa.

Regardless of how you find your way to Namtso Lake, the trek is definitely worth the investment of time and effort. Considered heavenly for many reasons, not least of which includes the 4,718 meter altitude and stunning photographic opportunities, Namtso Lake is a destination that every intrepid international traveler should have on their list of things to do in Tibet. Apart from its reputation as the highest saline lake in the world, Namtso Lake is a sacred place for devoted Tibetan pilgrims, who visit the lake to pay spiritual homage and pray. Take advantage of opportunities to ride a yak or hike the circuit around the lake.

Founded in 1447, Tashi Lhunpo monastery is the traditional monastic seat of the Panchen Lama. It took 12 years to build, covers an area of 150,000 square meters, and is one of the largest monasteries in Tibet. Auspiciously located at the foot of Niseri Mountain in Shigatse City, the monastery’s layout is characterized by connected temples laid out in sequence, abbeys, Kamcuns, and sutra halls. It is home to the world’s tallest and largest bronze Buddha statue, which is decorated with precious ornaments. When you visit, take the hour or so required to complete a circuit of the monastery compound. And it time permits, visit during one of the traditional Tibetan festivals celebrated here, such as the Saga Dawa Festival, Buddha’s Descent Day, or the Buddha Unfolding Festival when an enormous new thangka – a vibrantly coloured painting of a Buddha created to aid in prayer and meditation and bring good fortune – is unveiled.