Against the backdrop of majestic snow capped mountains, Lhasa, the capital of Tibet is set on a plateau, more than 3,000 meters above sea level! Meaning the "Holy Land", Lhasa boasts of numerous monasteries which lend a divine ambience to the entire city.
Amidst the many monasteries, however, there's a beautiful palace too- Lhasa's jewel in the crown-Potala Palace. Situated atop the Hongshan Mountain, the palace rises at an altitude that's approximately equivalent to that of Mount Fujiyama-Japan! The present day palace dates back to the 17th century, and occupies over 102 acres and the main building is 13 storied, containing more than 1000 rooms! However, this structure stands at the place where a former structure stood in the 7th century. So, the palace is an ancient one, which is 1,300 years old! It is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage site. It was a fortress cum residence of the Dalai Lamas. It is said that the palace took 50 years to be completed and over 7,000 laborers and 1,500 skilled artists who worked in its making! Below the fortress are dungeons, where people who opposed the Lamaist theocracy were imprisoned.
After the riveting treat to your eyes, treat your mind to the serenity of the monasteries. The Jokhang Monastery located in the old district of Lhasa, dates back to the 7th century. It was earlier called "Resa" and then "Jokhang" meaning "Buddhist Chapel", in the Tibetan language. Its architecture is a fine blend of Indian and Nepalese. The striking feature of the monastery, is the golden canopy that actually glows in sunlight. At the gates, is a stone tablet belonging to the Tang dynasty, bearing Chinese and Tibetan scripts. The statue of Sakyamuni is enshrined within. This statue was brought to Tibet by the Princess Wencheng. In fact, the monastery was built in 647 A.D., to commemorate the marriage of the princess with Tubo King Songtsen Gampo. A willow tree planted by Princess Wen Cheng still stands today!
Located in the Shannan Region, is the Samye Monastery-the first temple of Tibet, founded by the Tibetan King Trisiong Desen. The beauty of the architecture encompasses the Chinese Han, Indian and the Tibetan style!
On the southern slope of Serawoze Mountain, is the Sera Monastery in northern Lhasa. It is one of the three Gelukpa university monasteries in Tibet. Built by a pupil of Tsongkhapa, in 1419, it is designed in the typical Tibetan style. Every year, the grand Sera Bungchen Festival is held here, to which Buddhists from the world over, throng to.
Situated at the foothills of Mount Gambio Utse, is Tibet's most important monastery-the Drepung Monastery. It was built first by a disciple of Tsongkahapa, with help from a noble family. Later it was extended by the 5th Dalai Lama. It is one of the centers of the ?Yellow Hat? sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The interiors of the monastery are worth exploring, as the temples are profusely decorated with statues of Buddha, Zongkaba and other deities of the Buddhist pantheon.
The world's largest ?Yellow Hat? sect monastery is Tashilumpo Monastery, founded in 1447. The gold roof still glitters with the same sheen it had 500 years ago, when it was built!
Where Potala Palace was the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas, Norbu Lingka was the summer residence. Meaning ?Precious Garden?, Norbu Lingka, is well-designed. Ganden Monastery founded by Tsongkhapa in 1409, consists of two colleges-Jangtse (North Peak) and Shartse (East Peak).
The seat of the Sakya school of Tibetan Buddhism, is the Sakya Monastery, well known for the second Duhuang. The monastery fa?ade is exquisite with colorful decorations. The Trandruk Monastery dates back to the times of Jokhang and Ramoche. The Kumbum Stupa in Gyantse is a Nepalese styled stupa, with numerous chapels dedicated to various Buddhist deities. Nearby, is the Pelkor Chode Monastery, well-known for its numerous Buddhist art. However, carry a torch; the place is dingy and you need light to view the murals and Thangkas.
Shopaholics must visit Lhasa's oldest street-Bakhor Street, close to Jakhong Temple, where pretty Tibetan artifacts are sold.
