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Tibet Attractions - Monasteries and Temples

Potala Palace in Lhasa – As the former residence of the Dalai Lama, the Potala Place is an immense religious structure and a masterpiece of Tibetan architecture, well worth visiting for historic purposes, cultural and religious awareness, and for its aesthetic value. It has been regarded as the No.1 must-see attraction in Tibet.

Jokhang Temple in Lhasa - This ancient temple is the spiritual heart of Tibet and definitely the most important of the many temples in Tibet. Everyday there are hundreds of pilgrims from all over Tibet, walking or prostrating all the way to the Jokhang Temple. The temple, richly decorated in jewels, brocade and silk bands, is full of atmosphere and interest. You will get to feel how holy this place is to the local people.

Barkhor Street in Lhasa - Located in the heart of old Lhasa, this circular route is the oldest street and a holy place in the city, filled with pilgrims making their way around the Jokhang Temple and people praying in front of Temples. Barkor Street is also a marketplace packed with stores and vending stalls. It is a great place to buy Tibetan goods. So if you want to go shopping, this is the place in Lhasa. All this makes the street an interesting place to walk through.

Rongbuk Monastery in Tingri – Built in 1899 and one of the highest monasteries in the world, the Rongbuk Monastery is now part of tours to the Mt. Everest base camp. The view of the Mt. Everest from the Monastery is just amazing.

Palkhor Monastery and Kumbum Stupa in Gyangtse - Built in 1414, this monastery is a must see site if you are in Gyantse. Climb to the top of the Stupa and you will get a beautiful view of the city.

Sera Monastery in Lhasa- Built in 1419 by a pupil of Tsongkhapa, this is one of the three greatest monasteries in Lhasa, which holds the grand Sera Bungchen, an annual festival that attracts Buddhists from all over the world. It is an interesting and lively monastery on outskirts of town.

Drepung Monastery in Lhasa - Built in 1416, this is considered one of the largest monasteries in the world. It is set in a mountainous setting, just outside of town. People still live there and monks raise sheep and chickens, which makes for a holistic experience.

Norbulingka in Lhasa - Norbulingka, literally "Treasure Park", was established as a summer residence for the 7th Dalai Lama in the 1740s. It is now a peaceful park and consists of the Dalai Lama's summer residence and a fairly large garden, quite nice to walk around.