Lhasa Sightseeing Tips

Lhasa Sightseeing Tips – Tips for Visiting Potala Palace

As the arrival city for most visitors coming to Tibet, Lhasa has a series of historical and cultural sites. It has been a great choice for tourists to get adapted to the high altitude and special climate on Tibet Plateau during the first sightseeing days in Lhasa.

Potala Palace is a grand castle style construction with long history. It was firstly constructed by Songtsen Gampo and experienced a large scale reconstruction in the 17th century. It acted as the winter palace of the Dalai Lamas in history. Potala Palace is one of the must-visit spots for tourists making a Tibet tour. Visitors here would find that it is a typical Tibetan style palace back on the mountain. The numerous historical relics in the Potala Palace made it a world famous museum of art. In 1994, Potala Palace was listed as one of the world cultural relics.

It should be noted that there is strict restriction on the number of visitors and each visitor's sightseeing time in Potala Palace between May and October. Hence, the admission tickets of Potala Palace are in great need in the high season and Potala Palace has adopted the real-name ticket demand system many years ago. In addition, for the protection of Potala Palace, each visitor could only spend one hour for sightseeing in Potala Palace. Tibet Tour always suggests visitors to wear a pair of flat shoes to cope with the steps in Potala Palace.

While visiting Potala Palace, tourists are strongly suggested to respect the traditional customs and never violate the Buddhism taboos. Visitors should take off your hat and visit the rooms in Potala Palace clockwise. It is impolite to step on the doorsills in Potala Palace and photo taking is prohibited in Potala Palace for the protection of the ancient constructions and precious relics in the palace.

Lhasa Sightseeing Tips – Tips for Visiting Barkhor Street

Barkhor Street is located at the center of the ancient Lhasa City. It is the most well preserved ancient street in Lhasa. Just as the Potala Palace, Barkhor Street is one of the must-visit sites for tourists coming to Tibet from different corners of the world. Barkhor Street integrates the religion, economy and culture of the mysterious Tibet.

Barkhor Street is a famous circumambulation around Jokhang Temple. Continuous local Tibetans would come here for worshipping every morning. Tourists making a Tibet tour could join the pilgrim parade around Barkhor Street to experience the deep religious atmosphere on the morning. Besides, Barkhor Street has also been selected as one of the most famous shopping sites in Tibet. Visitors here could find some interesting and special local style manufactures. The exquisite Thangka, prayer wheels and decorations are all great choices for tourists willing to take some items as souvenirs of their Tibet trip.

In addition, there are also some special restaurants on Barkhor Street and some of them enjoys high reputation among visitors who've been there, such as the Maky Ame. Tourists here could enjoy some Tibetan style drinks and dishes. It must be an unforgettable experience to enjoy the delicious food while watching the tourists on Barkhor Street from different corners of the world.