Lhasa 3-Day Classic Tour
Lhasa Icons: Potala Palace + Jokhang Temple + Barkhor Street
Day-by-Day Itinerary
1
Arrive in Lhasa and acclimatize to the altitude. Afternoon visit Jokhang Temple, feel the power of faith, and walk the Barkhor pilgrimage circuit.
Jokhang Temple
The Jokhang Temple, located in the heart of Lhasa, is a sacred site of Tibetan Buddhism and a central pilgrimage destination for its followers. It was built by Songtsen Gampo, the King of the Tubo Kingdom, in 640 AD, initially to enshrine the Akshobhya Buddha statue brought by Princess Bhrikuti of Nepal. Later, the 12-year-old Sakyamuni Buddha statue brought by Princess Wencheng when she entered Tibet was also enshrined here, making it one of the most sacred temples in Tibet. The Jokhang Temple blends Tibetan, Tang, and Nepalese architectural styles, enjoys constant incense burning throughout the year, and is an extension project of the Potala Palace historical complex, a World Cultural Heritage site.
Barkhor Street Pedestrian Street, Lhasa City, Tibet Autonomous Region
Barkhor Street is the busiest commercial street in the heart of Lhasa's old town, and also a famous kora (pilgrimage circuit). It originated in the 7th century AD and still retains the original appearance of Lhasa's ancient city. As Lhasa's oldest street, Barkhor Street is a pilgrimage route formed around Jokhang Temple, a 'sacred path' for Tibetan Buddhist devotees to circumambulate clockwise, and an excellent place to experience local culture, shop, and taste local delicacies.
2
Morning visit to the majestic Potala Palace. Afternoon optional climb to Chakpori Hill for classic Potala panorama shots.
Potala Palace
The Potala Palace is located on the Red Hill in the center of Lhasa, Tibet. It is a world-renowned palatial complex, a sacred site of Tibetan Buddhism, and the winter palace of the Dalai Lamas. It integrates palaces, castles, and monasteries, stands at an altitude of about 3700 meters, and consists of the White Palace and the Red Palace. The Potala Palace was first built in the 7th century during the reign of Songtsen Gampo of the Tubo Kingdom, and was later rebuilt in the 17th century, becoming the highest and most magnificent palace in the world. The palace houses countless treasures, murals, and Buddha statues, serving as a treasure trove for understanding Tibetan history, culture, and religious art. In 1994, the Potala Palace was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Yaowang Mountain
Yaowang Mountain is located in Chengguan District, Lhasa City, and is one of Lhasa's famous attractions. Yaowang Mountain Park was expanded and renovated in 2008, reaching an area of 23,600 square meters. There is a large square in the center of the park, featuring a sculpture named 'Treasure of the Plateau'. Yaowang Mountain is an excellent location for photographing the Potala Palace.
3
Morning visit to Sera Monastery to watch the famous monk debates. Afternoon departure according to flight/train schedule.
Sera Monastery
Sera Monastery is one of the three great monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, located in the northern part of Lhasa. It was founded in 1419 by Sakya Yeshe, a disciple of Tsongkhapa. The monastic complex includes the Coqen Hall (Great Assembly Hall) and the three Dratsangs (colleges): Sera Je Dratsang, Sera Me Dratsang, and Ngakpa Dratsang, which were important Buddhist academies. Sera Monastery is famous for its unique monk debate activities, attracting many tourists. During the 1959 Lhasa uprising, the monastery suffered severe damage, and a parallel Sera Monastery was later established in India.
Sera Monastery Debating Courtyard
The Sera Monastery Debating Courtyard is one of the most distinctive and attractive attractions within Sera Monastery in Lhasa. Sera Monastery is one of the three great monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, renowned for its unique monk debate activities. Every afternoon, monks here engage in lively Buddhist debates in the debating courtyard. They explore Buddhist philosophy through exaggerated gestures, loud questions, and witty answers, creating a vibrant scene full of wisdom and power. It is an important window into understanding Tibetan Buddhist culture and the monastic life of monks. The debates are a major highlight of Sera Monastery, attracting a large number of domestic and international tourists.
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