Top 5 Attractions to See on a Tibet Tour
Potala Palace
This palace is perhaps the top attraction in Tibet and a definite stop on any Tibet tour; it has spiritual, architectural, artistic and historic significance which has earned it the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The palace is located in Lhasa and was the primary residence of the Dalai Lama until he left Tibet in 1959. The construction of the palace began in 1645, it is situated on Red Hill and has thick sloping stone walls, there are 13 stories, more than 1,000 rooms, 10,000 shrines and approximately 200,000 statues. The hill top palace is 117 meters high and 300 meters from the base of Red Hill.
The Jokhang Temple is considered the spiritual heart of Tibet; it is located in Barhor Square, Lhasa and is a sacred site and one of the most important religious sites in Tibet. The architecture of the temple is a mix of Indian vihara, Chinese Tang Dynasty and Nepalese design. The temple originally dates back to 642, it has four stories, roofs covered with gilded bronze tiles and the interior is a labyrinth of chapels dedicated to various gods.
Perhaps the most famous mountain in the world is located in Tibet, China, Mt. Everest is 8.864km high, and is the highest mountain in the world. Guided tours leave Lhasa and travel to the mount where you can reach the Everest base camps and even spend the night. While at the base came tours often visit the world's highest monastery, Rongbuk Monastery. The views from the Everest base camp are breathtaking and it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
This sacred mountain soars 6.71km from the base, the mountain peak is covered in snow all year round, hence its name "Treasure or Saint of Snow Mountain." The mountain has deep spiritual significance for the many faithful pilgrims, Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon visit here each year. Traditionally if one circles the mountain it can amend the sins of a lifetime. The terrain and weather conditions may make it difficult but many take on the challenge and trek around the mountain. The pilgrimage circuit or Mt. Kailash Kora can take about 3 days and there are Tibet tours which will arrange the trip and guide you along the route, including getting you from Lhasa to the mountain. It is best to take an organized Tibet tour to Mt. Kailash as the tour company can then help you arrange the special documents necessary and the route.
The capital city of Tibet will probably be your first stop on a Tibet tour; among the city's attractions is Barkhor Street, a colorful commercial street close to the Jokhang Temple. This is a great place to find out more about Tibetan culture, art and religion. It is also a good place to pick up great souvenirs. Lhasa is over 1,300 years old and is built on the banks of the Lhasa River. There are plenty of restaurants, hotels and stores for tourists preparing to travel into more remote areas of the region. While taking Lhasa tour, do enjoy some tea and thugpa in a traditional teahouse.
