(1)
For all we know, China is a super nation. With all walks of life touched by the country and its people, it’s never a surprise that many travelers want to visit the country at least once in their lives. Now that many are looking at China for their next travel destination, the country is abuzz with developments here and there, making everything modern even before the tourist influx sets in.
(2)
Amid all of this modernization lies a town called Lhasa, which strongly clings to its origins and is still capitalizing on them. Get acquainted with white-washed homes, the scent of incense and the quiet living they portray. Lhasa is truly a spot worthy of your attention.
Location
Perched within the comforts of the Tibetan Plateau, Lhasa is known as one of the highest points of China. Lhasa is surrounded by mountain ranges that tower at 18,000 feet, while the town’s elevation is at 11,800 feet.
(3)
At the southern part of the city, the flowing Kyi Chu River can be found. Currently, Lhasa is home to almost 224,000 residents and spans a total land area of 203 square miles.
Climate
Since Lhasa is elevated more than the rest of the country, it is classified to have a semi-arid climate by the Koppen Climate Classification. The bordering mountain ranges are quite beneficial to the city itself as they block much of the frigidity from winter and temperatures are kept at acceptable levels.
(4)
In an annual scale, Lhasa has 3,000 sunshine hours, which is slightly above average. In January, temperatures are expected to drop to -1.6-degrees Celsius, while June is considered the warmest at a daily average of 16-degrees Celsius.
Transportation
After the opening of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway in 2006, Lhasa fully maximized this opportunity to provide quality transportation for both locals and tourists. Since Lhasa is separated from the rest of the country, train trips are limited to five per day, which connects the city to others such as Xining, Shanghai, Chongqing and Chengdu.
Some railway projects are set for completion by 2020, which will then bring Lhasa closer to cities such as Kathmandu, Sikkim, New Jalpaiguri and Siliguri.
(5)
The only available airport lies to the south of the city, which is the Lhasa Gonggar Airport. Tibet Airlines is the main carrier at this airport, which caters to both local and regional flights to Shigatse, Qamdo, Nyingchi Prefecture and Kathmandu on a daily basis.
What to See
Potala Palace
One of the Lhasa’s most cardinal landmarks is the Potala Palace. An architectural wonder of its own, this structure was once the seat of the Tibetan government back in the old days and still manages to retain its magnificence throughout the years.
(6)
Be delighted to know that this huge edifice is home to almost a thousand rooms and thirteen levels of awesomeness. One thing that you need to be prepared for is to plan your visit in advance as scheduling and security are very tight.
Barkhor Circuit
Lhasa’s close connection to religion and praise is manifested when you walk through the so-called Barkhor Circuit. Here, you’ll be faced with rows upon rows of pilgrimage sites which definitely show their rich culture and strong heritage.
(7)
Temples and other places of worship can be found here such as the small chapel of Mani Lhakhang, the Jampa Lhakhang, Miwang Jimpa, Zhambdala Lhakhang, the old yet beautiful Muru Nyingba Monastery and so much more.
Chagpo Ri Rock Carvings
Throughout the millennium, the Chagpo Ri Rock Carvings have been witness to how Lhasa locals and visitors commemorate art and its wondrous implications.
(8)
With over 5,000 rock carving painted by so many people, it is quite a collection of admirable talent and passion.
See More:
Lhasa Travel Guide: Location, History, Map … – Travel China Guide
https://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/tibet/lhasa/
Lhasa 2016: Best of Lhasa, China Tourism – TripAdvisor
https://www.tripadvisor.com.ph
Images:
(1) https://images.travelpod.com
(2) https://butworldenoughandtime.files.wordpress.com
(3) http://www.tibetdiscovery.com
(4) http://tibettour.travel
(5) http://www.tntmagazine.com
(6) https://upload.wikimedia.org
(7) https://upload.wikimedia.org
(8) http://www.mountainsoftravelphotos.com
Paul Intalan
