Lhasa, Capital city in Tibet, China.
Description
Lhasa is a capital city in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, situated at an elevation of 3,658 meters in the Lhasa River valley. The city spreads between high peaks and connects old temple complexes with modern districts along wide streets.
History
King Songtsen Gampo founded the city in 633 as his capital and built the Jokhang Temple. Later rulers expanded the religious facilities and made the city the center of Tibetan Buddhism.
Culture
The name Lhasa means "place of the gods," and pilgrims walk clockwise around sacred sites throughout the day. Monks in burgundy robes gather for prayer sessions in temple courtyards while butter lamps flicker along stone corridors.
Practical
Visitors should allow several days to adjust to the thin air before taking long walks. Official permits are required before arrival, and most travelers reach the city through Gonggar Airport or the railway station.
Did you know?
Yaks and sheep sometimes move through the outer streets of the city while vendors sell dried yak cheese and hand-woven carpets in small shops. The clear mountain air makes stars appear especially bright at night, and local families drink sweet butter tea from silver cups.
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This collection includes towns established above 3,000 meters altitude, mainly located in the Andes and on Asian highlands. These urban centers house several million inhabitants who live daily under conditions where oxygen is scarce. La Rinconada in Peru reaches 5,300 meters, making it the highest...
Potala Palace
2.7 km
Namcha Barwa
378.7 km
Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon
372.4 km
Jokhang
1.2 km
Hoh Xil
612.9 km
Sera Monastery
5.7 km
Norbulingka
4.5 km
Drepung Monastery
9.7 km
Ganden Monastery
34.8 km
Samye
50 km
Yerpa
17.4 km
Tsurphu Monastery
55.4 km
Nechung
8.7 km
Drigung Monastery
114.8 km
Ramoche Temple
1.7 km
Lhasa Great Mosque
690 m
Reting Monastery
82.2 km
Geladaindong Peak
428.6 km
Sanga Monastery
21.2 km
Chushul Chakzam
56.6 km
Pabonka Hermitage
8.5 km
Mount Nyenchen Tanglha
98.5 km
Monument to the Peaceful Liberation of Tibet
2.4 km
Chokpori
3 km
Bukadaban Feng
710.6 km
Yuzhu Peak
729.3 km
Chongsaikang
1.2 km
Kundeling Monastery
3.6 km
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