Lhasa Overview

Lhasa is a unique tourist destination. It is the amazing capital city of the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) and the political, economic, cultural, transport and tourist centre of the Region. Situated on the north bank of the Kyichu River (Lhasa River), this Sunlight City, which is 3,658 meters (12,000 ft) above sea level, provides visitors with an entree to a splendid history of more than 1,300 years through its ancient palaces, temples and monasteries.

According to Tibetan history, King Songtsen Gampo established Lhasa as his capital after he unified Tibet. His vision for Lhasa resulted in the building of the Potala Palace , the Jokhang Temple , the Ramoche Monastery and many other monasteries and palaces around the city.

In the centre of old Lhasa is the ancient circular Barkhor Street , which surrounds the Jokhang Temple. The street was and still is a market with shops selling silks and furs and other artifacts. After the death of King Songtsen Gampo and his wives, the city's fortunes rose and fell frequently because of the struggles between Bon and Buddhism.