Lhasa Tibet Buddhist Tour
Visitors may currently enter Tibet from mainland China, Hong Kong or Nepal, if they have a visa for China; the Chinese authorities maintain
"closed" areas, but most of the country is accessible. In the holy city of Lhasa, the Dalai Lama's Potala Palace, like many Tibetan
monasteries, is now a state museum. Unlike countless shrines and monasteries destroyed during the Cultural Revolution, both the
structure and contents of the Potala are preserved. Symbol of the protection of Avalokiteshvara and of the greater Tibetan Buddhist
community, the Potala still towers imposingly over Lhasa, and contains countless treasures from the 17th century, including murals,
thankas, mandalas, altars, and the famous statue in sandalwood of Padmapani.
The Jokhang monastery, southeast of the Potala, is the most sacred of all Tibetan pilgrimage sites. Somehow surviving the barbarities of the Cultural Revolution, the Jokhang retains its famous gilded roof, and the "Four Deities Radiating Light" may still be seen in their shrine. The Jokhang remains a living monastery; but it may also be visited, like other sacred sites, as a "museum".
Top Activities & Experiences on the Lhasa Tibet Buddhist Tour
| Activity |
Description |
Location |
| Visit Potala Palace |
Explore the majestic Potala Palace, the winter residence of the Dalai Lama, with breathtaking views of Lhasa. |
Lhasa |
| Tour Jokhang Temple |
Walk through the heart of Lhasa’s religious life, the Jokhang Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site housing the sacred Jowo Buddha. |
Lhasa |
| Walk the Barkhor Circuit |
Join pilgrims on the Barkhor Street, an ancient path around Jokhang Temple where spiritual devotion blends with Tibetan culture. |
Lhasa |
| Visit Sera Monastery |
Discover the vibrant life of monks at Sera Monastery, famous for its daily debates on Buddhist philosophy. |
Lhasa |
| Experience Tibetan Buddhist Meditation |
Engage in meditation sessions guided by experienced Tibetan monks for inner peace and spiritual growth. |
Sera Monastery, Jokhang Temple |
| Explore Norbulingka Palace |
Visit the summer residence of the Dalai Lama, an exquisite palace surrounded by beautiful gardens. |
Lhasa |
| Prayer Wheel Spinning at Drepung Monastery |
Join in the Tibetan tradition of spinning prayer wheels at the Drepung Monastery, one of the largest monastic complexes in Tibet. |
Lhasa |
| Visit the Tibet Museum |
Learn about Tibetan history, culture, and Buddhism at the Tibet Museum, a modern addition to Lhasa’s spiritual sites. |
Lhasa |
| Tour Tashilhunpo Monastery |
Explore the Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, home to the Panchen Lama’s seat and an important Tibetan Buddhist site. |
Shigatse |
| Enjoy Tibetan Cuisine |
Experience authentic Tibetan dishes, including momo (dumplings) and butter tea, while engaging with locals. |
Lhasa |
Must-Visit Sacred Sites in Lhasa Tibet
| Place |
Spiritual Significance |
Highlights |
| Potala Palace |
Once the residence of the Dalai Lama, it’s a symbol of Tibetan Buddhism and Tibetan political history. |
Vast architecture, impressive murals, stunning views of Lhasa |
| Jokhang Temple |
The holiest temple in Tibet, housing the sacred Jowo Buddha, a symbol of Tibet’s Buddhist heritage. |
Ancient Tibetan architecture, sacred rituals, devotional atmosphere |
| Barkhor Circuit |
A pilgrimage circuit surrounding Jokhang Temple, bustling with spiritual life and Tibetan culture. |
Traditional Tibetan shops, prayer wheels, vibrant street life |
| Sera Monastery |
One of the most influential monasteries in Tibet, famous for its Buddhist debates. |
Monk debates, spiritual education, beautiful murals |
| Drepung Monastery |
Once the largest monastic community in the world, Drepung is an essential stop for understanding Tibetan Buddhism. |
Extensive complex, prayer halls, peaceful surroundings |
| Norbulingka Palace |
The Dalai Lama’s summer residence, now a beautiful park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
Vast gardens, stunning architecture, rich Tibetan art |
| Shigatse - Tashilhunpo Monastery |
Home of the Panchen Lama and an important site for Tibetan Buddhists. |
Large monastery complex, statues of Buddha, Tibetan rituals |