Location: Lhasa
Top Things to do in Lhasa
Top 5 Historic Sites in Lhasa, Tibet
Deep in the spectacular Himalayan Mountains, Lhasa is a jewel of a destination. Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lama, is a major attraction, but you’ll also find numerous important temples and even the world’s highest brewery.
Restaurants in Lhasa
1. Drepung Monastery (Zhebang Si)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 322 reviews
Built in 1416, this is considered one of the largest monasteries in the world with more than 10,000 monks living inside its walls during the height of its activities.
Reviewed By 189jeffreya - Houston, United States
All of the sacred Buddhist temples and monasteries are "must see" attractions in Lhasa and throughout Tibet. Drepung is no exception! Nestled aside the mountains toward the outskirts of Lhasa, Drepung is simply magnificent (as is the Potala Palace!) and a must see attraction in order to best understand the history and evolution of Tibetan Buddhism, and the Tibetan culture and her people...the beauty, sacrifices and current struggles, Drepung must/MUST be on the itinerary when you visit Lhasa! Enjoy!
2. Sera Monastery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 713 reviews
The Sera Monastery (founded in 1419 by Jamchen Chojey of Sakya Yeshe, disciple of Tsongkhapa) is just located at the foot of Tatipu Hill,located 1.25 miles (2.01 km) north of Lhasa and about 5 km (3.1 mi) north of the Jokhang and it is about 6 km to the northeast direction of Potala Palace. It is famous for the Buddhism activities of” Monks Debate” which happens in afternoon from Monday to Saturday. This is one highlight attraction for travel in Lhasa Tibet.
Reviewed By BhasinRohit - New Delhi, India
Sera Monastery is one of the most popular monasteries in Tibet that holds significant cultural and religious importance in the history of Tibet and spread and growth of Buddhism. Pro Tip: Try and visit the monastery during the period when you can witness Monks debate on religious matters
3. Ani Tsankhung Nunnery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
Ani Tsankhung Nunnery was built in the 7th century by Songsten Gampo who used its meditation chamber.The monastery is a yellow building which lies on the street parallel and north of Chingdol Dong Lu in Lhasa. Since the 12th century the monastery has been used chiefly by Buddhist nuns. The nunnery's main hall contains a beautiful image of Chenrezi, the multi-armed bodhisattva of Compassion. The sacred meditation chamber lies behind it.
Reviewed By tourist22903 - Charlottesville, United States
This nunnery was not as modest as seen in other parts of Asia where the nuns seem to get short shrift of the material wealth of the monasteries. Apparently the Jokhang Temple shares some proceeds with the nuns and they have a nice small gift shop as well. Outside were half a dozen nuns prostrating themselves over and over. We were advised that they are trying to match a past leader who did 100,000 prostrations. It would take them about a month, full-time, to accomplish this and they have some sort of clicker/counter on their wrists to keep track of the number. Sweet small nunnery and right of Barkor Square so easy to see after the temple.
4. Norbulingka (Precious Stone Garden)
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 279 reviews
Complex consisting of the Dalai Lamas' summer residence. The park consist of palace, nice pond areas and a small onsite zoo. Norbulingka which means ‘treasure garden’ in Tibetan language, is located in the west side of Lhasa, a short distance from the southwest of Potala Palace. It is marked as the world’s highest, largest and best-preserved ancient artificial historical and cultural garden.
