Lhasa is the heart of Tibet and it represents part of Tibetan culture and identity around the world. Traditionally, Lhasa is the capital city of the Tibetan region and the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region at present. Some of the hidden gems of Lhasa genuinely have me hooked and returning time and time again. This list will no doubt keep expanding as I venture around to discover more hidden gems, but for now, these are my top suggestions for those wanting to travel to Lhasa.
1. Potala Palace
This is a stunning hidden gem of Lhasa city, which is the landmark of Tibet and is listed on the UNESCO world heritage site. Potala Palace is initially built in the 7th century by the 33rd King of Tibet, Songtsen Gampo, and later rebuilt in the 17th century by the 5th Dalai Lama which is the present structure. This architectural marvel represents Tibetan craftsmanship and innovative skills. It has 13 floors and more than a thousand rooms.
Potala Palace served as the government office and winter palace for successive Dalia Lamas. This mesmerizing structure contains murals, centuries-old frescos, libraries, and temples. Currently, served as a museum for tourists but for local Tibetans, it is a place for worship and is considered the most sacred palace in Tibet. The internal structure remains with an age-old charm. It is undoubtedly on my list of hidden gems in Lhasa.
2. Jokhang Temple
Considered the most sacred temple in Tibet and a historical representation of friendship among the Buddhist territories. It is constructed in the 7th century by Nepalese Princess Brikuti for the statue of Jowo Mingyur Dorjee which was brought from Nepal.
The main gate of the Jokhang temple faces west towards Nepal in recognition of Queen Bhrikuti, who bore the expense of the Jokhang temple. After completing the Jokhang temple in 647, the temple became known as Rasa Trulnang Tsugla-Khang, which means the magical apparition of Rasa. The original design appears to have had a Newar model, and only later was it said to have been modeled on Vikramashila Monastery in northwest India.
Queen Bhrikuti installed the primary statue of Jowo Mikyo Dorje, representing the Buddha as an eight-year-old, which Vishvakarman had made. But later, this statue was moved to Ramoche Temple, and currently, the Jokhang temple contains Tibet’s holiest statue of Jowo Rinpoche, which was brought to Tibet by Queen Wencheng from China.
It became the focal point of pilgrimage sites and receives thousands of pilgrims across Tibetan regions. The temple is surrounded by a famous street known as Barkhor street and served as a circumambulation route for pilgrims, truly serving Tibetan cultural vibes. Definitely worth of visit.
3. Norbulingka Palace
Norbulingka Palace is literally known as Jeweled Park or Treasure Park and it was built in 1775 by the 7th Dalai Lama. It served as the traditional summer palace of the successive Dalai Lamas from the 1780s up to 1959. The palace had seen many extensions by successive Dalai Lamas. It is also part of the historic ensemble of the Potala palace and is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site.
The palace covers an area of around 36 hectares and is considered to be the largest man-made garden in Tibet and considered the premier park of all such horticultural parks in similar ethnic settings in Tibet. It consists of palaces, gardens, lakes,
It is the best place for locals to do picnics and outdoor activities. One of the famous festivals, Shoton Festival hosts here every year.
4. Sera Monastery
It is one of the three largest ancient monasteries in Tibet. Sera monastery was constructed in 1419 by Tsongkhapa’s disciple Jamchen Choje Sakya Yeshe of Tsel Gungtang (1355-1435).
The complex comprises the Great Assembly Hall (Tsokchen), three colleges (previously there were four or five, including Sera To which were gradually amalgamated), and 30 residential units (Khangtsang). A long driveway divides the complex into eastern and western sectors – the former containing the Great Assembly Hall and the Homdong Kangtsang, and the latter containing the three colleges.
Once it had around 5,000 monks studying in different colleges but currently there are around a few hundred monks and most of the monks’ quarters are empty. But there are so many temples around the monastery campus.
5. Drepung monastery
Drepung Monastery is located eight kilometers northwest of Lhasa on the Gephel Utse ridge above West Deky Lam. It was founded in 1416 by Jamyang Choje Tashi Palden (1397-1449), and named after the sacred abode of Shridhanyakataka in South India. Jamyang Choje was one of Tsongkhapa’s foremost disciples, and it is known that Tsongkhapa himself taught at the site of the new monastery.
The complex developed rapidly with the assistance of the Phakmodru kings, especially Nedong Namka Zangpo so that there were 2,000 monks in its second year of existence. In the early years of the 16th century, Dalai Lama Il took possession of the Ganden Podrang at Drepung, which was later to become an important center of political power in Tibet. At the time when Dalai Lama V assumed spiritual and temporal power in 1641, Drepung had over 10,000 monks, who hailed from 321 different branch monasteries and lived according to nationality in 50-60 different houses, making it the largest monastery in the world.
These are some of the hidden gems in Lhasa which is on my list of hidden gems and definitely expand my list soon and will update it.