Cultural and Historical Lhasa
Dive into the culture and history of Tibet today! Visit Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore Barkhor Square, the bustling market of old Lhasa and visit Jokhang monastery, the most important religious activity centre for Tibetan Buddhism.
Area
Tibet
Type
Art & Architecture
Community & Culture
Grade
Luxurious
Who
Adults
Teens
Difficulty
Moderate
Duration
Full Day
Start your exploration of Lhasa with a visit to Potala Palace which is known to be the highest ancient palace in the world with a spectacular architectural style. It was built 1300 years ago in the Tang Dynasty with its beautiful murals inside the palace telling the story of Tibet history and its culture. The palace is now listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, houses many articles and artefacts of ancient Tibet such as frescos, stupas and images of Buddha. Note: Visiting time is restricted to one hour inside the palace/museum.
If you are interested, join the devout locals to walk “Kora” the pilgrim route around the Potala Palace to immerge into the Tibetan religious culture while enjoying the surrounding sights! After lunch, explore Barkhor Square - the bustling market showcasing the old Lhasa with its narrow streets full of religious atmosphere and characteristic stores displaying Tibetan styled clothing, prayer wheels and thangkas. In the afternoon, when it is less crowded, visit the Jokhang monastery - the “central cathedral” and discover the most important religious activity centrr for Tibetan Buddhism. Lunch is provided.
Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
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![Shigatse]()
View AccommodationQomo Langzong Hotel
An international style hotel in central Kashgar, Yue Xing Jin Jiang Hotel features 323 spacious rooms & suites that provides comfortable stay in this remote corner of Western China.
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![Restaurant]()
View AccommodationSongtsam Choskyi Linka Lhasa
A luxury lodge with amazing views of Potala Palace, Songtsam Choskyi Linka is the perfect location to explore the Tibetan capital of Lhasa.
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![Lobby]()
View AccommodationShangri-La Hotel, Lhasa
At the heart of the Tibetan capital, the Shangri-La Lhasa seamlessly blends 5-star luxury with traditional Tibetan style, offering a true sanctuary in this unique city of monasteries, monks and mountains.
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![Aerial View]()
View AccommodationHilton Linzhi Resort
Accessibly remote, bask in the beauty of Tibet's Switzerland at the county's first international brand resort with stunning Himalayan setting and design elements which blend both Chinese and Royal Tibetan influences.
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![Saga]()
View AccommodationSaga Hotel
The Saga Hotel is a centrally located hotel in the frontier town of Saga, the last stop before heading off the beaten track to holy Mount Kailash, the most sacred peak in Asia.
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![Shigatse]()
View AccommodationGesar Hotel
Gesar Hotel is a comfortable 4-star hotel in Xigatze, Tibet. Its beautiful hotel lobby is adorned with traditional Tibetan cultural objects and artwork and its clean and comfortable rooms are designed in Tibetan-style.
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![Tsedang]()
View AccommodationTsedang Hotel
Centrally located in downtown Tsetang, Tsedang Hotel is a comfortable 3-star hotel, and presently best available option, to explore the heritage of the first Tibetan palace and monastery.
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![Entrance - St Regis Lhasa]()
View AccommodationThe St. Regis Lhasa Resort
St Regis Lhasa Resort contains 162 guest rooms with views out over the city. This is the perfect base from which to explore the city of Lhasa. Expect exposed beams and comfortable furnishings and enjoy the tranquil meditation garden and spa pavilion here.
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![Gyantze]()
View AccommodationGyantze Hotel
Set at the heart of Gyantze in western Tibet, the simple yet comfortable Gyantze Hotel is the perfect base for exploring this historic town, set on an ancient trade route between India and Tibet.
More Experiences in This Area
Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.
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![Ganden Monastery -]()
View ExperienceGanden Monastery
Visit Ganden Monastery and explore the largest and oldest temple among the six renowned temples of Gelugpa. You may wish to hike up the hill to soak-up breath-taking panoramic views of the surrounding Kyi-Chu Valley.
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![Sera Monastery -]()
View ExperienceTibet Museum and Sera Monastery Cultural Tour
Visit the remarkable Tibet Museum embellished with magnificent Tibetan architecture and filled with a rich collection of cultural relics and treasures. Explore Sera Monastery, one of the best-preserved monasteries in Tibet.
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