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Peter M. Geiser


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Koen De Boeck

TIBET
The Internet Travel Guide

Peter M. Geiser

LHASA

Situated 3683 m above sea level, Lhasa has long been the political and spiritual capital of Tibet. Its main attraction is of course the huge Potala Palace. Also interesting is the Jokhang Temple.

Potala Palace
Built in the 17th century, the Potala is one of the architectural wonders of the world, containing thousands of rooms. It stands at the site of older structures, dating back another thousand years. Before the Chinese occupation it was the center of the Tibetan government and the winter residence of the Dalai Lama.

Jokhang Temple
One of Tibet's holiest shrines, it was built some 1300 years ago in celebration of the marriage of the Tang princess Wen Cheng and King Songtsen Gampo. It houses a golden statue of the Buddha Sukyiamuni brought by the princess.

Norbu Lingka
The former summer residence of the Dalai Lama is about three km west of the Potala.

Drepung
Some 7 km west of the Potala lies the monastery Drepung. While it was once a big monastery with over 7000 monks in 1959, nowadays there are only 200 to 300. Take bus no. 1 or 9.

Sera
About four km north of Lhasa is the monastery Sera. It was fonded in 1419 by a disciple of Tsong Khapa. There are about 100 monks living there, who practice debate every day at noon. Take bus No. 10 to get there.

Ganden
Farther away, 45 km east of Lhasa lies Ganden monastery. Founded in 1409 by Tsong Khapa it was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution. Today, for the sake of tourism, it is being revitalised and rebuilt by 200 monks.

Accommodation

There are many budget places in Tibet. The Banak Shol, Kirey Hotel, Yak Hotel and Plateau Hotel all are about USD 3 for a single room.

Climate

 Month       Jan  Feb  Mar  Apr  May  Jun  Jul  Aug  Sep  Oct  Nov  Dec

 Air    C     -2    1    5    8   12   16   16   16   14    9    4    0
        F     29   34   41   47   54   61   62   60   58   48   39   32

 Rain  mm      0   13    8    5   25   64  122   89   66   13    3    0
       in      0   .5   .3   .2  1.0  2.5  4.8  3.5  2.6   .5   .1    0

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