As the political, religious and economic heart of Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) , Lhasa finds its place on the north bank of Lhasa River with an altitude of 3658m (about 12000 feet). In Tibetan, Lhasa means 'The land of the Buddha' or 'Holy Place'. The city has a long history of 1300 years with a population of 400,000.

Blessed with flat land and mild climate, Lhasa is free of frigid winters and unbearably hot summers, having an annual average daily temperature of 8 degree Celsius (43 F). It enjoys 3,000 hours of sunlight annually, much more than all other cities in this regard, hence its popular name 'the Sunshine City'.

Lhasa enjoys an annual precipitation of 230-570 mm. It rains mainly in July, August and September. The fall (autumn) time is the best season of the year, when it rains mostly at night, and is sunny in the daytime. Usually tourists are advised to visit the holy place from March to October.

After the reform and opening to the outside world since 1980s, Lhasa has witnessed a dramatic change, becoming a thriving and prosperous town. The tourism is booming here, every year thousands and thousands tourists come to this holy place for sightseeing. The fantastic landscape, unique culture, exotic life and friendly people surely make tourists an unforgettable experience.

Travel In and Around Lhasa

Lhasa is the capital city, focal point and spiritual heart of Tibet. There is enough to see in and around the city. It normally takes about 2 to 3 days to explore. Highlights in Lhasa include the World Heritage Sites of the Potala Palace, Jokhang temple and Pilgrimage circuit Barkhor. Two largest Gelupa Monasteries Drepung and Sera lie on the edge of the city.

The 1-2day trip from Lhasa to the northern Nam-tso, one of the three holy lakes in Tibet, will shock you with its stunning view, and you will have a chance to visit Tsurphu Monastery, have natural Yangbachen hot-spring enroute. Or another couple of days, visit atmospheric Drigung Til Monastery and Tidrum Nunnery ( Have medicinal hot-spring), both at the east side of Lhasa. You can visit them by going to Ganden Monastery first, which is still another fantastic Gelupa Monastery.