Lhasa

Lhasa is one of the world's great spiritual destinations — the historic capital of Tibet and the centre of Tibetan Buddhist culture. At 3,650 metres above sea level, it sits on the Tibetan Plateau, one of the highest inhabited cities on earth. The Potala Palace, the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama, rises 13 storeys above the city in a commanding statement of religious and political power that has defined the Lhasa skyline for centuries.

Visiting Lhasa requires navigating significant practical and political considerations. A Tibet Travel Permit (separate from the standard Chinese visa) is mandatory for all foreign visitors to the Tibet Autonomous Region, and must be arranged through a registered Tibet travel agency. Independent travel within Tibet is not permitted — all foreign visitors must travel with a licensed guide. These restrictions are enforced and should not be underestimated in planning.

The spiritual experience of Lhasa is profound. The Barkhor — a circuit of pilgrim streets around the Jokhang Temple — is one of Asia's great devotional spectacles, with thousands of Tibetan pilgrims completing prostrations, spinning prayer wheels, and circumambulating the sacred route at all hours. The Jokhang Temple itself, built in 647 AD, is the most sacred Buddhist temple in Tibet. The three great monasteries of Sera, Drepung, and Ganden surround the city and can be visited on day trips.

Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA) has flights from Chengdu (2 hours), Chongqing, Xining, Beijing, and Shanghai. This is the most common way for international visitors to reach Lhasa. The Qinghai-Tibet Railway — the world's highest railway, reaching 5,072 metres — connects Lhasa to Xining (21 hours) and Beijing (40 hours) by train. The railway journey is spectacular and a remarkable engineering achievement, though slow. Note: the Tibet Travel Permit must be arranged before travel.

Central Lhasa (near the Barkhor and Jokhang Temple) is the most atmospheric location. The Tibet Hotel and Lhasa Hotel are established properties near the historic centre. Boutique Tibetan guesthouses in the old town offer more character. Acclimatisation is essential — do not over-exert yourself on the first day.

Altitude sickness is a serious risk at 3,650 metres. Symptoms include headache, nausea, breathlessness, and insomnia. Take the first day extremely easy — rest, drink water, avoid alcohol. Diamox (acetazolamide) is commonly taken as prevention. Descend immediately if symptoms are severe.

The Tibet Travel Permit must be arranged through a registered Tibet tourism agency — this is mandatory, not optional. Allow at least 2 weeks for permit processing. Individual independent travel is not permitted. Your agency will handle the permit, guide, and ground transport requirements.