Lhasa - Potala Palace - Chakpori - Zongjiao Lukang Park - Jokhang Temple Square - Lhasa
Today you will explore Lhasa. Visit the Potala Palace, the world's highest ancient palace-fortress complex. Climb the long staircase step by step, overlooking Lhasa as you go, taking in the grandeur of the city. Pause for photos and rest along the way, then step inside the Potala Palace to explore this mysterious ancient palace that is rarely shown in online images. Afterwards, you can visit the kora (circumambulation) path in Zongjiao Lukang Park to experience prayer-wheel spinning. In the park, you will see devotees everywhere, gently twirling their prayer wheels, sliding their polished prayer beads, and murmuring mantras. You can also go to the Chakpori Hill viewpoint to photograph the Potala Palace. Chakpori Hill stands right opposite the Potala Palace and is the best spot for photographing it, especially halfway up the hill — this is also the location featured on the 50-yuan banknote.
Next, you will visit the Site of the Qing Dynasty Amban's Office. The traditional Tibetan-style compound where the exhibition hall is located is called "Chongsaikang Zhakang," a three-story Tibetan-style courtyard building on the north street of Barkhor Street in the old city of Lhasa, in the heart of the old town, with a history of over 300 years. The Qing government once established its first Amban office here, where the Amban worked and lived. Because the Amban could enjoy a close view of the bustling Barkhor Street from the windows of the south building, this place was called "Chongsaikang," meaning "the house from which one can see the market."
Afterwards, you will arrive at Barkhor Square, the destination of countless pilgrims. For centuries, devotees have traveled great distances to come here, measuring the distance from their homeland with their bodies, prostrating every three steps. Barkhor Square is shrouded in incense smoke all day long, and devout worshippers have left deep imprints of full-body prostrations. Here, you will find the most perfect explanation of faith. If one day you lose yourself, come sit at Barkhor Square and look around — it will give you the answer about faith... The temple on the square is the Jokhang Temple, the central temple of Tibetan Buddhism (you may purchase a ticket to enter at your own discretion; the cost is at your own expense).
🍽️ Breakfast included, lunch included, dinner not included
🏨 Lhasa Hotel