Lhasa - Potala Palace - Chakpori Hill - Qing Dynasty Amban Site - Jokhang Temple Square - Lhasa
Today you will explore Lhasa city, visiting the world's highest ancient palace-fortress complex, the [Potala Palace]. Climb up the long staircase step by step, overlooking Lhasa as you go, taking in the magnificent panorama of the city. Pause for photos and rest along the way, then enter the Potala Palace to explore this mysterious ancient palace for which very few interior photos exist online. Afterwards, you can go to the [Zongjiao Lukang Park] to walk the kora circuit and experience prayer-wheel spinning. In Zongjiao Lukang Park, you will see devout pilgrims everywhere, gently twirling their prayer wheels, sliding the shiny prayer beads through their fingers, and murmuring mantras. You can also go to the [Chakpori Hill] viewing platform to photograph the Potala Palace. Chakpori Hill stands directly 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.
Afterwards, you will visit the [Qing Dynasty Amban Site]. The traditional Tibetan compound housing the exhibition hall is called "Chongsaikang Zhakang," a three-story Tibetan-style courtyard building located 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 established its first Amban office here, where the imperial residents of Tibet 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."
Next you will arrive at Jokhang Temple Square. [Jokhang Temple Square] is the final destination of countless pilgrims. For hundreds of years, pilgrims have traveled great distances to come here, prostrating every three steps, measuring the distance from their hometowns with their bodies. Jokhang Temple Square is shrouded in incense smoke all day long, and devout worshippers have left deep imprints from full-body prostrations. Regarding faith, this place will give you the most perfect explanation. If one day you lose yourself, come sit and look around Jokhang Temple Square; regarding faith, it will give you the answer... The temple on the square is the Jokhang Temple, the central temple of Tibetan Buddhism (you may purchase tickets to enter and visit according to your own circumstances; the cost is at your own expense).
🍽️ Breakfast included, lunch included, dinner not included
🏨 Lhasa Hotel