Potala PAlace
The Potala, one of the most famous architectural
works, is erected on top of the Red Hill in Lhasa.
The word "Potala" comes from Sanskrit. In 7th
century, after the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo's
marriage with Princes Wencheng of the Tang Court,
the Palace was built for meditation. In the mid
-17th century, it was rebuilt by the 5th Dalai Lama
to its present size, and ever since it became the
Winter Palace of the Dalai Lamas. The construction
took fifty years from its beginning to completion.
The Potala is divided into two sections, namely, the
Red Palace and White Palace. The total height of the
Potala is 117m which is built in thirteen storeys,
the length of the Potala from east to west has 400m
and the breadth from south to north has 350m. The
whole building is a structure of stone and timber.
ream of Tibetan culture and complex of Tibetan and
Han culture.
Lhasa
The capital of Tibet, at an altitude of 3650m, is
situated on the north of bank of Kyichu River, a
tributary of the Yarlung Tsangpo river. Lhasa in
Tibetan means " Place of the Gods" and Potala
Palace, the Residence of Dalai Lama ( The God King),
is the earthly representation of the celestial
Palace of Avaloketeswora, The Buddha of infinite
compassion whose ncarnation in the human form is
believed to be the Dalai Lama. It is a city truly
blessed by the gods where life is unburied.
Tsedang
No tour of Tibet is complete without a visit to
Tsedang, situated 170km Southeast of Lhasa in the
Yarlung Valley along the banks of the Tsangpo River
(Brahmaputra) The cradle of Tibetan civilization.
This region abounds with important historical
landmarks such as Samye, Yumbulkhangm Chonggye,
Mindroling and others.
YAMBULAKHANG PALACE: Situated about 12 km south of
Tsedang, Si the first palace built by the Tibet and
for their first recorded king Nyatri Tsedpo, who is
believed to have descended from heaven. It is a 05
storied fortress-like dwelling built on the spur of
a bill that commands an impressive view of the
entire fertile valley. It was destroyed during the
cultural revolution and the present structure is an
exact replica of the original rebuilt 1982.
SAMYE MONASTERY : Lies about 40km to the west of
Tsedang across the Tsangpo River. It is the first
monastery built by King Trisong Detsen in the latter
part of the 08 the century. Samye Monastery combines
03 distinctive architectural styles that of India,
China and Tibet, symbolizing the source, stability
and spread of the Buddhist faith. With the building
of this monastery, the community of monks began.
Gyantse
Is a pastoral town between Lhasa and Shigatse. It is
264km South west of Lhasa. It still retains the
charm of a traditional Tibetan town untouched by
modern expansion. It made world headlines in 1904
when colonel Young Husband, who led a British
expedition to Tibet, defeated the Tibetan army
there. As a crossroads on the principle trade route
to India, it used to be renowned for the excellence
of the carpets. The compound, encircled by an
impressive wall, once contained 19 monasteries,
presided over by the still intact fortress Perched a
top a nearby mountain.
Shigatse
The town of Shigatse (Xigaze) is called "Center of
Rear Tibet", sits at the confluence of Nyangchu and
Yarlung Tsangbo Rivers about 250 kilometers to the
west of Lhasa. This second largest city in Tibet at
an elevation of 3,800 meters has a history of more
than five centuries. The region around is
historically known as the Rear Tibet and Shigatse
has been its political, business, cultural and
religious center. The residence for all the Panchen
Lamas has been traditionally in the town.
The city located between altitude 29°2' north and
longitude 88°8' east, with a population of 70,000.
The annual rainfall is 300 to 450 mm, the average
annual temperature is 6°C and the frost-free period
is 160 days.
Shigatse region enjoys a moderate climate with
plenty of sunshine. The fertile river valley is one
of the granaries of Tibet. The town proper has
undergone a construction boom with roads leading to
Ngari in the west, the Qomolangma Nature Reserve and
border with Nepal in the south, Nakchu to the north
and Lhasa and Shannan to the east.
The ancient town of Shigatse has become well-known
for its past and rich cultural tradition with Palcho,
Sakya, Pingcuolin and Juenang monasteries and Pala
Estate as well as the Qomolangma Nature Reserve
covering an area of over 30,000 square kilometers in
the nearby region. The annual ceremony of display of
Buddha tapestry, the Sorcerer's Dance Festival, the
Ximuqingpo Festival at the Shalu Monastery and the
active local Tibetan theater are popular attractions
to visitors.
With its rich cultural tradition, majestic
monasteries, breath-taking scenery and convenient
location, Shigatse has become on of the most popular
tourist destination in Tibet.
Tingiri / Zhangmu
Mount Qomolangma, also known as Mt. Everest, meaning
Mother Goddess of the Universe in Tibetan, is the
highest peak in the world. Standing at 8848 meters
(29028 feet), snow capped throughout the year, she
lies at the border between China and Nepal. The
North Col of Everest is located in Tinggri (Shegar).
Massive glaciers and seracs feature a thrilling
splendor. The peak has been a holy climbing
attraction for world's mountaineers. In recent
years, more and more mountaineers start from the
Everest Base Camp trying to conquer the world's
highest peak while tourists trek to the foot of the
peak to enjoy its beauty.
Starting 30 kilometers (20 miles) south from New
Tinggri, one will reach a checkpoint. 11 kilometers
(7miles) west of the checkpoint, a new road and an
old one turn off south to Everest Base Camp. A
78-kilometer (48-mile) trek leads to Rongbuk
Monastery, which is the highest monastery on the
earth. Its altitude is 5,100 meters (16728 feet).
The monastery was founded in 1899, as a Nyingmapa
monastery, it was said that once Padmasambhava,
founder of Nyingmapa, proceeded his religious
cultivation here. The monastery, having 8
sub-monasteries including a nunnery, was destroyed
in the Cultural Revolution, is gradually being
restored. It houses Lamas and nuns in the same
monastery. Sakyamuni and Padmasambhava are enshrined
in the small temple. Pilgrims treks a long way to
pay votive offerings or see lamas playing operas
during big Buddhist days. |