Want to discover the beauty of the highest region on Earth? If yes then, let’s pack luggage and head to Tibet- the highest region on the Earth with an altitude of (4,900m). Situated in the western region of China, it is also known as Western China. Touched with Nepal, Tibet is a peculiar region to explore the natural art and culture with its beautiful landscapes. Famous as the home of Dalai Lama, Buddhism is believed to be originated from Tibet. Similarly, Tibet shares some portion of the highest mountain-Mt. Everest.
1. Potala Palace
The home of Dalai Lama, Potala Palace is built on an attitude of 3700 m on the side of Marpo Ri (‘Red Mountain’) in the center of Lhasa Valley. This palace is named after Mount Potalaka. The palace contains over 1,000 rooms, 10,000 shrines, and about 200,000 statues soaring 117 meters (384 ft) on top of Marpo Ri, the “Red Hill”, rising more than 300 m (about 1,000 ft) in total above the valley floor. Enlisted in the list of UNESCO, it is also called a red palace due to its crimson color.
2. Jokhang Temple
Built around 642 during the rule of King Songtsn Gampo, it is a four-storied temple. It is believed that it was built for two wives of the king- Princess Wencheng from China and Princess Bhrikuti from Nepal who brought important Buddhist statues and images. It is also known as the Jokhang, which means the ‘House of the Buddha.
3. Nam-Tso Lake
The largest lake in the Tibetan region, Nam-Tso Lake lake is at a height of 4,718 m with an area of 1920 sq km. This lake acts as a border between Damxung County of Lhasa prefecture-level city and Baingoin County of Nagqu Prefecture in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
4. Drepung Monastery
Founded by Jamyang Choge Tashi Palden in about 1416, it was named after the sacred abode in South India of Shridhanyakataka. Situated on the foot of Mt. Gephel, it is one of the “great three” Gelukpa university monasteries of Tibet and the other two are Ganden and Sera.
Samye Monastery Constructed in between 775-9 CE, it is probably the first monastery built in Tibet under the patronage of King Trisong Detsen of Tibet who sought to revitalize Buddhism. Situated in Dranang, Lhoka Prefecture, it somehow resembles the model of Odantapuri which is in India. According to history, it was first built by the Indian monk Ntarakita but was collapsed after some stage. Destroyed many times due to local wars, it was finally rebuilt due to the efforts of Choekyi Gyaltsen, 10th Panchen Lama from 1986 onward.
5. Mount Kailash
Mount Kailash is a peak standing in the Kailash range of Tibet. An origin of four rivers, this peak is sacred to four different religions- Buddhism, Hinduism, Jain, and Bon, Most than any other sacred place. Walking the path of 52 km, the pilgrimages reach this holy region to perform Kora for about 3-4 days. Hindus and Buddhists perform Kora in a clockwise direction whereas Jains and Bons in an anti-clock direction. Enriched with religious value, it is one of the major attractions of Tibet which consumes around 3 days to visit.
6. Barkhor Street
Barkhor Street is a pilgrimage path encircling the entire Jhorkang. Extended up to around 1 km, it is a popular devotional circumambulation for pilgrims and locals. Also symbolized as a bust shopping street, you can get an array of souvenirs from Nepal and Tibet. So let’s walk one kilometer to pray worship on the Jhorkang temple and roll the prayer wheels.
7. Sera Monastery
Inhabited by around 300 monks, the Sera monastery is itself a place to visit in Tibet; but the debate between monks another major attraction of Sera Monastery. Located 1.25 miles (2.01 km) north of Lhasa, Shera monastery is one of the “great three” Gelug university monasteries of Tibet and the other two are Ganden Monastery and Drepung Monastery. The monk dressed in their traditional red robes gathers and makes debates. Hence it is one of the must-watch in Tibet and I hope you won’t like to miss the fun.
8. Lake Manasarovar
Lake Manasarovar is a freshwater lake of Tibet situated at the height of 4590 meters. Formed with two words-Manas and Sarovar, it is believed that this lake was first created in the mind of the Lord Brahma after which it manifested on Earth. This lake carries religious values for Hindus, Buddhists,s, and Jains. As per Hindu, it is believed that the drinking water of this lake will take to the abode of Shiva after death. Similarly, Buddhists believe that Maya had conceived Buddha in this lake. You can also see some monasteries on the shore of this lake. Hence, when you visit Tibet, you shouldn’t miss it.
9. Everest Base Camp
The paradise to have the finest view of many towering mountain peaks, Everest Base Camp has two faces- Southern Base Camp in Nepal (5,364 meters) And northern in Tibet (5,150 meters). Everest Base Camp is famous for its adorable view of mountains like Mount Everest (8848) -the highest on the earth with many other towering peaks, natural beauty, and mostly due to hospitable Sherpas. With the blue sky on the top and the prayer flag flapping around, once you visit this place you will be stunned by the force of nature. You need to be a little cautious as the weather can be changed at any time.
