Attractions to See
Potala Palace. This gargantuan architectural wonder was once the center of political activity in Tibet and today is regarded by many as one of the most important cultural and historical sites in the world. Here, visitors will walk where Dalai Lamas have walked for hundreds of years and gaze upon fantastic works of Tibetan Buddhist art.
Jokhang Temple. Another one of the must see attractions in Tibet. Jokhang Temple houses the only known image of the Shakyamuni Buddha that exists today. Made in his twelve year old likeness, it is a holy destination for Tibetan Buddhist pilgrims from all corners of Tibet.
Barkhor Bazaar. Incense that burns in giant chimneys wafts through the bustling bazaar. Vendors sell everything from arts and crafts to food and household items. Barkhor Bazaar is a great place to try out bargaining skills while picking up souvenirs for friends and family back home.
Sera and Drepung Monasteries. Situated just outside of Lhasa, Drepung Monastery is one of Tibet’s three greatest monasteries (Sera and Ganden are the other two) and has long been regarded as a place of higher learning for Tibetan Buddhists. Sera Monastery is home to the famous debating monks, which can be seen in the afternoons most days of the week.
Ganden Monastery. This beautifully reconstructed monastery is one of the earliest and largest Buddhist monasteries in Tibet. Originally it was a center of administrative and political power for the Geluk order of Tibetan Buddhism.
Dinning and Shopping
Dine & Drink:
Bars in Lhasa are attractive for their exotic flavors. Many foreigners gather in bars at night to socialize and share their travel stories. Many also take advantage of the venues to relax, do some reading. or listening to live music.
Tibetan Dance at Mayke Ame (Maji A'mi) is many people's favorite Lhasa hangout . It has an excellent restaurant and a beautifully decorated bar. You will find there jars filled with paper with stories written by past visitors. You might add your own to the collection. Mayke Ame, located on the corner of the Barkhor Street, also features a convenient internet bar.
Also located on Barkhor Street is Ganglamedo Cafe & Bar, opened by a Chinese owner. The entrance is decorated with oil canvases and watercolor paintings depicting Tibetan sceneries. The strong artistic atmosphere makes the bar stand out in the area and is favored by guests from all around the world. You will also enjoy the delicious pastry and coffee while there.
Another good choice for visitors is Dunya Restaurant and Bar on the east side of Yak Hotel. Owned by two westerners, it serves authentic western food such as pizza and pasta. The quiet and easy environment is perfect for relaxation and conversation.
If you have more time, you can also check out Travelers Bar, Barkhor Cafe, or Music Kitchen.
Shopping
No trip to Tibet would be complete without taking away some local souvenirs either for yourself or as presents. This unique land captured in its crafts and goods certainly won't disappoint!
Thangka is a kind of scroll painting using complicated lines, bright colors and is rich with religious flavors. Most of the Thangka focuses on the motifs of Tibetan Buddhism. It is often made either by painting, embroidery or sometimes sewn with pearls. The pearl Thangka is the most desirable of all. Thangka is valued for its precision, balance and variety.
Tibetan costumes are inconvenient to take home as most of them are made from woolen cloth and are bulky. However, you might consider buying colorful aprons, fur hats or caps to take home, they can make unique decorations for your rooms.
Lots of visitors like to buy Tibetan medicine for its herbs such as saffron, aweto and snow lotus. Local doctors and their traditional medicines made by secret methods attract much curiosity. The best places to buy Tibetan medicines are the Tibetan Hospital, right opposite the Jokhang Temple Square or the medicine company on the west outskirts of Lhasa.
Don't forget to check out the gold and silver wares of Tibet and Nepal either. Nepalese and Tibetan silver ornaments and other artworks should definitely be on your shopping list. But beware of imitation goods and be sure to compare goods and prices in several stores before you buy!
The Tibetan knife or broadsword is still used by the locals as a necessity but visitors can buy it as an ornament.
Note: You cannot take these items on a plane or as consigned goods, but you can send them anywhere via the post office. The Post Office in Lhasa at Middle Beijing Road is the best choice. Goods will be sent much more quickly than at any of the smaller post offices.
Other local gifts that are worthy of your consideration include wooden bowls, jewelry, jade, prayer wheels, carpets, tapestries, local boots and beads.
Where to Buy
Barkhor Street is the famous commercial center of the high land. Over 120 handicraft and artwork stores and 200 or so market stands in the Barkhor Street: it is a must-go place for all souvenir shopping. Tibetan rugs, knives, broadswords, traditional clothes, gold and silver jewelry and all sorts of traditional handmade craft-work can easily be found in this street. One tip, Tibetan beads especially are very expensive, so don't forget to bargain with the vendors, whatever you buy! You can also find fabulous food on Barkhor Street.
It's a good idea to go shopping on Barkhor Street in the morning or evening, because local people always value highly their first customer and their last one.
Lhasa Department Store
Address: No.1, Yutuo Road, left of the Potala Palace
Features: has all sorts of articles for sale including practical items like cotton clothing, towels, toothpaste and canned food. The interior is pleasant and open. Goods here are moderately priced. The department store has places for dining, recreation and a fitness center.
Barkhor Thangka Painting Department Store
Address: No. 10, East Barkhor Street
Features: the store mainly deals with making and selling Thangka products. Foreign tourists swarm here to buy them. Helpfully, the storekeeper speaks both Chinese and English.
Xueyu (Snow-land) Handmade Thangka Store, located at No. 16, South Barkhor Street, is the most famous Thangka shop in Barkhor Street. Selling Thangka is very profitable as some visitors can pay up to ten times the actual value. (Consider, no matter how old, which nationality or race, anyone can learn to draw a Thangka painting!) So before buying anything make sure to have a little knowledge of the genuine product and price.
For more information about shopping there, please consult Tibet Shopping.
Nightlife info
Nightlife in Lhasa is more low-key and simple compared to other major Chinese cities, but there is still a great variety of activities you can partipage in. You can watch a Tibetan singing and dancing show, taste street food in the night market, or find a bar to have local drinks with fellow travelers.
Market:
The most famous night market in Lhasa is Tianhai Night Market on the west suburb of city. It has many stalls of snacks, fruits, and handicrafts shop along the street. The market is fam
ous for its lively atmosphere, dreamlike lighting and better value compare to other shopping areas in town. Every night, this place is crowded with both locals and tourist.
Performance:
If you are a first-timer to Lhasa, watching a Tibetan Singing And Dancing Show will definitely be an unforgettable experience. Also known as Langma Opera in Tibetan, it used to be only performed for the royals. Over the years, the ancient artform has evolved into a popular entertainment. Xinshiji Langma Hall is one of the most authentic and accessible places to watch the performance. Visitors can drink beer while enjoying the dance in a truly unique environment.
