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Tibet
Tibet is the most excellent location to come into contact with the genuine Buddhism and culture. While in Tibet one acquires a sense of being in a special part of the globe. The monasteries constructed centuries ago, the sweeping grasslands, the exclusive and untouched lakes, the snow carved mountains at all times merit the attention of the visitors.
The land of gods
- "Lhasa" in Tibetan signifies "the land of gods" and is the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region.
- It is situated between 29o 36'N and 19o 06' E at the north bank of Kyichu river, a tributary of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, at a height of 3650 meters greater than the sea level.
- Lhasa has a chronicle of over 1300 years and it's been the hub of politics, economy, and culture in addition to religion in Tibet since the earliest times.
- There are many picturesque sites as well as historical charms, among which Potala Palace, Norbulingka, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, Jokhang Temple and Ramoche Temple, are the most renowned.
The Potala Palace is one of the most well-known architectural works of Tibet. It is constructed on highest point of the Red Hill in Lhasa. In the 7th century, subsequent to the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo's wedding with Princess Wencheng of the Tang Court, the Palace was constructed for rumination. In the mid-17th century, it was reconstructed by the 5th Dalai Lama to its existing dimension, and since then it has become the Winter Palace of the Dalai Lamas. It took fifty years for the construction of the palace to be completed. The Potala is separated into two segments, that is, the Red Palace and White Palace. The overall height of the Potala is 117 meters which is constructed in thirteen storeys. The length of the Palace from east to west stretches to 400 meters and the breadth from south to north stretches to 350 meters. The entire construction is an edifice of stone in addition to timber. The top most portion of the palace sparkles with golden roofs. It is a grand architectural work and the finest of Tibetan culture.
Jokhang Temple located in the middle of the old part of Lhasa, was constructed in the mid 7th century A. D. and afterwards enlarged by consecutive rulers and at present it has taken the shape of a colossal architecture complex. Situated in the east and facing the west, it is a four storied Temple with fabulous golden roofs. It has architecture characteristics of Tang Dynasty and in addition incorporated traits from both Nepalese and Indian Buddhist Temples. The murals in the temple mostly portray the life account of historic characters. The temple accommodates numerous historical relics since Tang Dynasty in addition to figures of King Songtsen Gompo, Princess Wencheng, and Princess Bhrikuti Devi of Nepal. Jokhang is the country’s religious hub, and the sacred destination for pilgrims.
Norbulingka means "Jeweled Garden", an appropriate label for this 200 year old park, extending in excess of 360,000 sq. m. The summer palace of the Dalai Lama containing 370 rooms is situated within the park in Lhasa.