Tourist Attractions near the new Shangri-La Hotel, Lhasa in Tibet

Potala Palace

When travelling to another country and staying at a newly opened hotel it is always a good idea to explore the surrounding area and visit some of the tourist attraction. These are some places worthy of visiting when staying at the Shangri-La Hotel, Lhasa in Tibet.

Potala Palace

Potala Palace was built in the 7th century to be the Dalai Lama’s winter residence. Located in the city centre, this palace is symbolic of Tibetan Buddhism and is important to the traditional administration of Tibet. After climbing over 1,000 steps, you can enjoy breathtaking views. Inside, you will find historical cultural relics that have been maintained and preserved over the years. On certain evenings, you can catch a Tibetan opera performed on the backside of Potala. *Distance from Shangri-La Hotel, Lhasa: less than ten minutes by taxi

Lhasa Johkang

Founded in the 7th century, Lhasa Johkang is Tibet’s most sacred and important temple. It is considered the “spiritual centre” of Lhasa and is the destination of Tibetan pilgrimages. On any given day, you can find a devoted Buddhist prostrating outside and circumambulating the temple. The area was originally called rasa, meaning goat earth, and became known as Lhasa with the evolution of pronunciation. This story is painted on the temple walls.  *Distance from Shangri-La Hotel, Lhasa: 15 minutes by taxi. **Potala Palace, Norbulingka and Lhasa Johkang are part of the “Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace”, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Norbulingka

Norbulingka was built about 100 years after Potala Palace in 1755. It served as the Dalai Lama’s summer residence. The park surrounding the palace is the largest man-made park in the city. Norbulingka is the location for the largest Tibetan festival, the annual Yoghurt Festival (Shoton Festival). During the festival, a large Buddha Thangka is unveiled and Tibetan-style operas are held. The garden surrounding the palace is full of flowers and lush trees, making it a favourite spot for tourists and locals alike.  *Distance from Shangri-La Hotel, Lhasa: ten-minute walk. It is on the same road as the hotel.

Bhakor Street

This lively street surrounds Lhasa Johkang and is often the path for circumambulating pilgrims. Here you can shop for traditional Thangka art, relics, jewellery, carpets and crafts. *Distance from Shangri-La Hotel, Lhasa: 15 minutes by taxi.