Lhasa

Tibet-5534 (2624078247) - Inside Norbulingka Summer Palace

Lhasa (Tibetan phrasebook|Tibetan: ལྷ་ས་, Chinese phrasebook|Chinese: 拉萨) is the capital of the Tibet autonomous region in China. It is located 3,750 meters (12,000 feet) above sea level on the northern slopes of the Himalayas.

Lhasa Halal Explorer

Lhasa, which means "Land of the Gods" and is over 1,300 years old, sits in a valley right next to the Lhasa River. In the eastern part of the city, near the Jokhang Temple and Barkhor neighborhood, Tibetan influence is still strong and evident and it is common to see traditionally dressed Tibetans engaged on a kora (a clockwise circumambulation or walk around the Jokhang Temple), often spinning prayer wheels. Long dilapidated and the area has been given a thorough renovation and is now quite pleasant to wander around, and is also by far the most atmospheric area to stay.

The western part of Lhasa is more ethnically Han Chinese in character. It is busy and modern and looks similar to many other Chinese cities, although many of the modern concrete blocks have token Tibetan touches. Much of the infrastructure, such as banks, government offices and shopping malls are to be found there.

Travel to Lhasa

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Lhasa

Tibet-5357 - Lhasa Airport (2595183302) - Tibet Lhasa Airport

• Lhasa Gonggar Airport IATA Flight Code: LXA 贡嘎机场 - There are Flights from Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Kunming, Qamdo, Shanghai, Xi'an, Xining, and Zhongdian (Shangri-La). International flights are available to Kathmandu, Nepal.

The airport is 40-60 minutes away from Lhasa on a spiffy 4-lane highway that burrows directly through nearby hills. Non-Chinese nationals are required to be met at the airport by their tour guide. For others, taxis are available outside the airport and there is also an official shuttle bus (¥25).

Travel on a Bus in Lhasa

Non-Chinese nationals are not allowed to ride the intercity buses in Tibet. For Chinese nationals and there is frequent and affordable bus service between Lhasa and nearly all parts of Tibet.

By Rail

The Qinghai-Tibet (Qingzang) railway connects Lhasa and Golmud, with services continuing onto Xining, Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chongqing. There are also some trains to Shigatse.

• T27/28 from/to Beijing West (daily, 44h)
• T22/23/24/21 from/to Chengdu (every other day, 44h)
• T222/223/224/221 from/to Chongqing (every other day, 45h)
• T164/165/166/163 from/to Shanghai (daily, 48h)
• T264/265/266/263 from/to Guangzhou (every other day, 55h) — longest domestic train ride in China by distance (4,980km)
• K917/K918 from/to Lanzhou (daily, 27h)
• K9801/K9802 from/to Xining West (daily, 24h)

On arrival, you will be led to a checkpoint outside the station where your passport and permit will be checked. Once through this, your tour guide should meet you right outside the station. In the unlikely event that they don't, a taxi ride between the urban area and the train station should cost a flat ¥60 and no drivers use the meter. Be sure to fix the price in advance as many drivers will try to charge ¥200.

Get Around

The central area with the main tourist attractions (Potala, Jokhang, Barkhor, Ramoche) is easily navigable on foot.

• Cycle rickshaws are everywhere, though be prepared to bargain.
• Taxis cost ¥20 for anywhere in Lhasa city. Hail them from the side of the street. Be prepared for taxi-sharing - the driver will often pull over if he suspects he can find other passengers heading in the same direction. Each will pay ¥20 and this is a way for the driver to make a better income despite the standard fare.
• Public buses are numerous and cost ¥2. Non-Chinese nationals are permitted to travel on the buses within the city, although you make yourself an attraction by doing so, since this commonly occurs. The number of the bus is recognizable but the destination is in Chinese, so you need to know which bus line you need.
• Minibuses operate to areas such as Norbulingka, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and other nearby sites. Most of these are also on public bus lines.
• "Pilgrim buses" are available in front of Jokhang Temple or at the parking lot near the temple, departing at 6-7AM for destinations outside Lhasa, such as Tsurphu Gompa, Ganden Gompa, Nyemo (Dazi), Phenpo Lhundrub (Linzhou), Meldro Gungkar (Mozhugongka), Chushul (Qushui), Taktse (Dazi), Gongkar (Gongga), and other nearby areas. Tickets are available at the ticket office at the parking lot or when you board the bus. Whether or not non-Chinese nationals can travel on these is a bit of a grey area. Since you have to have a travel guide with you anyway as a non-Chinese tourist, you can ask them to enquire about this, since it is a more interesting way to travel than always in a private Land Cruiser. However and the rules for organising tourist tours require advance planning, so you probably won't have this chance.
• Bicycle hire is available from some hotels or cycle shops and it's a good way to explore if you have half a day free on your tour schedule. Pollution is not as bad as in many Chinese cities but driving habits are. The best tactic is to stick close to a local cyclist or cycle rickshaw when negotiating busy junctions.

What to see in Lhasa

Potala Palace, August 2009 - The Potala Palace

Streets

• Barkhor Street A circular street around the Jokhang Temple in the center of the old section of Lhasa, it is the oldest street in a traditional style in Tibet, where you can enjoy bargaining with vendors for local handicrafts. Barkhor Street is one of the most important religious paths along which pilgrims walk around Jokhang Temple while turning prayer wheels in their hands through centuries. Buddhist pilgrims walk or progress by body-lengths along the street clockwise every day late into the night.

Museums

• Tibet Museum - 西藏博物馆 - Elaborate museum with artifacts reflecting the entire history of Tibet. Ask for a free audio tour in your language at the entrance. The museum presents a very Chinese view of the "Peaceful Liberation" of Tibet, but the museum is worth a visit.

• The Yak Museum of Tibet - 西藏牦牛博物馆 - A museum about yaks and their importance to Tibetan culture. Entry is restricted to 2000 visitors per day.

Historical sites

• Former Site of the Amban's Yamen - 驻藏大臣衙门遗址 - This was the office and official residence of the amban and the Qing government's representative in Lhasa. The building, which was restored in 2013, houses a small museum, which focuses mainly on the history of the Qing government's relations with the Tibetan local authorities.

• Norbulingka Summer Palace It is about 1 km south of the Potala Palace - the Seventh Dalai Lama constructed the first summer palace in 1755 and each successive ruler added his own buildings. Norbulingka is undergoing complete restoration. The complex contains a small zoo, botanical gardens, and a mansion from the 14th Dalai Lhama built in 1956~8.

• Potala Palace - Podrang Potala - A stronghold probably existed on Red Hill as early as the 7th century AD when King Songtsen Gampo built a fortress on it for his two foreign wives.

Religious sites

• Drepung Monastery Founded in 1416 by a disciple of Tsong Khapa, was the biggest and richest monastery in Tibet and its lamas helped to train each new young Dalai Lama. Drepung was also home to the Nechung and the state oracle. At its height, Drepung had over 10,000 monks, and governed 700 subsidiary monasteries and owned vast estates. Drepung belongs to the Gelupa sect.

• Ganden Monastery Located on Wangbur Mountain, 47 kilometers (29 miles) from Lhasa City. It was built in 15th century with over 50 structures. The main halls in the temple are the Main Assembly Hall (or Coqen Hall), Zhacangs, Khangtsens and Myicuns.

• Jokhang Temple - Tsuglagkhang - Constructed in the 7th century AD to house the statues of Buddha that princesses Bhrikuti from Nepal and Wen Cheng from Tang Dynasty China brought as gifts for their future husband, King Songtsan Gampo. The temple has been enlarged many times over the centuries and now also houses statues of King Songtsan Gambo and his two famous foreign brides. However and the original statue of Jowo Sakyamuni Buddha that Princess Wen Cheng brought from Chang’an over 1300 years ago is definitely its most sacred and famous possession, and is perhaps the most venerated religious artifact in all of Tibet. The temple, a splendid four-floor building facing west under a guilded rooftop, is on Barkhor Plaza in the center of the old section of Lhasa.

• Sera Monastery Founded in 1419 by one of Tsong Khapa’s (the founder of the Gelupa sect) eight disciples. It became famous for its tantric teachings, while Drepung drew fame from its governing role. Sera was smaller than Drepung, with 7,000 monks, but was very rich and comparable in power. The monks of Sera were considered clever and dangerous.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Lhasa

• Kora - a meditative circumambulation around a sacred site, such as a temple, trainingd by many Tibetans.
• Langma Opera - literally "royal music", a traditional Tibetan singing and dancing show.
• Blind Massage - at Medical Massage Clinic Lhasa, #59 Beijing Middle Road, 3rd floor (directly across from the Kichu Hotel). ☎ 6320870. Cost: ¥80/hour. English spoken. Great way to adjust to the altitude or just relax.
• Lhasa Amusement Park - No.30-32 Sela Road

• Princess Wencheng Live Action Drama - 《文成公主》实景剧 - A large-scale musical based on the life of Princess Wencheng. Features almost 1000 performers.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Lhasa

Lhasa, Tibet (39161824000) - Lhasa, Tibet

Many ATMs do not accept foreign cards; however, foreign cards are generally accepted at Bank of China ATMs. Bank of China also offers currency conversion.

The stalls on Barkhor Street offer fascinating browsing. Look for household items and carved wood pieces, such as bowls, pilgrims' stamps, silver items such as gau (amulet cases), silver and brass personal seals, old Tibetan banknotes, knitted satchels, and woven bags. Though it is quite fascinating, buying Tibetan antiques destroys the culture.

If you want a local Buddhist Thangka painting, find a workshop on the back streets where you can watch them being painted. Searching in the back streets around the Barkhor is very rewarding in this respect, and you can find artisans making paintings, furniture, clay sculpture, masks and ceremonial banners and applique. Not all artwork is easily transported home, but it is fascinating to watch.

Tibet was the home of traditional carpet making, though many "Tibetan" carpets displayed in stores in the Barkhor and in front of the Potala are now made in Nepal in factories run by Tibetan exiles and many of the designs on display are Turkomen and Afghan and have no connection with Tibetan tradition. In some workshops you will find a few carpets on looms for display purposes, but the carpets in the showroom will mostly have been shipped in from elsewhere. To find authentic Tibetan carpets, visit the factories and their showrooms. Look closely at what is being woven, and make sure the piece you are buying matches what you are shown on the looms. Check the smell of the carpet: authentic Tibetan wool has a high lanolin content and a distinctive odor. Cheaper wools from Qinghai and Mongolia are dry by comparison. A few older carpets can still occasionally be found on the Barkhor and the shops around, though good, old carpets are much sought after by collectors, so prices tend to be surprisingly high, even in Lhasa.

Tianhai Night Market, in the western suburbs, is known for its great variety of goods and for being cheaper than the market on Barkhor Street.

• Snow Leopard Industries Small shop with a wide variety of traditional and contemporary Tibetan designs made at their own factory. Rug prices are fixed and very reasonable. Owner Phurbu Tsamchu speaks English and can explain about the different Tibetan designs and the process of making rugs. This store also has a fixed-price souvenir shop with very low, set prices. Can arrange shipping of rugs overseas. Credit cards accepted.

• Kharma Gallery - Art gallery offering quality oil paintings by Tibetan artists on Tibetan themes (landscape, people, religious, animals, etc.)

• Gedun Choephel This gallery, on the junction of the Barkhor, roughly at the furthest point from the Jokhang temple, is the meeting place of Lhasa's most avant-garde group of artists, several of whom have recently exhibited in Beijing and London. The gallery runs rotating exhibitions and is well worth a look.

• Dropenling Handicraft Development Center - This shop is not the cheapest but has very high quality items made in Tibet. Profits go to artisan development programs. Credit cards accepted.

Halal Food & Restaurants

• Taicheng Halal Hot Pot Restaurant

• Halal Restaurant at Linxia Hotel

• Yi Teng Ge Restaurant

• Ma Jia Spicy Chicken Restaurant

• Indian Restaurant in Dekang Hotel

• Kailash Restro

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Lhasa

Lhasa - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Lhasa, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Lhasa. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Lhasa and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Lhasa. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Lhasa. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inLhasa: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Lhasa.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Lhasa: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Lhasa, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Lhasa.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Lhasa, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Lhasa, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Lhasa and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Lhasa, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Lhasa, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Lhasa without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Lhasa is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Lhasa.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Lhasa is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Lhasa, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Lhasa Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Lhasa

eHalal Group Lhasa is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Lhasa. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Lhasa.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Lhasa ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Lhasa. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Lhasa, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

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Muslim Friendly Hotels

• halal.io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&26260&&Himalaya&hotelId=2826218&&.Zz30b7922b68d8468c82a0206-206204 Himalaya Hotel - Located in Lhasa, Himalaya Lhasa Hotel offers free WiFi. This property is situated a short distance from attractions such as Jokhang Temple and Ani Tsangkung Nunnery. Potala Palace is 3.4 kilometers from the property. Speaking English and Chinese at the 24-hour front desk, staff are always on hand to help. Norbulingka is 6 kilometers from the hotel, while Ramoche Temple is 2.1 kilometers away. The nearest airport is Lhasa Gonggar Airport, 60 kilometers from Himalaya Lhasa Hotel.

• halal.io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&26260&&New+Century+Hotel+Lhasa&hotelId=150763&&.Zz6749318ff08f4292a3fd97f-206204 Lhasa Hotel (Lhasa Fandian)] - The hotel is the best hotel in Lhasa so far, equipped with standard facilities of a 4 star hotel. Formerly known as Holiday Inn Lhasa. Some of the hotel rooms have piped oxygen, which can be important for getting your energy back.Located at 3, 600m above sea-level. The next door to the hotel is famous landmark Norbulingka-The summer Palace, it takes only 10 minutes of drive to the 'Holy City' centre-which can see the mystical Potala Palace. The distance from airport is 95 km.

• halal.io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&26260&&TIBET+HOTEL&hotelId=2368493&&.Zz72b1c7fbc38044e7a26499d-206204 Tibet Hotel (Xizang Binguan)] - Located in the downtown, Jingu Hotel Lhasa is facing Lhasa River, close to the Potala Palace.All 164 guestrooms are equipped with central air conditioning, satellite TV, international telephone, etc. The hotel features restaurant, business center, private secluded sauna bath center, and so on.

• halal.io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&26260&&TIBET+INTERNATIONAL+GRAND&hotelId=2826356&&.Zz5fb4cb84396 b4d82a63a7f7-206204 Tibet International Grand Hotel - Tibet International Hotel is located at No.1 Minzu Nan Road, next to Lhasa River and Tibet Museum, 200 meters away from Norbulingka, 2 kilometers away from Potala, within walking distance to the Long distance Bus Station.

• halal.io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&26260&&The+St.+Regis+Lhasa+Resort&hotelId=150760&&.Zz63b838145cd04e7abc7d038-206204 St. Regis Lhasa - Everything you need is in one place. Resort «The St. Regis Lhasa Resort» is located in Lhasa. This resort is located in walking distance from the downtown.At the resort Spend an evening in a nice atmosphere of the café. Taste the local cuisine and have a rest in the restaurant. Have a cup of Coffee in the cafe and, who knows, maybe it’s going to be the best one in the city. Free Wi-Fi is available on the territory. Ask for more information when checking in. Specially for tourists who travel by vehicle and there’s a parking zone. The beauty and wellness services: a massage room, a sauna and a spa center. You will find these entertainment amenities on the premises: a library and a barbeque area. Here, you can treat yourself with water procedures as there will be a swimming swimmingpool and an indoor pool. For participants of business meetings and there is a business center. To book an excursion, consult the tour assistance desk of the resort. If you want to make your journey even more comfortable, you can order a transfer. Accessible for guests with disabilities: the elevator helps them to go to the highest floors. At the guests’ disposal and there’s also a laundry, dry cleaning, an ATM, ironing, press, vehicle rental, a safe-deposit box and a concierge. The staff of the resort speaks English. Here’s what you’ll find in the room to have a rest after a long day: an alarm clock, a shower, a TV, a mini-bar, a bathrobe and slippers. Please note that the listed services may not be available in all the rooms.

Stay Safe

Altitude sickness

Read the article on altitude sickness and study its symptoms, precautions, and treatments before traveling to Lhasa. Altitude sickness can easily ruin a holiday and can even be fatal. Lhasa is 3,750 meters above sea level, so there is considerable risk of altitude sickness, especially if you fly in from a much lower altitude and your body does not have time to acclimatize: apparently as many as 2% of visitors arriving by plane are hospitalized. If you must fly to Lhasa, it would be wise to fly via an intermediate destination such as Zhongdian (3,200m), Xining (2,300m) or Kunming (1,950m) and spend several days there to acclimatize before flying to Lhasa.

Petty theft

Take common sense precautions when shopping at the many small kiosks around the Barkhor and along the Jokhang Temple circumambulation route. While problems are few, leaving large backpacks at your hotel and keeping your wallet well guarded are both good ideas.

Local Customs in Lhasa

• Do not wear a hat inside the Jokhang, Potala or other sacred sites. When visiting shrines it is customary to leave a small money offering, especially where you do not have to buy a ticket.
• Circumambulate stupas and other sacred objects in a clock-wise direction.
• Do not climb onto statues, mani stones or other sacred objects.
• Photography is not allowed inside the Potala Palace. You can take photos in the Jokhang temple. Some monasteries will allow photography upon payment of a small donation or fee. Monks begging will often allow a photograph after you make a small contribution. When in doubt, ask before snapping.

Travel Next

If you are travelling within Tibet without an organized tour, make sure you have the proper permits/visas to travel to these destinations.

• Buses wait for passengers early in the morning on the street east of the Yak Hotel, for destinations such as Shigatse, Tsethang, Samye, Nakchu and Danzhung. From the long distance bus station, buses are available to Golmud, Chengdu (via Xining and Lanzhou), Nakchu, Chamdo, Bayi, Tsethang, Shigatse and Dram.
• 7-day guided overland trips to Kathmandu via a 4-wheel drive jeep, a driver and a guide can be booked at most regional tourist agencies.
• There are many daily Flights from Lhasa to major Chinese cities as well as Kathmandu, Nepal
• Samye Monastery is near Dranang, 150 kilometers south-east of Lhasa and is reachable by bus. It was constructed in 779AD under the patronage of King Trisong Detsen and overseen by Santarakshita and Padmasambhava, two prominent Buddhist teachers from India. It was the first Buddhist Monastery established in Tibet and as such remains one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the region. If you can spend more time, go to nearby hermitages at Chimpu, and feel more spiritual vibes than in Samye proper.
• Ganden Monastery is on the south side of Kyi-chu River, 45 kilometers east of Lhasa. It is the head monastery of the Gelukpa (Yellow Hat) order of Tibetan Buddhism. Built in 1409 by Tsongkhapa and the founder of Gelukpa and recently reconstructed, this monastery offers outstanding views from its mountainside location.

A popular trekking route is available between Ganden and Samye Monasteries. The average is 4–5 days with fast walkers taking 3 days. Copyright 2015 - 2024. All Rights reserved by eHalal Group Co., Ltd.
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