Lhasa Airfares

Shrouded in sensory overload, Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region, is a remarkable 13-century dichotomy of spirituality and upheaval. Its beauty is visually and literally breathtaking. Lhasa is over 13,000 feet above sea level. Significantly decreased oxygen levels require caution to avoid altitude sickness.

Symbolic of Lhasa, the 13-story Potala Palace constructed 7th century AD was the traditional seat of the Dali Lamas prior to exile after Chinese occupation. Nearby, Jokhang Temple, lit by a million yak butter candles highlighting over 200 statues of Buddha, is the spiritual hub of Lhasa. It is surrounded by Barkhor Street, a central marketplace for Tibetan trinkets and treasures and the spiritual pathway from dawn into the night for Buddhist pilgrims and saffron-clad monks.

Travel to Lhasa with a tour. Individual permits for foreigners are difficult to obtain. Most memorable travel mode: Tibet’s new oxygen-supplemented Qingzing Railway across the roof of the world from Xining. Reserve a “soft-seating” window seat for the 24 hour eye-popping journey.