Central Tibet
“Ü-Tsang” is the traditional Tibetan way of referring to central Tibet. This region includes Lhasa, the holiest of Tibetan cities. But also the region of Ngari (where Mount Kailash is located), Changthang (populated by wild animals and a few nomads) and Kongpo (with its flowering trees and green hills).
Visual Immersion
The iconic Potala... This 13-story building has two parts, the white palace, once the seat of government and winter residence of the Dalai Lamas, and the red palace where the temples and stupas-tombs of the Dalai Lamas are located.
Without doubt the most sacred place of Tibet in the eyes of the Tibetans. Founded in the 7th century by King Songtsen Gampo, it contains the most sacred statue of Tibet, that of Jowo Sakyamuni, a representation of the Buddha at the age of twelve.
The Barkhor is the way which encircles the temple of Jokhang. Pilgrims from all regions of Tibet converge there, the commercial streets of the Tibetan district and the Muslim street at the foot of the mosque.
Ani Sangkhung is a nunnery in the heart of the Barkhor. The nuns run a charming teahouse where pilgrims stop to sip sweet milk tea and enjoy momos.
Norbulingka, or "Jewel Park", was the summer residence of the Dalai Lamas. It is one of the most pleasant places of Lhasa, where it is good to walk in the middle of trees, basins, palaces and pavilions...
Sera is one of the three great monasteries of the Geluk school of Tibetan Buddhism. In a shaded courtyard lively philosophical debates are held.
Ganden Monastery is located 45 km from Lhasa. It was founded in 1409. It is the main seat of the Gelukpa school of Tibetan Buddhism. A walk around the monastery allows you to enjoy the beautiful landscape overlooking the Kyichu River.
Drak Yerpa is one of the three major cave retreats in Tibet. Since the Yarlung dynasty, its natural beauty and spiritual atmosphere have attracted illustrious kings, saints and ascetics.
The historical sites of central Tibet
The rest of central Tibet is full of historical and cultural highlights. We often meet pilgrims from all over Tibet, but also locals.
Yumbu Lakhar is the first palace of the kings of the Yarlung dynasty (7th - 9th centuries). This building (now rebuilt) was considered the oldest in Tibet. It overhangs landscapes of cultures in a grandiose valley, cradle of the Tibetan civilization.
Samye is the first Tibetan Buddhist monastery. It was founded in the 8th century by King Trisong Detsen, who officially established Buddhism as the state religion. This monastery is one of the most fascinating architectural models of the country and its unusual configuration, schematic representation of the universe, gives it an even more important place. You can wander at will through the different chapels of this three-dimensional mandala that is the monastery.
Hundreds of hermits practice meditation in small huts or in small caves whose entrance is closed by large stones. It is possible to walk (1 to 4 hours of walk) in this sacred site provided that the hermits are not disturbed.
This city, located at the crossroads of trade routes to India, Bhutan and Nepal, was a city of primary importance in Tibetan history from the 14th century. One can visit the Pelkhor Chörten monastery and the Kumbum Chörten, a 35 m high stupa with 77 chapels whose frescoes dating from the 15th century show Nepalese and Chinese artistic influences as well as the emergence of a very distinct Tibetan style.
Shigatsé (or Zhigatsé) is the second most important city of Tibet, formerly capital of the Tsang kings and commercial crossroads on the road to Nepal. You can visit the monastery of Tashilhünpo there. Built in the 15th century by the first Dalai Lama Gendündrup, it became later the seat of the Panchen Lamas (the most important reincarnation lineage after the Dalai Lamas).
Namtso Lake is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful lakes in central Tibet. The snowy peaks of the Nyenchen Tanglha massif overhang the blue waters and give a breathtaking view, sublimated by the play of light with a thousand changing reflections.
At an altitude of 4,980 m, it is the highest monastery in Tibet, and offers a beautiful view of the summit of Mount Everest which rises to 8,848 m.
This mountain is considered sacred in many religions: Buddhism of course, but also Bön, Hinduism and Jainism. Mount Kailash cannot be climbed. The goal of pilgrims who go there is to walk around it ("kora" སྐོར་ར།), in the direction of the eels of a clock for Buddhists and Hindus, and in the opposite direction for others.
Sakya, home of the Sakya school, one of the four main schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Before the Cultural Revolution, Sakya was one of the largest monasteries in the country. It was from here that Tibet was governed during the period of Sakya hegemony (1268-1365). Today, pilgrims come mainly to pay homage to the Lhakhang Chenmo, a Tsang masterpiece in the form of a fortress.
Tsurphu Monastery is the spiritual seat of the Karma Kagyü lineage. The Karma Kagyü school was founded by the first Karmapa, the first reincarnated Tibetan spiritual master.
On the way to Nepal, you pass high Himalayan peaks. You can stop at Nyalam, a former trading post (3 900 m) where there is a meditation cave of Milarepa, the most famous Tibetan yogi. The road down to Nepal is amazing for its climate, its lush vegetation and its frenetic border town activity.
Lhasa, the city of the gods
Lhasa attracts Tibetans from all regions of Tibet who come to pay homage to the multitude of places filled with the blessings of the great masters of the past.
