Jokhang Monastery

    This monastery is Tibet's most magnificent extant construction of the 7th century and the oldest wood-and-earth structure. Its style is a mix of Tibetan, Tang, Nepalese and Indian elements. The gem of its collection is a gilded life-size copper statue of Sakyamuni at 12, which was brought to Tibet by Tang Princess Wencheng. Other precious items include the thousand-meter-long murals Princess Wencheng Coming to Tibet and Construction of Jokhang Monastery, as well as two Ming embroidered Thangkas about Guardian Deities.

    Opening hours: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

    Admission: RMB 75

Norbu Lingka

    This resort in the western suburb of Lhasa was the Xanadu of the Dalai Lamas. First built by the fourth Dalai in the 1740s, it underwent constant expansion over the following 200 years, and ended up being 360,000 square meters in total, with 374 rooms. It is the largest man-made resort in Tibet, and boasts the best scenes and largest number of historic sites.

    Opening hours: 9:30 am - 6:00 pm

    Admission: RMB 60

Other Tourist Spots

Namco

    Namco in Damxung County is the largest inland lake in Tibet and the highest salt-water lake on the planet, lying more than 1,000 meters higher than Lhasa. Believed to be the territory of Chakrasamvara, lead God of the Esoteric Sect, Namco is a holy land of Tibetan Buddhism, and receives pilgrims from tens of thousands of miles away. The ideal period to see Namco is from June to September. Heavy snow cuts the road in October and November.

    Opening hours: 6:00 am - 6:00 pm

    Admission: RMB 80 (RMB 5 more for admission to Tashi Island).

Basum Co

    Basum Co is a freshwater lake 390 kilometers east of Lhasa, 3,538 meters above sea level. Though tucked deep in the folds of mountains, the reputation of its enchanting mountain and water views reaches far into the outside world. Tsosum Monastery sits on the island at the heart of the lake and is a major shrine of the Ningma Sect. The traditional Lake Circling Festival is held around June 1 every year.

    Opening hours: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

    Admission: RMB 20

Yumbulagang

    The 2,100-year-old Yumbulagang in Nedong County, 191 kilometers southeast of Lhasa, was the first royal palace in Tibetan history. It used to be the summer palace of Songtsen Gampo and Princess Wencheng. The frescos in the palace record the early history of Tibet, including legends about its first king, first building and first farmed land.

    Opening hours: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

    Admission: RMB 30