Lhasa is the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region and the centre of Tibetan politics, economy, culture and religion. It is located on the north bank of the Lhasa (Kyichu) River, a tributary of the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) River.
The capital city is more than 1,300 years old. It was founded in 633 AD under the leadership of King Songtsen Gampo. The city covers an area of 32 square kilometres and has a population of about 300,000.
In Tibetan, Lhasa means ‘land of the gods’ or ‘holy place’ and it still lives up to its name. At the heart of Lhasa are the 7th century Jokhang and Ramoche Temples, the Dalai Lama’s Potala Palace and Norbulingka Summer Park, major Buddhist monasteries such as Sera and Drepung, and many nunneries, monasteries and temples scattered throughout the city.
Lhasa will impress even the most seasoned traveller. The capital is situated in the valley of the Kuychi River, with impressive mountain ranges surrounding the city as a backdrop.
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