Lhasa - three days in the Tibetan Capital

The Jokhang Temple (Lhasa)

Our arrival at Lhasa airport from Chengdu was noticable or, more correctly, we noticed it! The change in altitude to 3,700 meters above sea level took an immeadiate toll on our knees and breathing.

The Jokhang Temple is one of the most important places, if not the most important place, of pilgramage in Buddhism. Slap bang in the middle of Lhasa pilgrams prostrate themselves in a clockwise direction around the temple. Quite possibly one of the most popular religous monuments I've been to as it's full of pilgrims - which made one feel a little tinge of guilt as one barged past to simply look at the arts and icons on display in spite of the quite apparent piousness.

The Potala Palace (Lhasa)

The Potala Palace is probably one of the most iconic buildings in the world and a must stop for any visitor to Lhasa. One time seat of the Tibetan government, the Red Palace was reserved for religous affairs while the White Palace was reserved for political affairs. Essentially reconstructed in the 17th Century, the 999 rooms and single cave are only accessible with pre-booked, entry-time allocated tickets. The allowed hour to visit the palace just isn't enough for a building of this cultural and historic significance. But make the most of it - the tombs of the 5th, 7th and 9th Dalai Lamas are hugely impressive as is the residence and the reception room of the Dalai Lama.

Train across the Tibetan plateau

We left Lhasa on the train to Langzhou. This was one of the greatest train rides I've ever been on. The majestic scenery of the Himalayan peaks and the vast expanses of the plateau more than compensate for the effects of altitude and the p1ss-poor dining car. There's nothing in my experience which compares to a magnificent train across the Himalaya. If you're into train rides, changing landscapes and the mountainous rail - this is a must do. 'Nuff said.

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