Life in Lhasa - Tibet's Spiritual Capital

Few places in the world evoke so much imagination as Lhasa, the spiritual heart of Tibet, and a remarkable travel destination. Set high on the Tibetan plateau, this city has been shaped by centuries of history, devotion and tradition, and arriving here feels like stepping into a different world. Most travelers start exploring Lhasa, around the magnificent Potala Palace. This imposing structure was once the seat of the Tibetan government, and served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people, who now lives in exile in India. Today the palace remains a powerful symbol of Tibet. Pilgrims from afar come here to make traditional Koras, turning prayer wheels and whispering mantras. Kora is a combination of pilgrimage and meditative practice, that forms an integral part of Tibetan Buddhism. After admiring the Potala Palace, we stroll through some of the surrounding parks, and browse some of the local markets, taking in the sounds and smells of daily life. After a while we arrive in Barkor, one of Lhasa's main spiritual areas. Countless pilgrims circle the Yok Hang temple here, where they perform prostration, a ritual meant to purify negative thoughts and bad karma. Some make the journey on foot from distant villages to Lhasa, a process that can take several months, but most take part in shorter versions. Beyond its historic core, Lhasa also has a modern side, shaped by a growing Chinese influence that becomes visible as we travel through the city. While its history dates back to the 7th century, with periods of independence and occupation, Lhasa has been governed by communist China, since its annexation in 1950. We continue to the outskirts of the city, and visit two of the largest and most important monasteries in Tibet, Drepung and Sera. The latter is famous for the daily debating session, where monks discuss philosophical and religious topics inside of their courtyards. Our visit to Lhasa comes to an end at the imposing Ganden Monastery, located some 40 kilometers from the city center. Apart from its religious significance, this monastery is also built on a stunning location, overlooking deep valleys and stark mountains, where the vast Tibetan plateau stretches into the distance.