Lhasa

Lhasa is the traditional capital of Tibet and the historical seat of the Dalai Lama, serving as the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism. [1][2]

Lhasa became the center of Tibetan Buddhism in the 7th century CE under King Songtsen Gampo. The Potala Palace was expanded into its current form in the 17th century by the Fifth Dalai Lama. [1][2][3]

The Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Norbulingka are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Jokhang Temple is considered the most sacred temple in Tibetan Buddhism. Pilgrims perform kora (circumambulation) around the Jokhang along the Barkhor circuit. [3][1][2]

The Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple are open to visitors. Lhasa remains a major pilgrimage destination for Tibetan Buddhists. [1][3]

Pilgrims perform kora, walking clockwise around the Jokhang Temple along the Barkhor circuit and around other sacred sites, some prostrating as they go. Lhasa remains the principal pilgrimage destination of Tibetan Buddhism. [1][2][3]

The Potala Palace rises in tiers above the city as the former winter residence of the Dalai Lamas, while the Jokhang Temple at the heart of the old town houses Tibetan Buddhism's most venerated image. The Potala, Jokhang, and Norbulingka are inscribed together as a World Heritage ensemble. [1][2][3]

Lhasa became the religious and political center of Tibet from the seventh century and the seat of the Dalai Lamas, fusing Buddhist devotion with Tibetan governance. The Jokhang is regarded as the most sacred temple in the Tibetan tradition. [1][2]