20의 냐인첸탕글라 산맥가지 명소 & 주요 장소

We were also here with a group. Very young monks... one always seems to be the teacher... one standing, one student sitting. The restrooms are very unhygienic. I found the constant begging for pilgrim jewelry stressful.

The monastary has six major temples, also three colleges for the study of buddhist philosophy, and one for the practice of tantric buddhism. At its peak the monastery housed 10000 monks. Today it is only a couple of hundred monks at the monastery. The Tibetan people think that under the control of the Chinese government the Buddhist teachings have lost their independence and spiritual credibility. These monasteries have been re-established in India in the 1950s. It is a pity, because this large complex is oddly empty and quiet.

Canggu Temple is a rare nun monastery. The entrance from the street can be easily missed. Upon entering through the gate a courtyard surrounded by three-storey buildings opens up. Centerpiece of the temple is the Thousand-Handed Bodhisattva. It is certainly a unique place for female Buddhists.

A must visit when in Lhasa - and probably the key reason you came to Lhasa in the first place. Visit requires prior reservation (your guide or travel agaency will likely take care). After passing a security check and the ticket check, you have to climb many stairs up to the palace. With the high altitude and exposed to the sun, this can be very exhausting. Take it slowly! Potala Palace is the symbol and landmark of Lhasa as well as Tibet and a sacred place for Buddhist pilgrims across the world. Thirteen floors and 115m high, this hillside palace was built in the early 7th century when Tibetan King Songtsan Gampo married Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty . It mainly consists of two parts, the Red Palace and the White Palace. The Red Palace is where religious rites are held, while the latter is the monks' living quarters. Be prepared to be overwhelmed by Buddha statues, murals - and many many tourists.

About a 15 minute taxi ride north of Jokhang Temple is Sera Monastery, a large temple complex that includes a large assembly hall, three schools (or colleges) and numerous other buildings. A key highlight is the Debating Courtyard, in which the monks spend time every afternoon from 3pm to 5-ish to have teaching debates. The monastery was established in 1419, but severely damaged during the unrests prior to the Dalai Lama’s exile in 1959.

Princess Wencheng is a musical (opera like) play in Lhasa, depicting the proposal, travel and marriage of Tibetan emperor Songtsen Gampo and Princess Wencheng, related to the chinese Tang Dynasty. During the summer months it is set on an outdoor stage with the mountains surrounding Lhasa as a backdrop. It is a massive spectacle with hundred+ actors on the stage at times, plus goats, cows, horses and more. It is enjoyable to watch and teaches a little (glorified) history. It is recommended to bring a warm jacket or coat, as it can become a little cool once the sun has set. Princess Wencheng was second wife to Songsten Gampo. The marriage was arranged to foster a union between Tibet and China. She and his first wife, Nepali princess Bhrikuti, are considered manifestations of bodhisattvas White Tara and Green Tara. Both, Wencheng and Bhrikuti, assisted Songtsen Gampo with government affairs, but have also been largely responsible for the development of Buddhism in Tibet. Princess Wencheng oversaw the construction of the Ramoche Temple in Lhasa.

Ramoche Temple is actually a monastery. It is located a little north of the old town around Jokhang Temple and can be easily reached walking down Ramoche Road. The temple was built by Princess Wencheng and is considered the most important in city - right after the Jokhang Temple which is considered the most important in Tibet. The inside of the temple is covered in fine, detailed and intricate paintings. Temple visit requires a small entrance fee.

From the lower entrance quite a number of steps up to the actual entrance to the palace. Take it slow at this altitude, and bring protection against the sun.