The Lhasa River

Historical Overview

7th Century AD: The river became a pilgrimage route during the reign of Songtsen Gampo, Tibet’s first emperor, who unified the region.

11th Century: Construction began on the Samye Monastery, Tibet’s first Buddhist temple, along the river’s tributaries.

1409: Tsongkhapa, founder of the Gelugpa sect, established the Ganden Monastery near the river, cementing its role in Tibetan Buddhism.

17th Century: The 5th Dalai Lama built the Potala Palace overlooking the Lhasa River, symbolizing Tibet’s spiritual and political power.

1959: Post-uprising, the river basin saw infrastructure projects to modernize Lhasa while preserving its cultural sites.

2000s: Designated a "National Scenic Area" for its biodiversity and Tibetan heritage.

Structural Layout

The Lhasa River Valley is divided into three zones:

Upper Valley (Spiritual & Cultural)

Potala Palace: The iconic 13-story fortress overlooking Lhasa, with 1,000 rooms and murals depicting Tibetan history.

Jokhang Temple: A 7th-century pilgrimage site housing the Jowo Shakyamuni statue, Tibet’s most sacred relic.

Barkhor Street: A 1 km circular market surrounding Jokhang, where pilgrims perform kora (circumambulation).

Middle Valley (Nature & Adventure)

Lhasa River Canyon: A 20 km trekking route with cliffs, waterfalls, and views of Mount Nyenchen Tanglha.

Drak Yerpa Caves: 1,400-year-old meditation caves used by Padmasambhava, with 360° mountain vistas.

Tsurphu Monastery: The seat of the Karmapa Lamas, surrounded by yak pastures and glacial streams.

Lower Valley (Eco-Leisure)

Yamdrok Lake: A turquoise glacial lake fed by the Lhasa River, with floating prayer flags and migratory birds.

Norbulingka Palace: The Summer Palace of the Dalai Lamas, featuring botanical gardens and traditional Tibetan architecture.

Tibetan Folk Village: A living museum with handicraft workshops, yak-riding, and folk dance performances.

Supporting Structures

Ferry Boats: Seasonal crossings between Lhasa and Drak Yerpa (May–October).

Tea Houses: Local chang (barley beer) and tsampa (roasted barley flour) served in riverside huts.

Pilgrim Shelters: Free lodging for monks and pilgrims along the Barkhor route.

Major Attractions

Potala Palace Sunrise: Climb to the palace’s rooftop for dawn views of the Lhasa River valley.

Jokhang Temple Night Prayers: Witness monks chanting under flickering butter lamps (8–10 PM).

Drak Yerpa Meditation Retreat: Join a 3-day silent retreat in ancient caves (guided tours available).

Yamdrok Lake Boating: Paddleboard or kayak on the sacred lake, surrounded by prayer flags.

Norbulingka Butter Sculptures: Admire intricate Tibetan art made from yak butter during the Shoton Festival (August).

Suggested Itineraries

Half-Day Cultural Tour (3–4 hours)

Morning: Jokhang Temple → Barkhor Street kora → Lunch at a tea house (momos and Tibetan noodles).

Afternoon: Potala Palace tour → Sera Monastery debating session → Sunset at a riverside park.

Highlights: Sacred relics, monastic debates, and local street food.

Full-Day Nature & Adventure Tour (6–8 hours)

Morning: Trek the Lhasa River Canyon → Picnic at a yak herder’s camp.

Afternoon: Visit Drak Yerpa Caves → Yamdrok Lake boat ride → Dinner at a folk village (yak steak and tsampa).

Evening: Stargazing near the river (telescopes provided at some guesthouses).

Highlights: Canyons, caves, and glacial lakes.

Two-Day Spiritual Retreat

Day 1:

Morning: Potala Palace meditation workshop → Jokhang Temple prayer wheel turning.

Afternoon: Tsurphu Monastery visit → Evening: Butter Lamp Ceremony at a local temple.

Day 2:

Morning: Drak Yerpa silent retreat → Herbal medicine workshop.

Afternoon: Yamdrok Lake kite-flying → Campfire at a riverside guesthouse.

Highlights: Monastic rituals, herbalism, and camping.

Ticket Purchase

Online: Book via Tibet Travel Agency (required for foreigners; permits take 7–10 days).

On-Site: Tickets at Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Tsurphu Monastery (queues peak 9–11 AM).

• Prices:

Peak Season (May–October): Potala Palace: ¥200, Jokhang Temple: ¥85, Yamdrok Lake: ¥60. Combined passes available (¥300 for 3 major sites).

Off-Season (November–April): 50% discount.

Free: Children under 12, disabled visitors, and Tibetan locals.

Transportation

By Plane: Fly to Lhasa Gonggar Airport (2-hour drive to the river).

By Train: Qinghai-Tibet Railway to Lhasa Station (1-hour taxi to downtown).

By Bus: Local minibusses (¥10–20) connect Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake and Drak Yerpa.

Departure: Exit via Lhasa’s east gate to Nyingchi (Himalayan forests) or west gate to Shigatse (Mount Everest Base Camp).

Best Time & Tips

Peak Hours: Avoid 10 AM–1 PM (tour groups); visit 7–9 AM or 4–6 PM.

Crowds: Avoid Tibetan New Year (February/March) and Saga Dawa Festival (May/June).

Weather: Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) are ideal for trekking.

• Essentials:

Wear warm layers (evenings can drop below 0°C).

Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle (river water is unsafe to drink).

Photography allowed (no flash in temples; ask permission for portraits).

Prohibited Items: Alcohol, pork products, and political literature.

Insider Tip: Combine a Lhasa River visit with a 3-day trek to Mount Everest Base Camp or a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash.