Tibet

Many Westerners imagine Tibet as a Shangri-La, cut off from the rest of the world in a barren landscape rising to 16,400 feet above sea level. It is the fascination and mystery of the region that brings increasing numbers of tourists each year, who come to explore the "roof of the world."

Lhasa

Lhasa is located on a plateau more than 12,000 feet above sea level and 812 miles west of Chengdu. Lhasa is the famous, exotic capital of Tibet.

Potala Palace
The essence of Tibetan architecture, Potala Palace is one of the architectural wonders of the world. Dating from the 17th century, it is located on the site of a former structure built one thousand years earlier. The palace is 363 feet high and its 1000 rooms cover 102 acres. The Red Palace is for religious affairs and the White Palace is for daily living.

Jokhang Temple
This golden-roofed temple is 1,300 years old and one of Tibet's holiest shrines. You can follow pilgrims who pay homage here through a labyrinth of shrines, halls, and galleries.

Barkhor Street
Traditional lifestyles are maintained here, in the center of the old city. Rich and colorful ethnic handicrafts are available that you won't find anywhere else.

Derpung Monastery
An easy minibus or bicycle ride from Lhasa, this was once the largest monastery in the world. Today, the number of resident monks has dwindled from 7,000 to about 400.

Shigatse

The main attraction of Tibet's second largest city, 304 miles east of Lhasa, is Tashilunpo Monastery's 90-foot Buddha and Grand Hall with a tomb displaying 190 pounds of gold jewels.