Lhasa has been the capital city of Tibet Autonomous Region since the 7th Century when Songsten Gampo built his palace here. Lhasa is one of the highest cities in the world, towering 3,600 meters above the banks of the Lhasa River. Lhasa is a religious center that amazes visitors with its breathtaking beauty and unique landscape.

Most of the historical sights here date back to the 1600s when the magnificent Potala Palace was built. The Potala dominates the skyline but Jokhang is considered to be the spiritual center of the city. Pilgrims flock to Lhasa to see and experience the remaining enclaves of tradition.

For the adventurous traveler, Lhasa is a city of intrigue and there is more than enough to hold you here for a few days.

Chinese Net Friends' Comments:
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I went there in September. The altitude sickness was not very bad, but I could not quite adapt myself to the climate. It was too dry. It is very important to bring water with you when you go outdoors.
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Don't take it for granted that the winter of Lhasa is deadly freezing. What's more, the altitude sickness is not so formidable as you imagined. I went to Lhasa last December. The holy city, in soft sunlight, was receiving few tourists. The hotels and temples were no longer crowed, and everything was peaceful. What a distinctive Lhasa!
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Lhasa is a really good place. However, I suggest that you enter Tibet between June and October every year. Otherwise you will suffer terribly from the altitude sickness. The worst period is between January and March. It is not necessary at all to enter Tibet in these months.
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I have returned from Tibet recently. It is truly a place worth visiting. But if you want to see the authentic and original plateau, drive along Qingzang Highway (Qingzang Gonglu).

Climate:
Lhasa is situated close to the border of Nepal and China, on the northern flanks of the Himalayas and 3,600 meters from the banks of the Lhasa River. This area is fairly inaccessible for tourists between December and January due to the heavy snowfall and poor weather conditions. August is the rainy season here when landslides are common. The hottest month here is June, with high temperatures of 22 degrees C. The sun here can be very strong too, so make sure you take plenty of sun block and a hat to protect from the harsh rays. The coldest time here is January when temperatures can drop to minus 10 degrees C.