This group of photos captures aspects of the city of Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. The images focus on the people, the buddist culture and the buildings associated with the buddist faith. Lhasa is a city of wonders and is the object of devout pilgrimage. The city has 3 koras (pilgramage circuits), the Nangkhor, Barkhor and Lingkhor. The Potala Palace and Jokhang are two prominant sights but there are many interesting places to visit. The people you meet are friendly and have a ready smile.
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Photo 1. The Potala Palace dominates the Lhasa skyline and is a structure of massive proportions. It is best seen from a distance. From this vantage point in a local park the imposing building reflects in the still waters of a lake.
Photo 2. The Potala entrance is reached via Shoi village which is at the southern foot of Marpo Ri. It is a long climb up the hill to the entrance where you are rewarded with your first view of the imposing entrance to the Potala Palace. This takes you into Deyang Shar which is the external courtyard of the White Palace.
Photo 3. From the entrance you take more steps up to the White Palace and the former living quarters of the Dalai Lama. It is easy to get very disoriented in the many passages and walkways inside the Potala palace
Photo 4. From the roof of the Red Palace you can see the magnificent view of the surrounding hills of the Lhasa valley
Photo 5. The Jokhang temple also known as Tsugilhakhang is a revered religious structure in Tibet. The Nangkhor kora encircles the inner precincts of the Jokhang and the Barkhor traces the outskirts of the Jokhang. This Tibetan man and his friend were doing a kora at Jokhang temple but were stopped by curiosity as to what we were taking photos of
Photo 6. The entrance to the Jokhang is at the Barkhor Square. This is a large plaza and is a popular meeting place for Tibetans. The people of Tibet are very friendly and were happy to stop and smile whenever you asked for a photograph.
Photo 7. The Nanghor is the inner kora of the Jokhang temple. The walk around is calming as the pilgrims walk the circuit spinning he prayer wheels.
Photo 8. Outside the streets around the Barkor square are a hive of activity with many stalls selling Tibetan wares. The owner of this stall posed with her child infront of the stall.
Photo 9. Buddhism is a part of everyday life for many Tibetans. Every morning many dress in their finery and pay a visit to the Potala Palace
Photo 10. Each day at a set time young monks of Sera Monastery hone their debating skills and knowledge about the buddism. The monk standing claps loudly as he challenges those sitting with a question on aspects of the buddist faith, the head monk listens in to see how his protégés are handling the questions and challenges.
Photo 11. Ganden Monastery is situated on top of a hill just outside Lhasa. The drive there is along a winding road with many hairpin bends. The sounds of the monks chanting float out as you approach the main buildings.
Photo 12. And to remind you as you leave - a close up of the Budda carving which is carved into a rock wall on the drive from the airport to Lhasa, Tibet