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Trip to Lhasa are the most highlights in my fabulous 9 days china vacation. My trip starts from Beijing. After 4 days traveling there and a wonderful Beijing Duck dinner, we fly to Lhasa and rest at Xiongbala hotel
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Many people would like to describe Lhasa as the "Roof of the World" and the "Third Pole of the Globe". Yes, it is true. Walk into Tibet, look at the clear azure sky and explore this exotic land full of diverse culture, you will have unique lifelong memories. This article presents my four days highlight journey in and around Lhasa. It's more than the journey.

Day 1: Morning flight to Lhasa, a Buddha holy land. We arrived at Lhasa airport as schedule and were met and escorted to our hotel by our tour guide, John. He is a handsome guy and has a good sense of humor. We have a pleasant time together in the following days in Tibet.

Day 2: Today we went to Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple. Potala Palace is the symbol of Tibet. This palace is sacred in Tibetan people hearts. With its majestic splendor, the Potala Palace would impress the inhabitants of any world capital. Thus the humble Tibetan pilgrim, who has always lived in a yak hair tent, must view the Potala Palace with great reverence. It is hard to believe that this 13-storey edifice containing 999 rooms was built on a steep mountain as long ago as the seventh century. Touring it just like a huge labyrinth.It makes you keep going and going. It is hard to find the way out if let you wander alone there.

Jokhang monastery: The temple built in 647, is the earliest wood-and-masonry structure still existing in Tibet. It is the center of the Tibetan Buddhism and the sacred land of Buddhist followers. Thousands of pilgrims come here for worship everyday. Many of the pilgrims were crawling on the ground. Apparently, on their pilgrimage from their homes, pilgrims prostrate themselves on the ground after walking two steps and then repeat the process again and again. Many others were spinning prayer wheels.

Day 3: Early in the morning, we start to explore Drepung Monastery which was one of Tibet largest monasteries and monastic universities. It is located in the hills on the northern outskirts of Lhasa, and was established in 1416 as an institute of higher Buddhist education by Khenpo Lekden. Khenpo Lekden is a direct disciple of Lama Tsongkhapa (1357-1419), founder of the eclectic Geluk. The First Dalai Lama was also a disciple of Lama Tsongkhapa, and the Second Dalai Lama built a residence in Drepung, called the Ganden Potrang, which remained a hereditary seat of all subsequent Dalai Lamas.

After that we visit the Sera Monastery in the afternoon. The Sera Monastery is known as one of the three great monasteries of Tibet along with Drepung and Ganden. All of the aforementioned belong to the Gelukpa Sect which was founded by Tsong Karpa in the early 15th century and all are within Lhasa. I was told that monks gather here to have debates on the Buddhist scriptures at 3 pm everyday. I can't understand Buddhist scriptures, but looking the life and studies of the monk gives me a vivid impression.

In late afternoon, we visit another site on the World Heritage List: Norbulinka, the Dalai Lama former summer palace. It was constructed in the 18th century. It is the biggest garden in Tibet and a masterpiece of Tibetan art. Every wall in every building was covered with murals. It is well worth visiting since it is a combination of feudal palaces, natural scenery and a structure with a role in Tibetan religious.

Day 4: In the morning we drive to Yamdrok Tso. Yamdrok Tso (4441 m), one of the three holy lakes in Tibet and the largest habitat of waterfowls in south Tibet. From there you will enjoy the unforgettable vista of Yamdrok Tso's spear-shaped expanse of turquoise water, with the mysterious Mt. Donang Sangwari (5,340m) on the peninsula beyond, and the snow peaks of Nojin Gangzang (7,191m) in the distance.

The lake and the Yarlungtsangpo River (3570) are separated by a mountain and the shortest distance between them is only 6 kilometers. The 800m-high difference contributes a rich water resource to this region. Many Tibetan people believe that the life of Tibet will no longer continue when the lake dries up.

On the way driving back to Lhasa, we were invited to visit one of the local families just roadside. The family we visited lived in a traditional wooden home, which was beautifully painted. It was very colorful, and had religious decorations everywhere. The home is very simple and have not much modern conveniences, but it is beautiful and comfortable.

The Tibetan people are very hospitable. We were already told by our guide that presenting Hada (or Khatag) is a traditional practice in Tibet to show respect and hospitality. When we entered the house, the lady of the owner presented the Hada to us. And she treated us hot butter tea, barley beer and the other Tibetan snacks we could not tell the name. We did not prepare all these food taste so good. We were impressive to see the lady to make the butter tea. We had never seen anything like this. She put boiling tea, salt, and butter into a thin churn, and then churned it all together. She is a so sweet lady and we left some gifts for gratitude before we leave.

Recommended tours: Beijing: Day 1: Arrival in Beijing. Day 2: Beijing city tour to the Forbidden City & Temple of Heaven Day 3: Explore the Mutianyu Great Wall. Day 4: Beijing Hutong tour; half day free.

Lhasa: Day 5: Arrival in Lhasa. Day 6: Lhasa city tour to Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street Day 7 : Have a whole day trip in Lhasa City of Tibet Museum, local Tibetan family visiting and Sera Monastery after lunch Day 8: drive down to Yamdrok Lake and take a visit. Be transferred back to Lhasa Day 9: The time before transfer to the airport is free on your own arrangement. Bid Lhasa a fond farewell as board the flight or get on the train to your next stop.