There are few cities in the world so clearly shaped by the religion of its people as Lhasa. For that reason, the sightseer's itinerary has a strong focus on Lhasa'a magnificent temples, monasteries and other religious sites.

The Potala Palace is the enduring symbol of this great city and the destination of every visitor and pilgrim. In winter and summer and at any time of the day, it is a sight that leaves an indelible impression. Even more sacred to pilgrims is the Jokhang Temple, with a history almost as old as Lhasa itself and housing one of the holiest objects in the Buddhist world: the Jowo Sakyamuni, a golden statue said to have been approved by the Buddha himself. Around the outside of the Jokhang is the Barkhor circuit, an ancient street on which Buddhists all across the Tibetan plateau dream of walking. Pilgrims make the clockwise devotional circuit of the Barkhor by day and night, along with visitors who are drawn by the scenes of devotion there, or by the colorful shops and market stalls that help to make the Barkhor one of the liveliest and most fascinating places in Lhasa.

Not far from Lhasa lie three of the greatest monasteries in Tibet. The Drepung Monastery, almost 600 years old, was the seat of the Dalai Lamas before the Potala was built in the 17th century. If you're lucky enough to be in Lhasa for the beginning of the Shoton Festival in mid-August, don't miss the unfurling of the giant thanka on the hillside beside the Drepung. The Sera Monastery is the site of the daily colorful "courtyard debates" between monks seeking to sharpen their mastery of Buddhist scriptures. Further away is the great Ganden Monastery, built by Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelugpa, or Yellow hat school of Tibetan Buddhism.

Tibet is a land of unmatched scenic beauty, and visitors who have the time should try to make the journey to Namtso Lake, famed for its wondrous scenery and bright blue water. Further away, but an unforgettable experience, stands the world's highest mountain, Mt Everest. A visit to Lhasa offers the opportunity of a journey to the Everest base camp, combined with a visit to Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery in the world.

If you prefer someone else to do your organizing for you, you might consider one of the many organized tours of the Lhasa area, but be sure to leave yourself enough free time to take in the atmosphere of the streets of one of the world's oldest and most fascinating cities.

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