The highlight of Lhasa and probably the whole of Tibet is the huge Potala Palace monastery. Very few monks live in the monastery which was the winter palace for the Dalai Lama, and different groups lived in the white and yellow areas, with the red area reserved solely for the Dalai Lama. There are hundreds of steps to climb both outside and inside, and they start at street level and go to the rooms at the very top. It is not for the faint of heart, especially when you are at an altitude of over 12,000ft. It contains room after room of Buddhas, Stupas containing ashes, relics and scriptures, all surrounded with a strong scent of incense burning. About half way through it is a little overwhelming and you long to be out in the light and the fresh air.
It stands majestically, close to the center of town, and makes an imposing sight looming about 400ft above the street level. Always wanted to see it, and now I have.
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