Drepung Monastery is 8 km (5 mi) west of Lhasa and is open daily from 10am to 1pm. It was once the home of earlier Dalai Lamas and was the once the largest monastery, housing more than 7000 monks. Drepung means "heap of rice," and the excellent agricultural land explains how the monastery was once able to maintain such a large population. Drepung became a center for Tibetan Buddhists of the Gelugpa sect.
Nechung Monastery is a 5 minute walk from Drepung Moastery and is open daily from 9 am to 12 pm and 2:30 to 4pm. Nechung was the home of the State Oracle prior to the Dalai Lama's exile. The Oracle's opinion was indispensable for the Tibetan government to make a decision. While much of the damage done during the Cultural revolution has been repaired, only 12 monks currently reside at Nechung.
Sera Monastery is open 10am to 4pm and is located 5 km (3 mi) north of Lhasa. Once recognized for its politically active monks, the monastery is currently known for its pleasant and and charming surrounding nature. The Debating Garden is where monks gather from 3-5 Monday through Saturday to hold intellectual discussions. Also on the monastery grounds are the Sera Je College, which has murals telling the life story of the Buddha and the Sera Ngagpa College, which is a Tantric college.
Ganden Monastery is 40 km (25 mi) east of Lhasa, but a pilgrim bus leaves from the southeastern corner of Barkhor Square at 6:30 am every day. Consider hiring a landcruiser especially if you are interested in spending time in the surrounding area, an excellent location to hike or picnic. Ganden is open everyday from 9:30 am to 6 pm. Unfortunately, women are unable to enter some of the chapels.
Admission is 100Y, and the palace is open from 9:30am to 3pm before May 1st and from 9am to 3:30pm after May 1st. The interior chapels close at 4:30 pm.
The Potala Palace, the former administrative and spiritual center of Tibet, is the most complex building that has ever been built in Tibet and contains 10,000 shrines, 200,000 images, and 1000 rooms. It was the home of the Dalai Lama and served as a fortress in more volatile periods. The palace is generally open Monday to Saturday from 9am to noon, but hours may change as the building is in the process of a major renovation. Little has changed about the building since the 17th century. The Potala contains artwork and artifacts of the Dalai Lamas throughout history.
This man made lake was created when mortar was dug up to create bricks for the Potala. The lake is particularly beautiful because the Potala reflects into it. In the center of the lake is an island which offers a perfect view of the palace.
Just outside Lhasa is the Palhalupuk Cave Temple which is open daily from 9:30 am to 6 pm. The Palhalupuk is the site of many ancient religious artifacts, including a collection of Terracotta Buddhas. The most notable thing about this site is its excellent view of the Potala.
Norbulingka, also known as Jewel Park, is the former summer palace of the 13th and 14th Dalai Lamas. It is surrounded by a 4 sq km park in Lhasa, and has a zoo which is home to some endangered Tibetan animals. Like the Potala, it contains many works of art and artifacts. It is generally open from 10am to 1 pm and from 3:30 to 6 pm.
Barkhor Square is the social center of Lhasa. The Barkhor is actually the name of one of the three concentric holy circuits around Jokhang Temple, which is at the east end of the square. Jokhang Temple is known for its many chapels. Additionally, it is home to Jowo Sakamuni, a statue of gold, coral, and turquoise that is the most revered image in Tibet. The temple is open from 10am to 1:30 pm
This nature preserve is designed to preserve and maintain the beauty of the environment while still benefiting locals and protecting nature. The money from the entry fees go towards maintaining the park.