Main Attraction

The beautiful capital city of Tibet Autonomous Region, Lhasa is situated in the South Central part of the region, on the north bank of the Kyichu River in a mountain fringed valley. Lhasa is rightly one of the most featured and dreamt about cities in the world. This is not only because of its high altitude at 3,650 meters (11,975 feet) which means remoteness and limited accessibility, but also because of its over 1,000 years’ cultural and spiritual history which leaves an impressive heritage that has helped to create the romantic and mysterious Tibetan religion.

Lhasa River, also known as Kyichu River in Tibetan, originating from Nyainqentanglha Mountain on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, is one of the five major tributaries of the Yarlung Zangbo as well as the Mother River of the Tibetans. Lhasa River is a place for Tibetan to take a bath and wash clothes during the Bathing Festival in July in Tibetan calendar. It is said that during the Bathing Festival the water in Lhasa River is as good as the holy water. As the festival is coming, Tibetans put up tents on the bank and prepare to enjoy the romantic ceremony. Except bathing and washing, taking a picnic on beside the holy water is also a great fun. Tourists also can join the local people to take a bath in the holy water and enjoy a picnic. Lhasa River is about ten minutes away from the Lhasa city by driving. On the southern bank of Kyichu River, a reflection of the grand Potala Palace can be seen in the river. The famous Qinghai-Tibet Highway just stands on the bank in front of the Long Distance Bus Station in Lhasa. Furthermore, the Qinghai-Tibet Railway straddles over this river.