Jokhang Temple is considered the most sacred and important temple in Tibetan Buddhism, as it houses a statue of the Buddha Shakyamuni brought by Princess Wencheng of the Tang dynasty. It is also the site of the annual Great Prayer Festival and a major destination for pilgrims from all over Tibet and beyond.
Mount Kailash is a sacred mountain in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Bon, as it is believed to be the abode of various deities and the center of the world. It is the ultimate pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists, who circumambulate it in a ritual called kora. The mountain is also revered for its natural beauty and geological significance.
Samye Monastery is the first Buddhist monastery built in Tibet, founded by the king Trisong Detsen and the Indian master Padmasambhava in the 8th century. It is the main seat of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism and a symbol of the introduction of Buddhism to Tibet. It is also notable for its architecture, which reflects the Buddhist cosmology and incorporates elements from Indian, Chinese and Tibetan styles.
Potala Palace is the former residence of the Dalai Lamas, the spiritual and temporal leaders of Tibet, from the 17th to the 20th century. It is a massive complex of white and red buildings, perched on the Marpo Ri hill, overlooking the Lhasa valley. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a museum that showcases the rich history, culture and art of Tibetan Buddhism.
Tashi Lhunpo Monastery is the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas, the second highest ranking lamas in Tibetan Buddhism, after the Dalai Lamas. It was founded by the first Dalai Lama in the 15th century and expanded by the successive Panchen Lamas. It is one of the largest and most influential monasteries in Tibet, with a population of over 3,000 monks and a rich collection of statues, thangkas, stupas and relics.