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I loved 'Old Lhasa' and was shocked and dismayed at the overwhelming construction going on around Lhasa. It seems as though old Lhasa and the Tibetans in general are becoming something of a live zoo for the countries increasing number of tourists and businessmen. In the 'new' areas everything is geared toward the tourists, while the economy is built on the concrete industry and cement works in the nearby factories. The government is spending big on infrastructure to enable even more tourism. Its very sad. However they are also trying to beautify the surrounds by planting a lot of trees and improving the irrigation of the area. I am not convinced though that in this part of a very dry country it is sustainable for the vast number of apartments (like many places in China, hundreds of new 50-70 story high blocks being built each year) being built in and around Lhasa. BTW getting to Lhasa by train is fantastic, but don't they have plumbers in China? If you fly out, beware, you could wait in the plane on the runway for over two hours, so adjust your connections to suit!

Lhasa is a fascinating city with yak meat being sold at the side of the street next to yak butter stalls. A dentist performs surgery in open view of passers by while his next customers sit looking on - petrified. It's shops sell a variety of both religious and Tibetan memorabilia. The Tibetan pilgrims have not seen westerners before so they take a great interest in visitors. They are beautiful people, friendly and welcoming., especially the young children who shout out hello whenever they see a new face.Personally the food was not to my liking but this is only my opinion. The city is crammed full of history and the pilgrims are very devout. Look to the skyline on any new building site and you will see the women working alongside of-the men working construction.A fascinating city indeed, just be careful I lost count of the amount of times I got lost as all the streets look the same so it can be confusing

Love the true Tibetans. Polite and quiet. Potala palace was more beautiful than I imagined. Limited choice of local Tibetan food. Mostly imported nearby chinese provincial food. Many safety and health issues need to be addressed. Proper Toilet facilities are needed. Paying for dirty facilities is daylight robbery.

I'm a person so much into Buddism culture and Tibetan culture. There are so many gorgeous palaces, temples, etc to see in Lhasa as a culture lover. I went to Potala, Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery, and Drak Yerp this time, of which the last was rarely a tourism attraction, but really my favourite one!! Jokhang Temple Square deserves a sunny late afternoon if you are a photoholic to shoot prayers for pilgrimage. Lhasa is also the carpool basecamp to other outdoor destinations, such as Namu Tso, Mt Everest Basecamp, and heaps of glaciers, lakes, and forests! So many hiking routes.

The Tibetan people alone are a good reason to visit. Add to this some incredible temples, teachings and a wealth of history and you have a unique destination that deserves to be cherished. A true paradise at the roof of the world!

Historic great city ! Full of Tibetan culture and the many interesting monasteries around!