The Potala palace immediately draws your attention. This is the Dalai Lama’s residence, a magnificent structure that dominates the whole city. The complex was built in two stages, starting in the 7th century and completed in the 17th century. It was closed to visitors from 1959 to 1980, but is now a museum with a vast collection of Buddhist artifacts, magnificent prayer sites and funeral pagodas.

Trekking is one of the main local attractions, of course, but the rain and meltwater running down from these mountains form countless raging rivers. There are lots of spots to go rafting, sped along by the current through gorges and valleys.