Jokhang Monastery

It is the most revered religious structure in Tibet. Although little remains of its 7th century origins and most of the sculptures that adorn its interior postdate the Cultural Revolution, the Jokhang bustling with worshippers and redolent with mystery, is an unrivalled Tibetan experience. Princess Wencheng is said to have chosen the site of the Jokhang, and just to be difficult she chose Lake Wothang. Over the centuries, the Jokhang has undergone many renovations, but the basic layout is ancient and differs from many other Tibetan religious structures-one crucial difference is the east-west orientation of the building, said to face towards Nepal to honour Queen Bhrikuti.