Lhasa Geography

Lhasa (拉萨) is the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) in the People’s Republic of China. Known as the “Roof of the World,” Lhasa is located at an average altitude of 3,650 meters (11,975 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest cities in the world. Lhasa lies on the Tibetan Plateau, a vast high-altitude region, and is nestled in a valley along the Yarlung Zangbo River (known as the Brahmaputra River outside Tibet). The city’s unique geography contributes to its rich cultural and historical significance.

1. Location and Coordinates

  • Geographical Coordinates: 29°39′ N latitude, 91°08′ E longitude
  • Altitude: 3,650 meters (11,975 feet) above sea level
  • Region: Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), China

Lhasa is positioned in the southern part of Tibet, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and green valleys. It is located about 1,100 kilometers (683 miles) from the provincial capital of Chengdu and roughly 200 kilometers (124 miles) from the Indian border.

2. Topography and Landscape

Surrounding Mountains

Lhasa is framed by several mountain ranges, which give it its dramatic landscape:

  • Himalayas: To the south of Lhasa, the towering Himalayas mark the southern boundary of the Tibetan Plateau. Though Lhasa itself is not within the core Himalayan range, it is still surrounded by foothills and high mountains. The region features many snow-capped peaks, adding to the beauty and awe of the city.

  • Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains: To the north and east of Lhasa lie the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains, one of the most prominent mountain ranges in Tibet. The range includes Mount Nyenchen Tanglha (7,162 meters / 23,497 feet), the highest peak in the range, which is considered sacred by Tibetans.

Rivers and Water Bodies

  • Yarlung Zangbo River (Brahmaputra): The Yarlung Zangbo River flows through Lhasa, playing a central role in the city’s geography. The river originates from Tibet’s Angsi Glacier and flows southward toward India, Bangladesh, and the Bay of Bengal, where it is known as the Brahmaputra River. In Lhasa, the river is wide and relatively gentle but still crucial to the region’s agricultural economy.

  • Lake Namtso: Although not within Lhasa’s city limits, Lake Namtso, one of Tibet’s largest and most sacred lakes, is located approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) north of Lhasa. It is one of the highest lakes in the world at an altitude of about 4,718 meters (15,479 feet).

3. Climate

Lhasa experiences a high-altitude, semi-arid climate with wide temperature variations throughout the year. The city’s location on the Tibetan Plateau also gives it a unique climate, with harsh winters, cool summers, and strong sunlight at high altitudes.

Winter (December–February)

  • Average Temperature: -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F)
  • Characteristics: Winters in Lhasa are cold, with clear skies and little precipitation. Snowfall is rare but can occur in the surrounding mountains.

Spring (March–May)

  • Average Temperature: 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F)
  • Characteristics: Spring is mild, with gradually warming temperatures and increasing sunshine. The natural landscape comes alive with blooming wildflowers.

Summer (June–August)

  • Average Temperature: 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F)
  • Characteristics: Summer is warm during the day but can be cool at night due to Lhasa’s high altitude. It is also the rainy season, with brief afternoon showers. Despite the rains, it is still one of the best times to visit Lhasa for outdoor activities.

Autumn (September–November)

  • Average Temperature: 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F)
  • Characteristics: Autumn brings cooler temperatures and clear skies. The weather is pleasant, making it an excellent time for travel in Lhasa.

4. Ecology and Vegetation

Lhasa’s surrounding area boasts a diverse range of plant and animal life, despite its high-altitude location. The region’s vegetation is largely influenced by its semi-arid climate and the proximity of the Yarlung Zangbo River.

Vegetation Zones

  • Tibetan Grasslands: The vast grasslands surrounding Lhasa are home to hardy grasses, bushes, and shrubs. These areas are vital for nomadic Tibetan herders who raise livestock, particularly yaks, sheep, and goats.

  • Coniferous Forests: The Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains and the lower slopes of the Himalayas are covered with coniferous forests, providing habitats for a variety of wildlife and medicinal plants.

  • Alpine Flora: At higher altitudes, the flora consists of alpine plants, including various species of wildflowers, mosses, and low-growing shrubs.

Wildlife

  • Tibetan Antelope: Known for their beauty, Tibetan antelope are found in the grasslands around Lhasa.
  • Wild Yaks: Lhasa and the surrounding Tibetan Plateau are home to wild yaks, which are a significant part of Tibetan culture and economy.
  • Snow Leopards: While rarer, snow leopards inhabit the higher mountain ranges around Lhasa.

5. Geological Features

Lhasa and the surrounding Tibetan Plateau are part of the geologically active Himalayan region. The area was formed by the collision of the Indian subcontinent with the Eurasian plate millions of years ago, which caused the uplift of the Tibetan Plateau.

Tectonic Activity

  • Earthquake Risks: Due to its position along the boundary between tectonic plates, Lhasa experiences seismic activity. Earthquakes are relatively frequent, although large-scale events are rare in the immediate area of the city.

Mountain Passes

  • Gampa La Pass: Located on the road to Nyingchi, this pass offers a breathtaking view of Lhasa and the surrounding mountains.

  • Kamba La Pass: A famous mountain pass that provides views of Lake Yamdrok Tso and the distant snow-capped peaks.

Lhasa’s geography is defined by its high-altitude location on the Tibetan Plateau, its proximity to significant mountain ranges like the Himalayas and the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains, and the meandering Yarlung Zangbo River. This unique landscape contributes to the city’s cultural and historical significance, making Lhasa not only a spiritual center for Tibetans but also a destination of great natural beauty. The combination of rugged mountains, vast grasslands, and alpine lakes creates a strikingly diverse environment, home to a variety of plants, animals, and traditional Tibetan lifestyles.