Pilgrims to Lhasa, capital of Tibet, now face more obstacles.

Tibetan Buddhists travelling to the revered capital of Lhasa, home to many major religious sites such as the Potala Palace, Barkhor Street, Jokhang Temple and Norbulingka Palace, to accumulate good karma and pay their respects, are now able to do so with greater ease. As of this year, they are no longer required to obtain a special permit to travel to the capital, but instead only need to fill out an application and have a local official verify that the traveler will not take part in any protests that could disrupt social order. This is a positive change that has made it easier for Tibetans to travel to Lhasa for their pilgrimage, and those travelling from Kyungchu county of Ngaba, a Tibetan region in the southwestern Chinese province of Sichuan, are now able to book hotels and complete their journey. With this new change, Tibetans now need to present an

official letter from their local county or village office and have it verified by a resident of Lhasa upon arrival.

This year, Tibetans travelling to the holy city of Lhasa must obtain a permission letter from a local official prior to their visit. This is to ensure that they will not participate in any protests that may disrupt the social order. Despite this additional requirement, many still make the journey on foot to accumulate good karma and visit the Potala Palace, Barkhor Street, Jokhang Temple, and Norbulingka Palace.

With an aim to protect China's national security, Beijing views any peaceful protests or self-immolations as acts of separatism. This has resulted in additional regulations, such as Tibetans needing to register their names in an office in Lhasa, and having a resident from Lhasa vouch for them to the local authorities.

Upon the traveler's arrival, the Lhasa resident

must sign a document to verify that the traveler does not intend to engage in any riots. This serves to ensure the safety of all Tibetans and visitors to the city and to protect the social order.

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