The streets of Lhasa - Episode 9

The streets of Lhasa are full of small miracles. 

The cars in Lhasa move as if each driver had somewhere terribly important to be, although nobody seems particularly keen to arrive first. They gather at junctions, nose forward, hesitate, advance a little, and then stop again, like guests at a wedding buffet who have spotted the last piece of roast meat.

From the pavement, I watch this mechanical ballet with the fascination of a man observing a colony of very determined beetles. There are horns, brakes, engines and an occasional gap through which a car miraculously squeezes. Everyone seems to know the rules, though nobody has thought it necessary to explain them to me.

And perhaps that is the secret of Lhasa traffic: a little patience, a little courage, and an unshakable belief that there will always be room for one more car.

Lhasa has a surprisingly modern side : busy streets, taxis and a completely different rhythm from the ancient city you might expect. Episode 9 takes you into the traffic of Lhasa, where traditional Tibet meets modern China. #Tibet #Lhasa #China #TibetTravel #Himalayas #TravelDocumentary #LeonardOnTheGround

— Leonard Szuszkiewicz (@Tribudragon) October 6, 2026