Lhasa Travel Guide

Plan an unforgettable trip to Lhasa with our comprehensive travel guide featuring must-visit attractions, outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, food and drink scene, local customs, safety tips, and transportation options.


Introduction to Lhasa

Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet, is the cultural and religious heart of the region. It’s one of the highest cities in the world, sited at an altitude of 3,656 meters above sea level, with a unique blend of modernity and traditional values. As you take a stroll around the city, the magnificent Potala Palace looms above, adding to the stunning beauty of the region. Whether you’re on a spiritual or adventure exploration, Lhasa offers a lot to see and do.

List of Places to Visit in Lhasa

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Lhasa has a rich cultural and spiritual heritage reflected in its museums and historical places. Make sure to visit the following:

Jokhang Temple

Jokhang Temple, built-in 642 AD, in the heart of Lhasa, is one of the most important religious sites of the region. It houses the Jowo Shakyamuni Statue, considered the most sacred Buddha statue in all of Tibet.

Potala Palace

Potala Palace, the symbol of Tibet, was built in the 17th century as the winter palace of the then Dalai Lama. The Palace complex includes White Palace and Red Palace, with over 1000 rooms adorned with intricate murals, and historic relics.

Norbulingka Palace

Norbulingka Palace, known as the Summer Palace of Dalai Lama, is a serene and peaceful place in the heart of the bustling city of Lhasa. It was built in the mid-18th century as a vacation palace and, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Natural Attractions of Lhasa: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Lhasa is also an ideal place for outdoor adventure lovers. Experience the raw natural beauty of the region while indulging in the following:

Namtso Lake

Nam-Tso Lake, located 240 kilometers northwest of Lhasa, is one of the highest altitude saltwater lakes in the world. With turquoise blue water, snow-capped mountains in the background, and resident yak and birds, the lake is nothing short of a paradise for nature lovers.

Mount Everest Base Camp

The highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest, has an altitude of 8848 meters at its peak. The base camp area is a popular trekking route in Tibet, offering picturesque views of the mountain.

Yarlha Shampo Hot Springs

Yarlha Shampo Hot Springs, located just 90 minutes’ drive from Lhasa near the Yarlung Tsangpo River, is a natural hot spring, with water temperatures of up to 85 degrees Celsius. It is known for its healing properties for people who come with various aches and pains.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Lhasa

Lhasa is also an exciting destination for hiking and biking enthusiasts. There are various trekking routes to explore, including the following:

Hiking Routes

Ganden Monastery Trek

Ganden Monastery Trek is a three-day trek starting from Lhasa, which takes you around the Ganden Monastery, over the Kongpo Richen valley, and through the Samye Monastery. The trek is moderate difficulty and offers stunning vistas of scenic landscapes.

Mount Kailash Trek

The Mount Kailash Trek is an intense 3-day trek, considered one of the holiest treks in the world. The trek takes you to the foot of Mount Kailash, believed to be sacred in four religions. The trek is strenuous and requires rigorous physical fitness and mental strength.

Biking Routes

Lhasa to Nam Tso Lake Bike Tour

The Lhasa to Nam Tso Lake Bike Tour is an eight days bike tour, where you get to explore Lhasa, and bike to Nam Tso Lake and the Yangtze River. The route is relatively moderate, with a few challenging routes.

Best Things to Do in Lhasa: Activities and Tours

Lhasa offers a lot of activities and tours that will keep you busy throughout your stay. Here are some of the best things to do in Lhasa:

Attend a Buddhist Ceremony at a Monastery

There are plenty of Buddhist monasteries in Lhasa; attending one of the religious ceremonies is an incredible experience.

Take a Lhasa City Tour

A Lhasa city tour takes you to the main landmarks of the city, including the Potala Palace, Tibetan Museum, and Jokhang Temple.

Attend a Tibetan Opera Show

Tibetan Opera Show is a must-see cultural performance indigenous to the Tibetan people. The performances include traditional music, dance, and storytelling.

Week-Long Itinerary for Lhasa

Here’s a week-long itinerary for Lhasa:

Day Activity
1 Arrive in Lhasa and acclimate to high altitude. Rest for the day.
2 Visit Potala Palace, then explore the Barkhor street market.
3 Day trip to Ganden Monastery Trek.
4 Visit Jokhang Temple and explore the Sera Monastery.
5 Hike to Nam Tso Lake.
6 Visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery.
7 Enjoy a Tibetan Opera Show.

Food and Drink Scene of Lhasa

Lhasa’s food and drink scene is heavily influenced by Tibetan and Chinese cuisine. Make sure to try:

Must-Try Dishes

Yak Meat Pie

Yak Meat Pie is a Tibetan delicacy, often served in Tibetan restaurants across the city.

Tsampa with Butter and Cheese

Tsampa, a staple food of the Tibetan people, made of roasted barley flour mixed with yak butter, and cheese.

Local Beverages

Butter Tea

Butter Tea, a salty and buttery drink, is served with every meal in Tibet. It’s made by churning tea, salt, and yak butter together.

Chang Beer

Chang Beer, a light and sour beer made from barley, is a popular local drink.

Where to Stay in Lhasa: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are plenty of accommodation options in Lhasa for every budget. Some of the options are:

Budget Accommodation

Yak Hotel Lhasa

Yak Hotel Lhasa is a budget option for backpackers and budget travelers.

Shangbaiao Hostel

Shangbaiao Hostel is a popular hostel with a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.

Luxury Accommodation

St. Regis Resort Lhasa

St. Regis Resort Lhasa offers luxurious accommodation, replete with modern amenities.

The InterContinental Lhasa Paradise

The InterContinental Lhasa Paradise is a luxurious and serene escape in Lhasa.

What to Buy in Lhasa: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Lhasa’s buzzing colorful markets offer plenty of options for souvenirs and local products. Some of the things you can consider buying are:

Traditional Bracelets

Traditional Bracelets made from bone, brass, and copper are a quintessential Tibetan souvenir.

Thangka Paintings

Thangka paintings are traditional paintings depicting the life of Buddha and other deities. They are unique to the Tibetan region and make a beautiful souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of Lhasa

The Tibetan people are warm and friendly, and their culture is rooted in Buddhism. They have their unique customs and traditions, and it’s essential to respect and abide by them.

Best Time to Visit Lhasa

The best time to visit Lhasa is from April to October when the weather is pleasant, and there is less precipitation. The months of June and July are the busiest as they coincide with the peak tourism season.

Do’s and Don’ts of Lhasa

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Lhasa:

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions
  • Dress appropriately when visiting religious and cultural sites
  • Take altitude sickness medication and avoid heavy physical activities in the initial days.
  • Try Yak meat and tsampa with butter and tea.

Don’t:

  • Take photographs where it’s prohibited
  • Disrespect local customs and traditions
  • Express political opinions

Safety and Health

Safety in Lhasa

Lhasa is a safe place to travel; however, travelers should take necessary precautions like:

  • Keep valuables safe and secure
  • Be vigilant especially at night

Health in Lhasa

Lhasa’s high altitude could cause altitude sickness in some travelers. Therefore, it’s essential to take altitude sickness medication and get professional medical advice before traveling. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol in the initial days.

Getting to Lhasa: Transportation Options and Logistics

Lhasa Gonggar Airport is the main airport serving the city, located 98 kilometers away from the city center. Visitors can also travel to Lhasa by train via the Qinghai-Tibet Railway line.

Airports Near Lhasa

  • Lhasa Gonggar Airport

Bus Stations Near Lhasa

  • Lhasa Bus Station

Other Options

  • Qinghai-Tibet Railway

How to Get Around in Lhasa

The best way to explore Lhasa is on foot. There are several other ways to get around Lhasa, such as:

  • Taxis
  • Public buses
  • Bicycle rentals

Where to Go Next from Lhasa: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some of the best nearby destinations and excursions from Lhasa:

Shigatse

Shigatse is the second-largest city in Tibet, located southwest of Lhasa. It’s renowned for the Tashilhunpo Monastery and offers plenty of hikes and outdoor adventures.

Everest Base Camp

Everest Base Camp, the foot of Mount Everest, is a popular trekking destination and offers absolutely breathtaking views of the world’s highest mountain.

Conclusion

Lhasa is a city with a unique blend of modernity and ancient culture. It’s a place where you can immerse yourself in the local customs and traditions, indulge in outdoor adventures and scenic views, and indulge in delicious food and drink. Plan your itinerary in advance, keep in mind our guide’s tips, and you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience in Lhasa, Tibet.

Inside Norbulingka Summer Palace Inside Norbulingka Summer Palace The Potala Palace The Potala Palace