Lhasa 2 Day Itinerary

2-Day Lhasa Itinerary:

This itinerary focuses on the key sights of Lhasa within a short timeframe. It’s packed but prioritizes the must-sees for first-time visitors.

Day 1: Exploring Sacred Sites

  • Morning:

    • Start early: Many attractions in Lhasa are crowded, so it’s best to start your day before sunrise. This allows you to experience the serene atmosphere and capture stunning views of the Potala Palace.

    • Visit the Potala Palace: (Plan for 2-3 hours) Witness the majestic architecture and historical significance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Remember:

      • Book a tour: It’s highly recommended to book a guided tour in advance, as access is limited.
      • Respect the dress code:

Dress modestly when visiting religious sites like the Potala Palace. Avoid clothing with offensive slogans or images.

  • Explore Jokhang Temple: (Plan for 2-3 hours) Experience the heart of Tibetan Buddhism at this sacred temple, home to a massive statue of the Buddha and a vibrant pilgrimage route.

  • Lunch: Enjoy authentic Tibetan cuisine at Lhasa Yak Restaurant. Their yak meat dishes are a must-try, especially the roasted yak with chili sauce.

  • Wander Barkhor Street: (Plan for 2-3 hours) Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of Lhasa’s ancient marketplace, circling the base of the Potala Palace and offering incredible views of the complex.

Things to know for the day:

  • Altitude: Remember that Lhasa is at a high altitude (3650 meters). Acclimatize carefully by taking it slow and drinking plenty of fluids.

  • Transportation:

    • Walking: The best way to experience the city is on foot, but be aware that walking for long periods can be tiring at this altitude.

  • Acclimatization: Drink lots of water, avoid strenuous activity immediately upon arrival, and consider taking medication for altitude sickness if you’re prone to it.

  • Altitude Sickness: Listen to your body and rest if you feel any symptoms like nausea, dizziness, or headaches. Altitude sickness can be a real problem in Lhasa, so it’s crucial to prioritize acclimatization.**

Things to consider:

  • Accommodation: Choose a hotel with good reviews for comfort and service. Many hotels offer oxygenated rooms for better acclimatization.
  • Food:
    • Tibetan food: Try local dishes like Thukpa (noodle soup), Momo (dumplings), Tingmo (steamed bread), and Tsampa (roasted barley flour) to experience the flavors of Tibet.

Dinner: Enjoy a traditional Tibetan dinner with stunning views at The Snowland Restaurant. Their yak butter tea is a unique cultural experience, and their menu features delicious Tibetan and Himalayan dishes.

  • Food recommendations:

    • Lhasa: Indulge in local delicacies like:
      • Thangka paintings: These intricate paintings are a must-try for any culinary adventurer.

  • Taste the traditional Tibetan teahouse experience: Look for “Tsampa” restaurants near the Potala Palace (like The Roof Cafe), which often serve as a communal space.

  • Transportation:

    • Taxis are readily available in Lhasa, but be sure to negotiate the price beforehand.
    • Buses and shared taxis are an affordable option for longer distances, but routes can be confusing.
    • Consider walking within the city center to soak up the atmosphere and take in the sights of the Tibetan culture.

Things to see:

  • Potala Palace: This iconic palace is a must-see for any visitor to Lhasa.
  • Jokhang Temple: Explore this sacred temple, a major pilgrimage site for Tibetans.

Tsampa: Enjoy a traditional Tibetan dinner and experience the local cuisine.

Things to know:

  • Altitude: Be mindful of the altitude and allow yourself time to acclimate.
  • Respect: When visiting religious sites like the Potala Palace, remember to dress respectfully (covering shoulders and knees) and avoid loud noises or disruptive behavior.
  • Photography: Respectful photography is permitted in many areas of Lhasa, but it’s always wise to double-check before snapping a picture.

Tips for your visit:

  • Carry oxygen: Carry oxygen bottles or use an Oxygenator (you can purchase these at the airport or pharmacy) for easier breathing.

  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol for the first few days to help with altitude sickness.

  • Acclimate gradually: Take it easy when you first arrive in Lhasa. Your body will need time to adjust to the high altitude.

Day 2: Immerse yourself in Tibetan culture

  • Morning: Visit the Drepung Monastery, known for its impressive size and history.

  • Experience:

  • The Potala Palace:

    • Take a walk around the Barkhor Street early to see the monks performing their morning rituals.
    • Explore the Lhasa Museum for a deeper dive into Tibetan art and culture.

  • Visit a local market: Experience the bustling atmosphere of a Tibetan market, where you can find unique souvenirs and crafts.

  • Afternoon: Enjoy a traditional Tibetan dance performance at the Tibetan Opera House.

Food: Have breakfast at a small teahouse near your hotel and enjoy the local flavors while observing the daily life of the people.

Things to do in Lhasa: *

  • Explore the Barkhor Street: This is a great place to experience the traditional Tibetan way of life. You can see pilgrims circumambulating the temple, vendors selling their wares, and locals enjoying themselves.

  • Visit the Drepung Monastery: Immerse yourself in the history and spirituality of this magnificent complex.

  • Enjoy a traditional Tibetan meal:

  • Tibetan Cuisine:

Try “Tsampa” (roasted barley flour) with tea and butter for a traditional breakfast experience.

Things to know:

  • Altitude: Lhasa is at a high altitude, so be sure to take it slow and listen to your body.

  • Transportation: Be aware that transportation options are limited in Lhasa. It’s best to book tours or hire a taxi for the day.

  • Clothing:

Wear layers as temperatures can fluctuate significantly throughout the day.

Things to consider:

  • Local customs: Respect local culture and customs, including dress codes and traditional etiquette.

Respect:

Be respectful of all religious sites.

Teahouses:

Enjoy a cup of yak butter tea with a bowl of “Thukpa” (Tibetan noodle soup) for a traditional lunch experience.

Morning:

  • Visit the Barkhor Street: You’ll find plenty of opportunities to enjoy Tibetan breakfast and culture.

Respect:

Remember to be respectful of local customs.

Things to do in the morning:

  • Visit the Barkhor Market, a bustling marketplace with traditional Tibetan goods, like:

    • Prayer flags: Learn about the symbolism and tradition behind these colorful flags.

  • Observe the monks at the Jokhang Temple:

A good option is to visit early in the morning, as this is when they are most likely to be performing their daily rituals.

Other things to see and do:

  • Visit Potala, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama.

  • Enjoy Tibetan food:

Things to consider:

Traditional Dishes:

* **Momos:** These delicious steamed dumplings are a must-try in Lhasa.

Try them at local markets or restaurants and experience the variety of fillings available.

  • Visit a Tibetan restaurant:

Experience the unique flavors of Tibetan cuisine, which often reflects the nomadic heritage of the people and includes dishes like:

  • Drepung Monastery: This complex is a popular spot for locals to gather in the morning and

perform their daily rituals.

  • Tsampa: Try this dish at a local shop or restaurant.

Things to do in Lhasa:

Visit Norbulingka, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama, and admire its traditional architecture and gardens.

  • Explore the Tibetan culture, including visiting the Potala Palace.

  • Enjoy a traditional Tibetan meal:

    • Teahouses are a great place to experience local life and enjoy dishes like “Tsampa” (roasted barley flour), “Thukpa” (noodle soup) with a variety of toppings.

Local Food Experiences:

  • Explore the Potala Market:

Enjoy the local flavor by trying traditional Tibetan snacks and food items.

Things to consider for your visit:

  • Teahouses: These are informal places to eat and drink, often offering simple but delicious meals like:
    • Thukpa: You can find “Tsampa” with different fillings, such as yak meat, beef, chicken, or vegetables.

Enjoy the variety of Tibetan dishes and experiences while you are there.

  • Tea:

Remember that tea is a crucial part of Tibetan culture, and they have many unique variations for breakfast.

Yak butter tea:

  • This traditional beverage is made by churning black tea with yak butter and salt.

It’s a staple in the Tibetan diet and has a distinctive salty flavor.

  • Tsampa (roasted barley flour) dishes:

Try the “Tsampa” dish and experience the unique flavors of the Tibetan cuisine.

For Traditional Tibetan Food:

  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

  • Tsampa, a traditional Tibetan food made from roasted barley flour, is a popular choice for breakfast.

  • Remember to try different types of “Tsampa”

for a taste of Tibetan culture!

  • Try “momos”:

These steamed dumplings are a popular snack and meal in the Himalayan region.

Enjoy a variety of delicious “Momos” filled with vegetables, meat, or cheese!

Other things to consider:

  • Respect the local customs.

  • Dress modestly when visiting religious sites, especially monasteries.

  • Wear layers as it can be cold in the mornings and evenings.

  • Be prepared for altitude sickness:

Drink plenty of water and fluids. *

Consider bringing a water bottle and refilling it at your hotel or with purified water to ensure you stay hydrated.

Remember that the “Teahouse” experience is often a communal one:

Try a traditional Tibetan “Tingmo” (Tibetan steamed bread) for breakfast, as they are readily available in Lhasa.

  • Enjoy the local culture: Explore the unique and delicious food options at various teahouses.

Exploring the Local Culture:

  • The Potala Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site,

and it’s important to remember this is a sacred place for Tibetans.

  • Dress appropriately:

Wear comfortable shoes for walking, as you will be doing a lot of it.

Tsampa (roasted barley flour)

  • “Tsampa” is a staple food in Tibet.
  • Respecting the Culture:

Enjoy the traditional Tibetan culture and cuisine.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at a local “Tsampa” shop or restaurant. *

Other Teahouse Experiences: *

Try:

  • The “Tibetan teahouse” experience is a great way to

  • immerse yourself in the local culture and cuisine.

  • Respect:

Remember that it’s important to be respectful of local customs while enjoying this experience.

Try “Tsampa” (a traditional Tibetan dish) and enjoy the unique flavors of the Tibetan food scene.

Tips for a Successful Trip:

Enjoy a variety of

Other Activities in Lhasa:

  • Visit the Tibetan Cultural Center, a place where local artisans sell and demonstrate their craft.

Remember:

  • Respect the culture:

Respecting the local culture is essential when visiting a new place.

  • Immerse yourself in history:

Enjoy the cultural experience of learning about Tibetan traditions and practices.