Lhasa China 5 Day Itinerary

5 Day Itinerary: Exploring the Spiritual Heart of Tibet - Lhasa

This itinerary balances cultural immersion with time for acclimatization, crucial in Lhasa’s high altitude environment.

Accommodation:

  • Budget: Barkhor Street Guesthouses (cozy rooms with Tibetan charm)
  • Mid-Range: The Yak Hotel (comfortable rooms, good location near Jokhang Temple)
  • Luxury: St. Regis Lhasa (elegant accommodation with stunning city views)

Transportation: Taxis and buses are readily available in Lhasa. Negotiate taxi fares beforehand. Consider hiring a private driver for day trips outside the city.

Things to Know:

  • Altitude Sickness: Lhasa sits at 3,650 meters (11,975 feet). Allow yourself time to acclimatize (2-3 days) and drink plenty of water.
  • Permits: Foreign travelers need a Tibet Travel Permit to enter the region. Obtain this through a registered travel agency.
  • Currency: Chinese Yuan (CNY). ATMs are available in Lhasa.

Day 1: Arrival & Acclimatization

  • Arrive at Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA). Transfer to your hotel and relax.
  • Afternoon: Stroll around Barkhor Street, the bustling heart of Lhasa, filled with shops selling Tibetan crafts, prayer wheels, and local snacks.
  • Dinner: Taste traditional Tibetan cuisine at “Tibet Kitchen” or “Snowland Restaurant.”

Day 2: Spiritual Immersion

  • Morning: Visit Jokhang Temple, Tibet’s holiest shrine. Witness pilgrims circumambulating the temple and experience the vibrant atmosphere.
  • Afternoon: Explore Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lamas, a majestic complex perched on a hilltop.
  • Dinner: Enjoy a peaceful dinner at “The Mandala Restaurant” with views overlooking the city.

Day 3: Beyond the City Walls

  • Day Trip to Sera Monastery: Witness captivating Buddhist debates and explore this historic monastery known for its impressive architecture.
  • Lunch: Have lunch at a local restaurant near Sera Monastery, savoring Tibetan dishes like “momos” (dumplings).
  • Afternoon: Visit Drepung Monastery, another significant monastery with breathtaking views of the Lhasa Valley.

Day 4: Culture and History

  • Morning: Explore the Tibet Museum to delve deeper into Tibetan history, art, and culture.
  • Afternoon: Shop for souvenirs on Barkhor Street. Find unique Tibetan handicrafts, prayer wheels, thangka paintings, and yak wool products.
  • Dinner: Enjoy a celebratory dinner at “The Tibetan Family Kitchen” for an authentic home-cooked meal experience.

Day 5: Departure

  • Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a final stroll around Lhasa or visit a local tea house for a relaxing cup of yak butter tea.
  • Transfer to Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA) for your departure.

Tips:

  • Pack warm clothes as temperatures can drop significantly at night.
  • Learn basic Tibetan phrases – it will be appreciated by locals.
  • Respect Tibetan customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites.
  • Stay hydrated and take breaks to adjust to the altitude.

Optional Activities:

  • Take a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Tibetan dishes.
  • Attend a performance of Tibetan music and dance.
  • Visit the Norbulingka Palace, the Dalai Lama’s summer residence.