Lhasa China 7 Day Itinerary

7-Day Lhasa Itinerary: A Journey Through the Roof of the World

This itinerary focuses on exploring the cultural and historical highlights of Lhasa, Tibet. It assumes you’ve already acclimated to the altitude (more on that later!).

Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa & Acclimatization

  • Morning: Arrive at Gonggar Airport (LXA) or Lhasa Train Station.
    • Transfer to your hotel in Lhasa city.
  • Afternoon: Rest and relax at the hotel, allowing your body to adjust to the high altitude.
  • Evening: Explore the local Tibetan market near your hotel for a taste of everyday life and acclimatize yourself with the bustling atmosphere.

Where to eat:

  • Local Tibetan Restaurant: Enjoy traditional Tibetan cuisine like yak stew, momos (dumplings), and thukpa (noodle soup) at one of the many small restaurants in the city.
  • Restaurant tip: For a delicious and authentic Tibetan meal, try The Snowland Restaurant known for its cozy atmosphere and excellent yak meat dishes.

Where to stay:

  • Budget: Lhasa Youth Hostel (offers clean dorms and private rooms)
  • Mid-range: Tibet Yak Hotel (comfortable Tibetan-style rooms with good views)
  • Luxury: The St. Regis Lhasa (a stunning hotel known for its luxurious amenities and traditional Tibetan ambiance).

Activities: Enjoy the local Tibetan restaurants, browse through shops in the Barkhor Street area, take a relaxing walk around Ramoche Temple and experience the vibrant culture of the city.

Day 2: Potala Palace & Jokhang Temple

  • Morning: Visit the iconic Potala Palace, the winter palace of the Dalai Lama.
    • Explore the various halls and chapels within the palace, each with its own unique history and significance.
    • Things to know: The palace is located at high altitude (3,700m) so take it easy and allow time for your body to adjust.

Day 3: Barkhor Street & Exploring Tibetan Culture

  • Morning: **Immerse yourself in the heart of Lhasa by exploring the Tibetan culture.
    • Visit the Potala Palace Square, a large open area surrounding the palace, and admire its impressive architecture.
  • Afternoon: Explore the labyrinthine alleys of Lhasa’s Old City. Enjoy the atmosphere and learn about the traditional Tibetan way of life.
  • Evening: Witness the pilgrims circling the majestic Potala Palace, a tradition that symbolizes the journey towards enlightenment in Tibetan Buddhism.

Day 4: Drepung Monastery & Sera Monastery

  • Morning: Visit the sprawling Drepung Monastery, once home to over 10,000 monks.
  • Afternoon: Explore the serene and beautiful Sera Monastery, known for its lively debates.
    • Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of a Tibetan monastery in action.

Day 5: Hiking/Exploring the Mountains & Lakes

  • Option 1: Hike to the top of Potala Palace Square for breathtaking views of the city and surrounding mountains.
  • Option 2: Take a day trip to the serene shores of Lake Yamdrok. Immerse yourself in the majestic beauty of the Himalayas and experience the serenity of this high-altitude lake.

Day 6: Drilumbu Monastery & The Drak Yul (Tibet’s “Black” Hat Sect) monastery

  • Full Day: Enjoy a peaceful day trip to the picturesque, mountainside village near Drilumbu.

Where to hike: Explore the picturesque mountains and lakes of Tibet.

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Enjoy a final taste of Tibetan culture with a visit to a local teahouse.
    • Try some traditional Tibetan snacks like momos or butter tea.
  • Departure: Say farewell to Lhasa as you depart from the airport or train station, taking with you memories of this incredible journey.

Things to know for your trip:

  • Altitude: Lhasa is located at an altitude of 3,650 meters (11,975 feet) above sea level. Acclimatize properly by arriving early and taking it slow.
  • Travel Permits: You will need a Tibetan Travel Permit to travel to Lhasa, which can be obtained through a registered travel agency.
  • Altitude Sickness: Be aware that Lhasa is located at a high altitude, so take precautions to avoid altitude sickness. Drink plenty of fluids, rest, and consider taking medication for altitude sickness.

Where to stay:

  • Stay in a traditional guesthouse or hotel to experience the local architecture and ambiance.
  • Consider staying in a higher-altitude area like Lhasa’s Old City.

Where to eat:

  • Teahouses are a great way to experience Tibetan culture, enjoy traditional tea and snacks, and even witness the fascinating religious rituals of monks and nuns.

  • Tsedong (Tibetan) Restaurant: For a unique culinary experience, try the “Yak Butter Tea” - a traditional Tibetan beverage, or explore the local markets for fresh momos and yak meat.

Other things to do in Lhasa:

  • Visit the Potala Palace: Explore the history of this 14th-century palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Experience the Barkhor Square: Witness the bustling energy and religious significance of Lhasa’s sacred pilgrimage route.
  • Explore the Tibetan streets: Wander through the narrow alleys and experience the vibrant culture of Lhasa.

Other tips:

  • Learn a few basic Tibetan phrases before you go. “Tashi delek” (hello and good luck) is a great one to start with.

  • Pack layers of clothing, as the temperature can fluctuate greatly between day and night, and across different elevations.

  • Be sure to acclimatize properly. This means taking it slow for the first few days and drinking plenty of fluids.

  • Embrace the experience:

    Take time to explore the local markets, try some traditional Tibetan food, and learn about the customs and traditions of the Tibetan people.

For a more immersive experience in Lhasa’s culture, consider:

  • Taking a cooking class at the Potala Palace or a local restaurant

  • Learning about the history and significance of the Potala Square from your guide or locals (always ask for permission to take pictures)

  • Visiting the Potala’s museum to see the treasures and artifacts it holds.

  • Respecting Tibetan culture:

    Lhasa is a city steeped in tradition and spirituality, so be sure to show respect for the local culture by:

  • Dressing modestly when visiting religious sites like temples and monasteries.

  • Removing your shoes before entering any sacred spaces, such as temples or homes.

  • Being mindful of the noise level and avoiding loud conversations or music in these areas.

  • Keeping a respectful distance from monks and nuns who are engaged in rituals.

  • Being patient with slower travel times, as Lhasa is a popular destination for tourists, and many places are at high altitude.