Lhasa-3-day-itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Lhasa

  • Morning
    • Start your day at the iconic Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lama. The palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers stunning views of the city.
    • Explore the palace’s grand halls, temples, and chapels, which showcase Tibetan art and architecture (Ticket: 80 CNY, opening hours: 9am-3pm)
  • Lunch
    • Head to Tsaparang Restaurant, a popular spot for traditional Tibetan cuisine. Try their famous momos (Tibetan dumplings) and thukpa (noodle soup).
  • Afternoon
    • Visit the Jokhang Temple, one of the holiest sites in Tibetan Buddhism. The temple is home to a sacred statue of Buddha and offers a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage.
    • Wander through the nearby Nagartse Street Market, where you can find local handicrafts, souvenirs, and street food.
  • Dinner
    • Try some Tibetan-style BBQ at Lhasa Xizang Restaurant. Their yak meat skewers are a must-try!
  • Accommodation
    • Stay at the St. Regis Lhasa Resort, a luxurious hotel with stunning views of the city.
  • Things to Know
    • Be respectful when visiting temples and monasteries, especially if you’re not Buddhist.
    • Try to learn some basic Tibetan phrases like “Kadams” (hello) and “Zhilak” (thank you).
    • Don’t drink tap water; stick to bottled or filtered water.
  • Transportation
    • Get around the city using the convenient Lhasa bus system. A ticket costs 1 CNY.
    • Consider hiring a taxi for the day if you want to see more of the city’s attractions.

Day 2: Discovering Lhasa’s Hidden Gems

  • Morning
    • Visit the Ganden Monastery, one of the most important Gelugpa monasteries in Tibet. The monastery offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
    • Explore the nearby Ramoche Temple, which is home to a sacred statue of Buddha and features beautiful Tibetan art and architecture (Ticket: 30 CNY, opening hours: 9am-3pm)
  • Lunch
    • Try some traditional Tibetan cuisine at Tibet Restaurant. Their thukpa and momos are delicious!
  • Afternoon
    • Visit the Druk White Monastery, a stunning example of Tibetan architecture and art.
    • Explore the nearby Nam Tso Lake, a sacred lake that’s said to have healing properties (Ticket: 50 CNY, opening hours: 9am-3pm)
  • Dinner
    • Enjoy some authentic Sichuan cuisine at Xin Shang Hai Restaurant. Their hot pot is a must-try!
  • Accommodation
    • Stay at the Shangri-La Hotel, a comfortable hotel with great views of the city.
  • Things to Know
    • Be prepared for high altitudes and take necessary precautions (drinking water, taking breaks, etc.)
    • Respect local customs and traditions when visiting temples and monasteries.
    • Don’t litter or pollute; help keep Lhasa clean!

Day 3: Exploring the Surrounding Area

  • Morning
    • Visit the Nam Tso Lake, a sacred lake that’s said to have healing properties. Take a boat ride on the lake and enjoy the stunning views.
    • Explore the nearby Snowy Mountains, which offer breathtaking scenery and hiking opportunities (Ticket: 50 CNY, opening hours: 9am-3pm)
  • Lunch
    • Try some traditional Tibetan cuisine at Tibet Restaurant. Their thukpa and momos are delicious!
  • Afternoon
    • Visit the Panggong Tso Lake, a stunning lake that’s said to have magical properties (Ticket: 50 CNY, opening hours: 9am-3pm)
    • Explore the nearby Gyangtse Fortress, a historic fortress that offers great views of the surrounding area.
  • Dinner
    • Enjoy some authentic Tibetan cuisine at Lhasa Xizang Restaurant. Their yak meat skewers are a must-try!
  • Accommodation
    • Stay at the St. Regis Lhasa Resort, a luxurious hotel with stunning views of the city.
  • Things to Know
    • Be prepared for changing weather conditions; pack accordingly (umbrella, sunscreen, etc.)
    • Respect local customs and traditions when visiting temples and monasteries.
    • Don’t litter or pollute; help keep Lhasa clean!

Additional Tips

  • Altitude Sickness: If you’re not used to high altitudes, take necessary precautions and consult with a doctor before traveling to Lhasa.
  • Language Barrier: While many locals speak some English, it’s still a good idea to learn basic Tibetan phrases like “Kadams” (hello) and “Zhilak” (thank you).
  • Weather: Pack accordingly for changing weather conditions; bring an umbrella, sunscreen, etc.
  • Currency: The local currency is the Chinese yuan (CNY). You can exchange your money at the airport or in Lhasa’s city center.

Transportation

  • Getting to Lhasa: The most convenient way to get to Lhasa is by flying into Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA).
  • Getting Around: Use the convenient Lhasa bus system, which costs 1 CNY per ride.
  • Taxis: Consider hiring a taxi for the day if you want to see more of the city’s attractions.

Accommodation

  • St. Regis Lhasa Resort: A luxurious hotel with stunning views of the city.
  • Shangri-La Hotel: A comfortable hotel with great views of the city.
  • Xin Shang Hai Restaurant: A restaurant located in the hotel, serving authentic Tibetan cuisine.

Food and Drink

  • Tsaparang Restaurant: A popular spot for traditional Tibetan cuisine.
  • Tibet Restaurant: Try some traditional Tibetan cuisine at this cozy restaurant.
  • Lhasa Xizang Restaurant: Enjoy some Tibetan-style BBQ at this local favorite.
  • Xin Shang Hai Restaurant: Serve authentic Sichuan cuisine, including hot pot.

Things to Know

  • Respect Local Customs: Be respectful when visiting temples and monasteries, especially if you’re not Buddhist.
  • Altitude Sickness: If you’re not used to high altitudes, take necessary precautions and consult with a doctor before traveling to Lhasa.
  • Weather: Pack accordingly for changing weather conditions; bring an umbrella, sunscreen, etc.

I hope this helps! Enjoy your trip to Lhasa!