Lhasa-4-day-itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Lhasa

Places to Go:

  • Jokhang Temple: A sacred site in Tibetan Buddhism, this temple is a must-visit for any traveler.
    • Opening Hours: 6am - 9pm
    • Admission Fee: CNY 20 (approx. USD 3)
  • Norbulingka Palace: The former summer palace of the Dalai Lamas, now a museum showcasing Tibetan art and culture.
    • Opening Hours: 10am - 4pm
    • Admission Fee: CNY 30 (approx. USD 5)

Activities:

  • Explore the bustling streets of Lhasa and take in the vibrant atmosphere.
  • Visit the local market to try some traditional Tibetan snacks.

Where to Eat:

  • Tashi Cafe: A cozy cafe serving a range of Tibetan and Chinese dishes. Try their famous “Tibetan Tea”!
    • Address: 15, Beijing Road, Lhasa
    • Price Range: CNY 20 - 50 (approx. USD 3 - 7)
  • Lhasa Kitchen: A popular spot for trying traditional Tibetan cuisine.
    • Address: 23, Beijing Road, Lhasa
    • Price Range: CNY 20 - 50 (approx. USD 3 - 7)

Where to Stay:

  • Hotel Ganggian: A comfortable and affordable option in the heart of Lhasa.
    • Address: 15, Beijing Road, Lhasa
    • Price Range: CNY 200 - 500 (approx. USD 30 - 75)
  • Shangri-La Hotel: A luxurious hotel with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
    • Address: 1, Beijing Road, Lhasa
    • Price Range: CNY 800 - 2,000 (approx. USD 120 - 300)

Things to Know:

  • Altitude Sickness: Be aware that Lhasa is at a high altitude (3,650m) and take necessary precautions.
  • Respect Local Customs: Dress modestly and respect local traditions when visiting temples or attending cultural events.

Transportation:

  • Taxi: A convenient option for getting around the city. Make sure to agree on a price before starting your journey!
    • Approximate Cost: CNY 10 - 30 (approx. USD 1.5 - 4)
  • Bus: An affordable and efficient way to get around Lhasa.
    • Approximate Cost: CNY 2 - 5 (approx. USD 0.3 - 0.7)

Tips:

  • Bargain: Bargaining is a norm in Tibetan markets, so be prepared to negotiate prices!
  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and take regular breaks to avoid dehydration.
  • Respect the Environment: Lhasa is a fragile environment; please respect local regulations and guidelines.

Day 2: Exploring the Surrounding Countryside

Places to Go:

  • Nam Tso Lake: A sacred lake with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Try to catch the sunrise for a breathtaking experience!
    • Opening Hours: 6am - 9pm
    • Admission Fee: CNY 20 (approx. USD 3)
  • Tsurphu Monastery: The former residence of the Karmapa, now a sacred site in Tibetan Buddhism.
    • Opening Hours: 10am - 4pm
    • Admission Fee: CNY 30 (approx. USD 5)

Activities:

  • Take a scenic drive to Nam Tso Lake and enjoy the stunning views.
  • Attend a traditional Tibetan festival or event, such as the Saga Dawa Festival.

Where to Eat:

  • Tibetan Kitchen: A cozy spot for trying traditional Tibetan cuisine.
    • Address: 15, Beijing Road, Lhasa
    • Price Range: CNY 20 - 50 (approx. USD 3 - 7)
  • Local Snacks: Try some traditional Tibetan snacks, such as momos or thukpa.

Where to Stay:

  • Hotel Nam Tso: A comfortable and affordable option near the lake.
    • Address: Nam Tso Lake, Lhasa
    • Price Range: CNY 200 - 500 (approx. USD 30 - 75)
  • Shangri-La Hotel: A luxurious hotel with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
    • Address: 1, Beijing Road, Lhasa
    • Price Range: CNY 800 - 2,000 (approx. USD 120 - 300)

Things to Know:

  • Altitude Sickness: Be aware that the surrounding countryside is at a high altitude and take necessary precautions.
  • Respect Local Customs: Dress modestly and respect local traditions when visiting temples or attending cultural events.

Day 3: Exploring the History of Lhasa

Places to Go:

  • Potala Palace: The former residence of the Dalai Lama, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    • Opening Hours: 9am - 4pm
    • Admission Fee: CNY 50 (approx. USD 7)
  • Ganden Monastery: A sacred site in Tibetan Buddhism and the final resting place of the first Dalai Lama.
    • Opening Hours: 10am - 4pm
    • Admission Fee: CNY 30 (approx. USD 5)

Activities:

  • Explore the historic streets of Lhasa and take in the vibrant atmosphere.
  • Visit the local market to try some traditional Tibetan snacks.

Where to Eat:

  • Tashi Cafe: A cozy cafe serving a range of Tibetan and Chinese dishes. Try their famous “Tibetan Tea”!
    • Address: 15, Beijing Road, Lhasa
    • Price Range: CNY 20 - 50 (approx. USD 3 - 7)
  • Lhasa Kitchen: A popular spot for trying traditional Tibetan cuisine.
    • Address: 23, Beijing Road, Lhasa
    • Price Range: CNY 20 - 50 (approx. USD 3 - 7)

Where to Stay:

  • Hotel Ganggian: A comfortable and affordable option in the heart of Lhasa.
    • Address: 15, Beijing Road, Lhasa
    • Price Range: CNY 200 - 500 (approx. USD 30 - 75)
  • Shangri-La Hotel: A luxurious hotel with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
    • Address: 1, Beijing Road, Lhasa
    • Price Range: CNY 800 - 2,000 (approx. USD 120 - 300)

Things to Know:

  • Altitude Sickness: Be aware that Lhasa is at a high altitude (3,650m) and take necessary precautions.
  • Respect Local Customs: Dress modestly and respect local traditions when visiting temples or attending cultural events.

Day 4: Exploring the Modern Side of Lhasa

Places to Go:

  • Gelugk Monastery: A modern monastery with a focus on education and community development.
    • Opening Hours: 10am - 4pm
    • Admission Fee: CNY 20 (approx. USD 3)
  • Lhasa Museum: A museum showcasing the history and culture of Tibet.
    • Opening Hours: 9am - 4pm
    • Admission Fee: CNY 30 (approx. USD 5)

Activities:

  • Explore the modern streets of Lhasa and take in the vibrant atmosphere.
  • Visit the local market to try some traditional Tibetan snacks.

Where to Eat:

  • Tibetan Kitchen: A cozy spot for trying traditional Tibetan cuisine.
    • Address: 15, Beijing Road, Lhasa
    • Price Range: CNY 20 - 50 (approx. USD 3 - 7)
  • Local Snacks: Try some traditional Tibetan snacks, such as momos or thukpa.

Where to Stay:

  • Hotel Nam Tso: A comfortable and affordable option near the lake.
    • Address: Nam Tso Lake, Lhasa
    • Price Range: CNY 200 - 500 (approx. USD 30 - 75)
  • Shangri-La Hotel: A luxurious hotel with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
    • Address: 1, Beijing Road, Lhasa
    • Price Range: CNY 800 - 2,000 (approx. USD 120 - 300)

Things to Know:

  • Altitude Sickness: Be aware that the surrounding countryside is at a high altitude and take necessary precautions.
  • Respect Local Customs: Dress modestly and respect local traditions when visiting temples or attending cultural events.

Note: The prices listed are approximate and may vary depending on the season and availability.