Lhasa-6-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa

  • Morning: Arrive at Lhasa Gonggar Airport. Take a taxi or bus (around ¥10) to your hotel.
  • Afternoon: Check-in to your hotel and rest for a while to acclimate to the high altitude (3,650 meters).
  • Evening:
    • Head to Jokhang Temple, one of the holiest sites in Tibetan Buddhism. Explore the temple grounds and witness the evening prayer ceremony.
    • Walk around the nearby Barkhor Street, a sacred pilgrimage path that surrounds the Jokhang Temple.

Where to Eat

  • Recommended: Try some traditional Tibetan cuisine at Gyalthang Kitchen or Tashikhang Restaurant.
  • Budget-friendly: Visit one of the many street food stalls on Barkhor Street for a quick snack.

Accommodation

  • Recommended: Stay at the Hotel Shambhala or Lhasa Sun Island Hotel, both located in the city center and offering comfortable rooms.

Things to Know

  • Altitude sickness: Drink plenty of water and take breaks if you experience any symptoms.
  • Dress modestly: Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to respect local customs.
  • Respect for monks and nuns: Avoid taking pictures or disturbing the monks and nuns during prayer ceremonies.

Day 2: Explore Lhasa’s Historic Sites

  • Morning: Visit the Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lama. Take a guided tour to explore the palace’s grand halls and chapels.
  • Afternoon:
    • Head to the nearby Norbulingka Summer Palace, the summer retreat of the Dalai Lama.
    • Explore the Lhasa Museum to learn more about the city’s history and culture.

Where to Eat

  • Recommended: Try some traditional Tibetan cuisine at the Potala Restaurant or the Tibet Hotel’s restaurant.
  • Budget-friendly: Visit one of the many street food stalls near the Jokhang Temple for a quick snack.

Accommodation

  • Same as Day 1

Transportation

  • Walking: The best way to explore Lhasa’s historic sites on foot.
  • Taxi: Use taxis or hop-on/hop-off buses (around ¥10) to travel around the city.

Day 3: Explore Lhasa’s Surroundings

  • Morning: Take a day trip to the nearby Namtso Lake, one of the highest saltwater lakes in the world.
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Yangbajain Hot Springs, a natural hot spring resort located about 1 hour from Lhasa.
    • Return to Lhasa and spend some time shopping for souvenirs or exploring the local market.

Where to Eat

  • Recommended: Try some traditional Tibetan cuisine at one of the restaurants near Namtso Lake or the Yangbajain Hot Springs.
  • Budget-friendly: Visit one of the many street food stalls in Lhasa for a quick snack.

Accommodation

  • Same as Day 1

Transportation

  • Car: Hire a car and driver to take you on the day trip (around ¥500-¥700).
  • Bus: Take a public bus or hop-on/hop-off bus (around ¥10) to travel around Lhasa.

Day 4: Cultural Experiences

  • Morning: Attend a traditional Tibetan music and dance performance at one of the local cultural centers.
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Tibet Museum to learn more about the country’s history and culture.
    • Explore the local market for souvenirs or try some street food.

Where to Eat

  • Recommended: Try some traditional Tibetan cuisine at one of the restaurants near the cultural center or the local market.
  • Budget-friendly: Visit one of the many street food stalls in Lhasa for a quick snack.

Accommodation

  • Same as Day 1

Transportation

  • Walking: The best way to explore Lhasa’s historic sites on foot.
  • Taxi: Use taxis or hop-on/hop-off buses (around ¥10) to travel around the city.

Day 5: Explore the Surrounding Countryside

  • Morning: Take a day trip to the nearby Damxung County, known for its stunning natural beauty and traditional Tibetan villages.
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the nearby Namtso Lake, one of the highest saltwater lakes in the world.
    • Return to Lhasa and spend some time shopping for souvenirs or exploring the local market.

Where to Eat

  • Recommended: Try some traditional Tibetan cuisine at one of the restaurants near Damxung County or Namtso Lake.
  • Budget-friendly: Visit one of the many street food stalls in Lhasa for a quick snack.

Accommodation

  • Same as Day 1

Transportation

  • Car: Hire a car and driver to take you on the day trip (around ¥500-¥700).
  • Bus: Take a public bus or hop-on/hop-off bus (around ¥10) to travel around Lhasa.

Day 6: Departure from Lhasa

  • Morning: Check-out of your hotel and head back to the airport for your departure flight.
  • Afternoon:
    • Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or exploring the local market before departing.
    • Say goodbye to Lhasa and its breathtaking scenery.

Tips

  • Altitude sickness: Drink plenty of water and take breaks if you experience any symptoms.
  • Dress modestly: Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to respect local customs.
  • Respect for monks and nuns: Avoid taking pictures or disturbing the monks and nuns during prayer ceremonies.

Note: This is just a sample itinerary, and you may want to adjust it based on your personal preferences and interests.