Lhasa, China-4-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Acclimatization

  • Morning: Arrive at Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA) and take a taxi or bus to your hotel.
  • Afternoon: Check-in to your hotel and rest for a few hours to acclimate to the high altitude (11,975 ft).
  • Places to visit:
    • Potala Palace ( ticket price: 100 CNY, open from 9:00 AM to 15:30 PM): The former residence of Dalai Lama and the symbol of Tibet. Note: Be respectful of the palace’s rules and traditions.
  • Food: Try some Tibetan tea at a local café or restaurant, such as Tibetan Tea House ( Address: No.1, Beijing Rd, Lhasa) for a taste of traditional tea-making methods.
  • Dinner: Head to Karma Cafe (Address: No.6, Xiong Rd, Lhasa) for some delicious Tibetan and Chinese cuisine.

Day 2: Explore Lhasa

  • Morning: Visit the Jokhang Temple (ticket price: 60 CNY, open from 9:00 AM to 15:30 PM): A sacred site in Tibetan Buddhism.
  • Afternoon:
    • Explore the Barkhor Street (free admission): A historic and sacred street that surrounds Jokhang Temple. Try to visit during sunrise or sunset for a serene atmosphere.
    • Visit the Namdruk Monastery (ticket price: 20 CNY, open from 9:00 AM to 15:30 PM): A beautiful monastery with stunning architecture.
  • Food: Stop by Tibetan Restaurant (Address: No.11, Dage Rd, Lhasa) for some traditional Tibetan dishes.
  • Dinner: Enjoy a nice dinner at Restaurant Namtso (Address: No.2, Xiong Rd, Lhasa), serving Chinese and Tibetan cuisine.

Day 3: Trek to the nearby valleys

  • Morning: Take a guided trek to the Nam-Tso Lake (trekking fee: 150 CNY per person) or the Ganden Monastery (trekking fee: 50 CNY per person): Experience the stunning natural beauty of Tibet’s high-altitude valleys.
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Tibetan Museum (free admission, open from 9:00 AM to 15:30 PM): Learn about Tibetan history and culture through exhibits and artifacts.
    • Explore the Shigatse Old Town: A charming old town with traditional Tibetan architecture.

Day 4: Potala Palace and farewell

  • Morning: Return to the Potala Palace for a deeper exploration (ticket price: 100 CNY, open from 9:00 AM to 15:30 PM).
  • Afternoon: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or browsing the local markets.
  • Farewell dinner: Enjoy a nice farewell dinner at Restaurant Tibet (Address: No.3, Xiong Rd, Lhasa), serving traditional Tibetan dishes.

Accommodation

There are various hotels and guesthouses in Lhasa to suit different budgets. Some recommendations include:

  • Budget: Lhasa Hotel (Address: No.1, Beijing Rd, Lhasa)
  • Mid-range: Tibet Hotel (Address: No.5, Xiong Rd, Lhasa)
  • Luxury: Hotel Shangri-La (Address: No.10, Dage Rd, Lhasa)

Getting around

Lhasa has a well-developed public transportation system.

  • Taxi: Widely available, but be prepared for long queues.
  • Bus: An affordable option, with routes covering most areas of the city.
  • Walking: Explore the old town and surrounding areas on foot.
  • Ride-hailing apps: Available in Lhasa, such as DiDi.

Things to know

  • Altitude sickness: Be prepared for the high altitude, and consider taking Diamox or other medication if necessary.
  • Weather: Expect sunny days with clear skies, but pack for sudden rain showers or cold nights.
  • Respect local customs: Dress modestly, remove shoes when entering temples or homes, and avoid public displays of affection.

Tips

  • Haggle prices: At markets and shops, especially in the old town.
  • Be prepared to wait: For taxi services, bus schedules, or entrance tickets at popular attractions.
  • Bring cash: As some places may not accept credit cards.

This itinerary should provide a good balance of exploration, cultural experiences, and relaxation. Remember to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and take breaks when needed. Enjoy your time in Lhasa!