Lhasa, China-7-day-itinerary

August 4, 2024

Lhasa Travel Itinerary (7 Days)

Morning: Arrive at Lhasa Gonggar Airport. The airport is about 98 kilometers from Lhasa city.
Transportation: You can take a taxi or bus to get into the city, but it’s more convenient and less stressful to book a private car transfer through your hotel.
Accommodation: Check-in at Hotel Shambhala (or similar), a comfortable hotel with great views of the surrounding mountains.
Lunch: Try some authentic Tibetan food at nearby restaurants like Nam Tso Restaurant or try traditional Tibetan momos (dumplings) from a street vendor near your hotel.
Afternoon: Visit the Jokhang Temple, one of Tibet’s most sacred sites. It is believed to contain a statue of Buddha that was brought from India over 1,300 years ago and is also known as “the palace of the god”.
Evening: Take a stroll around the Barkhor Circuit, a very sacred path for pilgrims and locals alike, where you can experience the local culture and get a feel for Lhasa’s unique atmosphere.

Morning: Start the day early to visit the Potala Palace. You’ll need to buy tickets in advance and go through security checks before entering.
Transportation: The palace is about a mile away from Jokhang Temple, and you can walk there or take a short taxi ride.
Lunch: Grab a quick lunch at one of the food stalls near the palace.
Afternoon: Spend your afternoon exploring the Potala Palace, which was once the residence of the Dalai Lama. The palace has an impressive collection of Buddhist art and artifacts, including murals, sculptures, and frescoes.

Morning: Take a day trip to Namtso Lake (or a similar lake like Lake Co). This will be about a 4-5 hour drive each way, so it’s better to leave early.
Transportation: The driver for your hotel or book a private car transfer to take you there and back. Make sure to check the weather forecast first because of the high altitude.
Lunch: Bring a packed lunch from your hotel or grab something on the road at small eateries near Namtso Lake.

Morning: Visit the Sera Monastery, which is famous for its debating monks. This will be a unique cultural experience where you can watch the monks engage in lively debates and discussions.
Transportation: The monastery is relatively close to Lhasa city center, so it’s an easy taxi or bus ride away.
Lunch: Grab lunch at one of the many food stalls near Sera Monastery.

Morning: Visit the Tsurphu Monastery. This monastery was the residence of the Karmapa, a prominent Tibetan Buddhist leader.
Transportation: The monastery is located about 40 kilometers from Lhasa city center and can be reached by taxi or bus.

Morning: Spend your morning exploring the local markets in Lhasa. You can find all sorts of handicrafts, souvenirs, and fresh produce.
Transportation: The markets are within walking distance from most hotels.
Lunch: Grab lunch at one of the food stalls or restaurants near the market.