Lhasa, Tibet-4-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa

  • Morning: Arrive at Lhasa Gonggar Airport. Take a taxi or bus (about 60 minutes) to your hotel.
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Potala Palace, the former residence of Dalai Lama and now a museum. Explore its grand halls, chapels, and murals.
    • Walk around the palace grounds for great views of the city.
    • Stop by the nearby Norbulingka Park for a tranquil break amidst beautiful gardens.
  • Dinner: Try some local Tibetan cuisine at Jinsha Restaurant, known for their momos (Tibetan dumplings) and thukpa (noodle soup).
  • Accommodation: Stay at St. Regis Lhasa Resort, a luxurious hotel with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Day 2: Explore Lhasa’s Old Town

  • Morning:
    • Visit the Jokhang Temple, one of Tibet’s most revered Buddhist sites, and explore its beautiful courtyard.
    • Browse the nearby stalls selling prayer beads, incense, and other local crafts.
  • Afternoon:
    • Wander through the narrow streets of Lhasa’s Old Town (Barkhor Street), taking in the vibrant atmosphere and admiring the traditional Tibetan architecture.
    • Visit the Sera Monastery, famous for its monk debates and beautiful gardens.
  • Lunch: Enjoy some local street food at Tibet Cafe, serving a mix of Tibetan, Chinese, and Indian cuisine.
  • Dinner: Savor some authentic Tibetan dishes at Yak Restaurant, known for their yak meat and traditional recipes.

Day 3: Discover Lhasa’s Surroundings

  • Morning:
    • Visit the Nam Tso Lake, Tibet’s highest saltwater lake (about an hour drive from Lhasa). Enjoy breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere.
    • Stop by the nearby Khora Glacier, offering stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains.
  • Afternoon:
    • Explore the Lhasa River Walk, strolling along the banks of the Brahmaputra River while taking in the sights and sounds of the city.
    • Visit the Chakpori Hill, with its impressive views of Lhasa’s rooftops.
  • Dinner: Treat yourself to a traditional Tibetan meal at Ganden Restaurant, located near the Jokhang Temple.

Day 4: More Exploration and Departure

  • Morning:
    • Visit the Drepung Monastery, one of Tibet’s largest monasteries, known for its impressive architecture and beautiful gardens.
    • Stop by the nearby Zharang Hill, offering panoramic views of Lhasa.
  • Afternoon:
    • Return to your hotel and pack up (if departing).
    • Visit any last-minute attractions or souvenir shopping.
  • Farewell dinner: Share a final meal with your fellow travelers at Tibet Cafe.

Things to Know

  • Altitude sickness: Be aware of the risk of altitude sickness, especially if you’re traveling from low-lying areas. Stay hydrated and take breaks in high-altitude areas.
  • Weather: Lhasa’s climate is dry and cold, with limited rainfall. Pack accordingly (warm clothing, sunscreen).
  • Tipping culture: Tipping in Tibet is not expected but appreciated for good service.
  • Language: Tibetan is the primary language spoken in Lhasa, but many locals also speak Chinese and English.

Transportation

  • Getting to Lhasa: Fly into Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA) from major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, or Kathmandu.
  • Within Lhasa: Use taxis, buses, or walk/bike for shorter distances. Taxis are readily available and relatively affordable.

Tips

  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting monasteries and temples.
  • Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.
  • Try some local street food, but be cautious with hygiene standards.
  • Take breaks in high-altitude areas and drink plenty of water to avoid altitude sickness.

Other Tips

  • Photography: Respect any restrictions on photography within monasteries or other sensitive sites. Be mindful of your camera usage during prayers or ceremonies.
  • Respect for local authorities: Tibet has strict laws regarding foreign nationals. Be aware of local regulations and respect the authority of police, military, or government officials.

By following this itinerary, you’ll experience the best of Lhasa’s stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant atmosphere. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek guidance from your tour guide, hotel staff, or locals for a truly memorable adventure in Tibet!