Lhasa Tibet 5 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa

  • Morning: Arrive at Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA)
  • 9:00 AM: Transfer to your hotel and take some time to rest and acclimate to the high altitude (3,650m/12,000ft)
  • 11:00 AM: Visit the Jokhang Temple, a sacred pilgrimage site for Tibetans, located in the heart of Lhasa
  • Lunch: Head to Nyinma restaurant for traditional Tibetan cuisine, such as thukpa (noodle soup) and tsampa (roasted barley flour)
  • Afternoon: Explore the bustling streets of Barkhor Street, a circumambulation path around Jokhang Temple
  • Dinner: Enjoy a dinner of local specialties at Tashi Delek restaurant

Accommodation: Stay at the 4-star Hotel Shangri-La Lhasa, which offers comfortable rooms and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Transportation:

  • Airport transfer: Take a taxi or shuttle bus from the airport to your hotel (approximately 30-40 minutes)
  • Public transportation: Use the city’s public buses or take a taxi to get around Lhasa

Things to know:

  • Altitude sickness: Be aware of the high altitude and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
  • Respect local customs: Dress modestly when visiting temples or monasteries, and remove your shoes before entering sacred areas
  • Language: While many locals speak some English, it’s still a good idea to learn basic Tibetan phrases like “zhik” (hello) and “tashi delek” (goodbye)

Day 2: Explore Lhasa

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lama and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • 11:00 AM: Explore the palace’s vast collection of art, antiques, and historical artifacts
  • Lunch: Head to Droma restaurant for a delicious meal of Tibetan and Chinese cuisine
  • Afternoon: Visit the Tibet Museum, which showcases the history and culture of Tibet
  • Dinner: Enjoy a dinner at Mingma’s Kitchen, which serves traditional Tibetan dishes with modern twists

Day 3: Lhasa’s Surroundings

  • 9:00 AM: Take a day trip to the nearby village of Nam Tso Lake (approximately 2 hours from Lhasa)
  • 11:00 AM: Explore the lake and its surrounding area, which is home to several monasteries and sacred sites
  • Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch or head to a local restaurant in the village
  • Afternoon: Visit the nearby town of Tsetang, known for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains
  • Dinner: Return to Lhasa and enjoy dinner at one of the city’s many restaurants

Day 4: More Lhasa

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Sera Monastery, a sacred site that is home to hundreds of monks and nuns
  • 11:00 AM: Explore the monastery’s courtyards, chapels, and prayer halls
  • Lunch: Head to Tibet Kitchen restaurant for a delicious meal of Tibetan cuisine
  • Afternoon: Visit the nearby Norbulingka Museum, which showcases traditional Tibetan art and crafts
  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at one of Lhasa’s many restaurants, such as Kailash Restaurant

Day 5: Departure from Lhasa

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or exploring the city before departing
  • 12:00 PM: Transfer to the airport and depart from Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA)

Note: This itinerary is customizable, so feel free to adjust it according to your preferences and interests!