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How to Visit Lhasa 2024? The Ultimate Guide & Some Common Mistakes You Should Avoid

Lhasa, at an altitude of 3,656 meters above sea level, is the world’s highest capital city, and the center of Tibetan culture and Buddhist religion.

In this post, we lay out the most complete guide about how to visit Lhasa, including the best time to travel, how to get to Lhasa, how many days to stay, accommodations, what to eat, etc, with the most common mistakes you should totally avoid. This holy city with great delights and wonders will amaze and astound you thoroughly.

When is the Best Time to Visit Lhasa? Lhasa Can't Be Visited in Winter?

Lhasa can be visited in Winter.

Actually, Lhasa is also known as the City of Sunshine and gets more than 8 hours of sunshine per day on average throughout the year.

Lhasa in winter is not as cold as you may think. The weather is dry and sunny, with an average temperature of 7-9℃.

Besides, traveling to Lhasa in winter has several benefits.

Winter is the low season for tourism, and there are very few tourists that are prepared to travel to the plateau in winter. So you can expect a tranquil and authentic Lhasa without too many tourists around.

Compared with other seasons, a winter tour to Lhasa is cheaper, as many of the hotels and guesthouses offer off-peak discounts to attract tourists. Discounts are also available on the flights and trains to Tibet, as well as many of the attractions offering lower entry fees in the winter months.

Moreover, winter is a good season for birding in Lhasa, particularly in December when there are up to 8 hours’ sunshine, as well as unfrozen lakes and massive barley fields.

>> Check for the most classic Lhasa winter tour packages.

4 Days Lhasa Impression Small Group Tour

Best time to visit lhasa: april to june and sept to oct..

Spring and autumn are normally the best months to travel to Lhasa for the clearer skies and best views, and if trekking is your thing, then there is no better time of year to do it.

With almost no rainfall in spring and autumn and temperatures that are mild to warm, trekking from Ganden Monastery to Samye Monastery or taking the Pabonka to Pubjoi Monastery Trek around the foothills of the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains around Lhasa is best done at these times of the year.

Peak Season to Visit Lhasa: July and August.

Summer is the peak tourist season in Tibet, and in Lhasa, it is the most popular time of year as well.

Summer is warmer than the rest of the year, with higher temperatures that can reach as high as 23-25 degrees during the daytime. Nights can still be a little cold, but are manageable with a few warm sweaters to wear.

Summer is also the monsoon season, and can be a little wetter than the west and north of Tibet, though not as wet as the eastern areas of Nyingchi. Monsoon rains normally fall in the late evenings and overnight, though, leaving the daytimes mostly dry and suitable for touring the sights of this stunning capital.

However, during this period, many families head to Lhasa to spend their summer vacations and escape the heat. So you may find the price to travel to Lhasa in summer is higher.

Can I Visit or Roam Around Lhasa City by Myself?

Presently, you can’t visit or roam around Lhasa city by yourself, especially heading to any of the tourist sites, like Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, etc. You must be accompanied by a licensed tour guide.

In fact, due to the huge language barrier, it’s much better to have a professional guide to explain the history and cultures of every monastery, making the most of your lifetime Tibet trip.

Besides, with the local tour guide accompanied, you will have the most authentic experience that Tibet has to offer, like enjoying a bottle of sweet tea in the original Tibetan tea house, tasting the local food, and exploring the hidden gems in the holy city.

Except for Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Are There Other Beauty Spots?

Lhasa has much more attractions to offer.

Usually, a classic Lhasa trip is arranged within 4 days, which allows you to visit the three popular heritage sites in Lhasa city, covering Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street, as well as Sera and Drepung Monastery, two of the Great Three monasteries of Gelug School of Tibetan Buddhism.

However, if you have one or two more days to spare, you can add the following activities to your itinerary.

One Day to Trek from Pabonka to Pubjoi Monastery

The one-day Pabonka to Pubjoi Monastery trek takes you to explore the Buddhist heritages that are not frequented by tourists in Lhasa outskirts. Pabonka is a cliff-side palace. From here you hike up to Tashi Chöling and then Tagden Ritro, followed by a downward trek to Sera Ütse, Raka Drak, and finally Purbu Jog Monastery.

Note that this isn't an easy trek, so you must be fully adjusted to this elevation in advance.

Recommended trip: 5 Days Pabonka to Pubjoi Monastery Trek Tour

One Day to Challenge the Kora around Ganden Monastery

The kora around Ganden Monastery, another Gelug monastery in Tibet, takes a half day. The trekking route contains two sections, a high kora, and a low kora, both offering stunning views of Lhasa Valley and the surrounding Nyenchen Tanglha mountain ranges.

With an altitude of around 4,300 meters, this trek also requires full acclimatization to the elevation and a fit body.

Recommended trip: 5 Days Lhasa Tour with Kora around Ganden Monastery

One Day to Tour Yamdrok Lake

One of the Great Three holy lakes of Tibet, Yamdrok Lake is surrounded by many snow mountains. The highest one is Mount Nyenchen Khangsar with an elevation of 7,191 meters.

En route, you need to conquer Gangbala Pass (5,030 meters), where you can get the best photo opportunity. Also, you get to head downhill to the lakeshore to enjoy a leisure walk.

Recommended trip: 5 Days Lhasa and Yamdrok-tso Lake Tour

Two Days to Visit Samye Monastery

Samye Monastery is the first Buddhist monastery in Tibet built in the 8th century. It was designed in the form of a giant mandala, a representation of the Buddhist universe. You will be impressed by the distinctive spiritual ambiance permeating through the holy Buddhist site.

If time permits, you can hike up to the top of Hepori Hill to enjoy a panorama of Samye Monastery.

Recommended trip: 6 Days Lhasa to Samye Monastery Tour

Two Days to Travel Lake Namtso

Another holy lake for Tibetans, Lake Namtso is a sapphire on the plateau. A day tour from Lhasa to Namtso never disappoints you either. Along the trail, you can see snow-covered Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains and Tibetan nomads’ tents settled on grassland, with yaks and sheep grazing.

On the way back to Lhasa, take your time to soak in the hot springs in Yangbajing. That is a big relief from the long ride.

Recommended trip: 6 Days Travel to Sky Lake - Lhasa and Lake Namtso Tour

6 Days Lhasa to Lake Namtso Small Group Tour

Are There Only Tibetan-Style Hotels?

There are not only Tibetan-style hotels available in Lhasa.

Lhasa has all levels of hotels to suit everyone’s needs, from the five-star St Regis Lhasa Resort and the Lhasa Brahmaputra Grand Hotel to the smallest and most authentic Tibetan guesthouse.

The high-end hotels that are rated as 4 and 5-star are much more expensive, and if cost is an issue, then there are a huge number of smaller hotels, ranging from three-star hotels with an average price to backpacker-style hostels, with beds in dormitories at the lowest possible price.

>> Find out all available hotels in Lhasa here.

Are There Only Tibetan-Style Dishes Available?

Not only Tibetan-style dishes are available in Lhasa.

With international tourism in full swing, it’s easy to find various food choices. No matter where you come from, dining in Lhasa is not a problem. Your guide can always take you to the places that match your taste.

Western food like pasta, pizza, pancake, burger, sandwich, etc., is usually accessible in hotels and large restaurants. Sichuan spicy flavor, and even Indian and Nepalese curry tastes are also within reach in most restaurants. Even vegans can find some places to eat in Lhasa. 

Do I Have to Pack a Lot for Lhasa Visit?

You don’t need to pack a lot to visit Lhasa. What to pack will depend on the season you travel in and your travel itinerary.

In summer, you will need less warm clothing, though you will still need some for when it gets colder in the evenings, and you should bring a raincoat in case it does rain during the day.

In winter, cold weather clothes are essential. Despite the daytime sun making you feel warm, the weather gets quite cold at night. A thick sweater, down jacket, warm shoes are necessary for Tibet winter tours.

Whatever season you travel, a good strong pair of boots or hiking shoes is essential, as some of the sites on the outskirts of the city are not paved, and have rough ground to walk over, especially if you are visiting Lake Namtso.

Trekking in the area also requires hiking boots, and decent trekking gear such as waterproof, light pants, layers of clothes to keep you warm easier, and a hat and sunglasses to ward off the sun’s strong UV rays.

Even if you have a good backpack for your clothes, bring a small one for use as a day pack, so you can keep your important documents on you at all times and to carry snacks and water with you when visiting the sites around the city.

How to Get to Lhasa? Is It Hard to Arrive?

Getting to Lhasa is not hard at all, actually very easy nowadays.

There are three ways to get to Lhasa, by plane, train, or overland.

Traveling by flight to Lhasa from mainland China is fast and efficient, but does not give you a chance to acclimatize the altitude environment. Airfare is a little expensive, which is largely due to the huge demand. So we advise you better to book Tibet air tickets as far in advance as you can.

Traveling by Tibet train is one of the most spectacular ways to get to Lhasa. The train travels across parts of China and stretches from the Tanggula Mountains in the far north to Lhasa. It takes a long ride around 22-55 hours but the breathtaking scenery along the way makes the trip quite worthwhile.

An overland tour to Lhasa is available as well. There are 5 major overland routes, Sino-Nepal Friendship Highway, Sichuan-Tibet Highway, Yunnan-Tibet Highway, Qinghai-Tibet Highway, and Xinjiang-Tibet Highway.

Besides, the overland tour between Lhasa and Kathmandu is also one of the most popular choices with amazing scenery while crossing Gyirong Valley and Everest Base Camp.

Can I Head to EBC Directly without Adjusting to the High Altitude in Lhasa?

It's very important to wait for your body to adapt to the high altitudes in Lhasa and then start your adventure to other places of Tibet like EBC.

Lhasa has an altitude of 3656m, whereas the Tibet Everest Base Camp is situated at an altitude of 5200m. A sudden elevation rise might cause altitude reaction.

Basically, 3 days are enough for most travelers to get over most initial symptoms of altitude sickness, including headache, dizziness, fatigue, loss of appetite, disturbed sleep, etc.

>> Get the most popular Lhasa to EBC overland tour itinerary here.

Pay much attention that on your first day in Lhasa, don’t shower to avoid catching a cold. Take a good rest and keep relax. Walk slowly and avoid strenuous exercise, as well as smoking and drinking.

Also, try your best to avoid additional oxygen. Every time you use oxygen to help relieve the symptoms, you may reduce the body’s adjustment to the plateau.

8 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Small Group Tour

Why i plan lhasa visit with a tibetan travel agency.

It is better to book a Lhasa trip through a local travel tour operator.

There are two main reasons to explain this. Firstly, a local travel agency provides Tibetan guides who are born and raised in Tibet. They are the only ones who can show you the most authentic Tibetan culture, scenery, and local custom.

Secondly, the local tour operator offers a more reasonable price. No middle commission fee will be charged.

Do I Still Need to Wear a Mask? Since There is No Covid-19 in Tibet

Although there is no Covid-19 in Tibet, visitors need to wear masks.

Mask is a must for all tourist attractions, public transport, or any other public zones. Besides, before you enter the main sights, temperature detection is required.

Actually in Tibet, wearing a mask protects you not only from viruses but also from strong sunray, wind, as well as dust. Even without this global outbreak, you can see many locals in Tibet wearing cotton masks in their daily lives.

After knowing these Lhasa visiting facts, all that’s left now is to pack. You’re ready for a successful lifetime visit to Lhasa.

Starting thinking about your experience in Lhasa? Check our most popular Lhasa tour packages here for inspiration, and your trip will also be created around your particular tastes by dropping us a line .

About the Author - Master Kungga Dundruk

The Lhasa-born prodigy used to study business overseas, and got his Bachelor of Business in Nepal and India before moving back to his homeland. With pure passion for life and unlimited love for Tibet, Kunga started his guide career as early as 1997 .

Responsible, considerate, and humorous, he devoted his entire life to guiding and serving international tourists traveling in Tibet. As a legendary Tibetan travel guru with 20-year pro guide experience. Currently, he is working in Tibet Vista as the Tour Operating Director. Whenever our clients run into trouble, he is your first call and will offer prompt support.

https://plus.google.com/+Kunga-TibetVista

Read all my articles about Tibet travel

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Lhasa Tibet Travel Tips: 6 Things You Should Know Before Visiting This Ancient City

Get to know all the Lhasa Tibet travel tips you should know before visiting this ancient city and make the most out of your time there.

There is nowhere on Earth quite like Lhasa. Ancient and utterly unique, it’s a place where you can feel millennia of history deep in your soul — in the hum of prayers, the glow of butter lamps and the wild, wonderful sacred art and architecture. And it’s a history made poignant by knowing that the heart of Tibet is still beating despite over 60 years of a political struggle to survive.

Lhasa is a city famous for its beautiful natural scenery and Buddhist culture. There is a lot to see and do in Lhasa, which means the place of the gods . The Tibetan city overflows with historical points of interest, from its well-preserved Potala Palace to the Jokhang Temple – one of the holiest sites in Tibetan Buddhism – to the ancient alleys where you can catch glimpses of traditional Tibetan life.

Visiting the magical city of Lhasa is an excellent idea for those who love history, nature, and unique cultures. Not only that but traveling through Asia via this historical destination allows for some truly amazing and memorable journeys.

But before planning too many adventures while there, make sure you know these 6 things about Lhasa:

1. Some of the Coolest Journeys in the World Start or End in Lhasa

The central Tibetan region around Lhasa is amazing. You will find high mountain passes, sky-blue lakes, and a massive river all in or near the city. A huge bonus is that, from Lhasa, it’s possible to travel to the iconic Everest Base Camp, one of Tibet’s most famous sites.

Everest Base Camp

It’s the ultimate bucket-list goal for many, to personally view the breathtaking peak of the highest mountain on planet Earth.

A 13-day tour to Everest Base Camp on the Tibet side allows you to see the best of sites in Lhasa while on the same journey allowing for enough time to acclimatize to the high altitude.

This tour will allow you to see the views from the Kamba La Pass, achingly blue Yamdrok Lake, the ancient towns of Gyantse and Shigatse, the Karo La Glacier, and of course, majestic Mount Everest.

Recommended read: 20 Mind-blowing facts about Mount Everest

Mount Kailash

If you have more time, you can even take a trip to Mount Kailash, which will serve up some of the greatest hits of a trip to Tibet .

On that trip, you see the highlights of Lhasa, plus all the glories of an Everest Base Camp trip , as you stop at Everest on your way to the holiest mountain in the world, Mount Kailash.

Once you’re at Mount Kailash, you’ll take a three-day trek around it —  another bucket-list journey for many travelers. Tell everyone you reached extreme high altitude once you take this tour, you can boast for the rest of your life that you have reached extreme high altitude since you will cross the 18,372ft / 5600m Dolma La Pass. 

Overland to Nepal

How about visiting two countries on one amazing tour? Starting your journey in Lhasa means you can overland to Nepal.

The great thing about this tour is that it takes you through many of the highlights mentioned above with the added benefit of allowing you to take in the fascinating sites of two countries on an epic journey. The tour starts in Lhasa, Tibet, and ends in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Recommended read: Annapurna community trek to Mohare hill

This is the best way to see the two cities in one journey as the reverse doesn’t allow for proper acclimatizing to the high altitude. 

2. There is no Such Thing as a Tibet Visa

When visiting Tibet, you do need to secure permission to enter its borders. This special permission however isn’t a visa. You’ll need a visa to enter China, which you may secure via the normal means of obtaining a visa through a Chinese embassy or consulate in your homeland.

To enter Tibet however, you’ll need a Tibet Travel Permit, which you cannot secure on your own. A local travel agent in Tibet will secure this permit for you as part of an official Tibet tour. The tour can be a private one for just you and your party if you wish. 

It’s advised that you don’t mention any intention of visiting Tibet when securing your Chinese visa. 

3. Tibetan food is Weird and Wonderful

Tibetan food is not your usual Asian flare. It can be a little weird especially to Westerners but it is delightfully flavorful. You’ll fall in love easily with Tibetan food, from drinking buttery tea, eating sweet rice, lots of yak meat, butter, and cheese, and of course, momos.

So what are momos? They’re a favorite in Tibet! They’re meat or veggie dumplings that while they take a great deal of time to make, are common fare at Tibetan parties and gatherings. They’re not to be confused with shabaleps, which are fried Tibetan meat or veggie pies. 

Noodle soups, or thukpa , are also very common in Tibet, as is tsampa , a roasted and ground barley flour that is a staple in Tibetan cooking. You’ll find yourself drinking a lot of po cha in Tibet to keep warm. Also called butter tea, po cha is black tea churned with milk, butter, and salt. You may or may not find butter tea delightful once you get used to its unique flavor!  Here’s a pro tip for enjoying po cha — think of it as soup rather than tea. 

If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll be hard-pressed to find traditional desserts in Tibet to satisfy your cravings as Tibetans aren’t big on desserts. You can grab yourself some sweet rice or a peculiar sweet macaroni and cheese style dish to see if those suit your needs. Of course, you can buy all kinds of fruit, packaged biscuits, candies, and sweets pretty much wherever you travel in Tibet. This didn’t use to be the case but is increasingly true.

4. Flying Directly into Lhasa is a Bad Idea

You may or may not know that Tibet is high-altitude, some cities much more so than others,  which leaves you quite open for altitude sickness if you don’t take precautions.

One such precaution is to avoid flying directly into Lhasa, which sits at 12,001 ft / 3,658 m.

Taking the train directly from Beijing to Lhasa isn’t a great option either since it is recommended that you spend at least 24 hours at an immediate altitude to acclimatize yourself before moving on to a higher elevation. (The train doesn’t spend enough time at an intermediate altitude to help you.)

A better way to get to Lhasa while avoiding altitude sickness is to fly into Xining, a great spot to begin to acclimatize, at 7464 ft / 2275 m. Spend at least one night, and preferably 2-3 nights there. There are wonderful Tibetan sites to see in and near Xining that will help you to pass the time. 

Then, you can take the train from Xining to Lhasa, which if you book your trip to begin in the evening, you’ll see the most amazing views between Golmud and Lhasa in the daytime.

You should know that altitude sickness is no joke. A small percentage of people do get pulmonary edema, which is potentially fatal, by flying from low altitude to an altitude as high as Lhasa’s directly.

5. Tibetan Buddhism is Inseparable from Tibetan culture

The Tibetan religion of Buddhism is inextricably tied to Tibetan culture. The two are impossible to separate because Buddhism in Tibet has heavily influenced the culture and customs of the land.

Jokhang Temple

To appreciate the culture, start with a visit to the Jokhang Temple. For the people who are not Tibetans, visiting Jokhang Temple is like a window into their culture.

The temple is considered the most sacred of all temples in Tibet, for its part in the development of Buddhism here. It is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists who come to this place to pray and get blessed.

Visitors will get the chance to get acquainted with Buddhist culture by visiting the temple. The rare, magnificent architecture and statuary is something that everyone should see at least once in their lifetime.

Recommended read: Learning about Buddhism, Hinduism and Sikhism in India

Drepung Monastery

Drepung Monastery is often referred to as one of Tibet’s three great monasteries. The other two are Ganden Monastery and Sera Monastery. Drepung Monastery is famous for its picturesque location at the foot of Mount Gephel.

It will be a highlight of your trip to hike around the monastery. It’s worth planning to spend time meandering through the chapels and learning more about Tibetan culture while being in awe of the beauty of the architecture and the glorious natural surroundings.

You can also plan to walk the Drepung Kora, a ritual path around the monastery that is seen as a meditation practice and pilgrimage journey in reverence to the holy site. Buddhists take part in these kora practices as part of their search for enlightenment. There is nothing quite like walking a kora with local Tibetans and visiting pilgrims in such a historic and highly revered place.

Sera Monastery

The Sera Monastery, another member of the “great three” is worth a visit on its own. It was established in 1419 and suffered from collapse during the Cultural Revolution in 1959. Now only a shadow of its former glory in population size, it is still a functioning monastery with three colleges and is home to unusual and sacred artwork worth seeing.

You can also see monks debating here and also walk the kora that circles Sera.

Potala Palace

The Potala Palace is a beautiful architectural landmark and as the highest place in the city, it’s the best place to get a bird’s eye view of Lhasa. For centuries, the sight of its golden roofs has been like a beacon at the end of many long journeys.

Whether you’re a pilgrim or a visitor, laying your eyes on its magnificence somehow signals that you’re witnessing something welcoming, and magical. 

The palace was built to be a monastery and seat of government but it is now a mere museum with the absence of the Dalai Lama, reducing it to a shell of its former glory days. 

There are over 13 stories to explore and it’s still very much worth a visit, though perhaps you will wait until you’re properly acclimated to the altitude before making that trek because you must walk all those steps.

The highlights of your visit will include standing in the revered rooms where the current and past Dalai Lama lived, seeing the magnificent Chapel of the Dalai Lamas’ Tombs, and laying your eyes on the Phakpa Lhakhang, an original part of the Potala, holding the most precious statue, the Phakpa Lokeshvara. This is a small image of Avalokitesvara, bodhisattva of compassion.

6. Walking is the Way to Go

To get a real taste of Tibetan life, you’ll want to walk the city with the people of the land. As we have noted, in Tibet, walking around a sacred place is called a kora. This tradition has been around for centuries and still has special significance today.

The word “kor” means circle in Tibetan. The word “kora” is often translated as circumambulation, from the Latin circum (around) and ambulare (to walk). Many of the footpaths you’ll notice in and around Tibet are meant for these sacred walks. It’s a path to enlightenment for the people of Tibet and visitors are welcomed to participate. 

Circumambulating locations usually have high spiritual powers — the Jokhang Temple mentioned above being one example. Just by being near them, you’ll be blessed by these powers. It is common to recite a prayer or chant as you make your trek, to deepen the practice. 

Going for a kora with sincere motivation helps to accumulate good karma and spiritual awakening. It doesn’t matter if you don’t know how to do this correctly — if you just join in with the Tibetans, with an open heart and an intention to generate spiritual merit for yourself and others, you will be okay. One tip, though, is that Tibetan Buddhists always walk a kora in a clockwise direction!

If you’re looking for an early taste of Tibetan life, head to the Barkhor — the famous old trade route in Lhasa. You’ll always find Tibetans there reciting mantras while walking around.

Like Tibetans, if you walk this kora you will get some exercise while earning some spiritual merit and becoming a part of Lhasa’s energetic heart. It’s flat and easy to do so it is safe for most people to walk while becoming acclimatized to the altitude.

If you’re feeling ambitious, the Lingkhor is the kora for you. It’s over 5 miles long and circles the heart of Lhasa. Go early in the morning when the path is bustling with local Tibetans then stop in for some sweet tea to congratulate yourself on making or attempting this trek.

Armed with these six tips, you are more than prepared to explore the scenic landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich Buddhist tradition of Tibet.

Keep reading: Here’s why you should plan a Tibet trip next

Yolanda O’Bannon is a Tibet expert, travel writer, and photographer with a long-time passion for Tibet and Asia. Along with her husband Lobsang, Yolanda is obsessed with making Tibet travel simple, safe, and ethical at YoWangdu Experience Tibet .

Images via YoWangdu, Unsplash, and A World to Travel.

Contributing members are responsible for the accuracy of content contributed to A World to Travel.

Must-see attractions in Lhasa

Potala Palace

The magnificent Potala Palace, once the seat of the Tibetan government and the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas, is Lhasa's cardinal landmark. Your…

Jokhang Temple

The 1300-year-old Jokhang Temple is the spiritual heart of Tibet: the continuous waves of awestruck pilgrims prostrating themselves outside are a…

Main Assembly Hall

The main assembly hall, or Tsogchen, is the principal structure in the Drepung complex and is the one chapel you must not miss. The hall is reached…

Sera Je College

This is the largest of Sera’s colleges, generally accessed from a western side entrance. It has a breathtaking main hall, hung with thangkas and lit by…

Tomb of Tsongkhapa

The red, fortress-like structure of Tsongkhapa’s mausoleum is probably the most impressive of the reconstructed buildings at Ganden. It’s above a…

The main assembly hall (Tsogchen) is the largest of Sera’s buildings and dates to 1710. The central hall is particularly impressive and is noted for its…

Assembly Hall

The recently renovated tsogchen (assembly hall) has statues of the 16 arhats (literally ‘worthy ones’) and two huge statues of Tsongkhapa (only visible…

Main Debating Courtyard

If you’re here in the afternoon, save some time to watch the monk debating (lots of shouting, hand slapping and gesticulation) between 2.30pm and 4pm in…

Chagpo Ri Rock Carvings

This hidden corner of Lhasa features more than 5000 painted rock carvings that were created on the back side of Chagpo Ri over the course of a millennium…

Sera Monastery

About 5km north of Lhasa, Sera was founded in 1419 by a disciple of Tsongkhapa as one of Lhasa's two great Gelugpa monasteries. About 600 monks are now in…

Drepung Monastery

Along with Sera and Ganden Monasteries, Drepung functioned as one of the three 'pillars of the Tibetan state', and it was purportedly the largest…

You start the tour of the main Potala building from the top and descend through the bowels of the building to exit on the ground floor. The gilded buddhas…

Sera Me College

Follow the pilgrims clockwise, past the Tsangba Kangtsang and Tsowa Kangtsang residential halls and several minor buildings, to Sera Me College. This…

White Palace

On the roof of the Potala, the private quarters of the 13th and 14th Dalai Lamas are to the right. The Dalai Lamas would have watched festival dances…

Ganden Monastery

About 50km east of Lhasa, this monastery, founded in 1417 by Tsongkhapa, was the first Gelugpa monastery. Still the order's heart and soul, it's the one…

Debating Courtyard

There is usually monk debating here on weekday afternoons from around 3pm to 5pm, which provides a welcome relief from peering at Buddhist iconography…

Zimchung Tridok Khang

To the east of the Assembly Hall's Ser Trikhang (Golden Throne Room) and slightly uphill, this residence contains the living quarters and throne of the…

For those with an interest in Tibetan Buddhism, Drak Yerpa hermitage, about 30km northeast of Lhasa, is one of the holiest cave retreats in Ü. Among the…

Drölma Lhakhang

This significant but small monastery is jam-packed with ancient relics and hidden treasures. It’s only 30 minutes' drive southwest of Lhasa and is worth a…

Nechung Monastery

This monastery, 10 minutes’ walk downhill from Drepung Monastery, is worth a visit for its historical role as the seat of the Tibetan State Oracle until…

Ganden Palace

In 1530 the second Dalai Lama established the Ganden Podrang, the palace that was home to the subsequent Dalai Lamas until the fifth built the Potala. It…

Barkhor Square

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Ramoche Temple

The main image at this temple is the fabulously ornate Jowo Mikyöba (Akshobhya) statue, which represents Sakyamuni at the age of eight. The statue is in…

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Lhasa: the Capital of Tibet

Quick facts.

Lhasa in Tibetan : ལྷ་ས Founded : in 633 A.D. by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo Population : 279,074 (according to 2010 census) Altitude : 3,656 meters/ 11,995 feet

ABOUT LHASA

In Tibetan, Lhasa means “ The land of the Gods “, or “ Holy Place ” and it still lives up to its name. At the heart of Lhasa are the 7th century Jokhang and Ramoche Temples , Dalai Lama’s Potala Palace and Norbulingka Summer Park , large Buddhist monasteries, such as Sera and Drepung as well as many nunneries, monasteries, and temples scattered around the city.

Lhasa will impress even the most experienced travelers. The capital stands in the Kuychi River valley with impressive mountain ranges all around the city serving as a backdrop.  Although many travelers spend at least 2-3 days in the capital before exploring other areas in Tibet, you can easily spend a week in Lhasa discovering many of its hidden gems. 

To experience Lhasa, head to the center of the city towards the 7th century Jokhang Temple and walk around Barkhor Street . As it was centuries ago, the bustling area still attracts pilgrims from all over Tibet. Walk in the historic Old Town following narrow alleys lined with whitewashed buildings with hundreds of small seller stalls offering Tibetan clothes, jewelry, religious and ritual objects. Walk these busy streets to soak in the atmosphere of authentic Tibetan life or shop for some Tibetan souvenirs (but remember to bargain!).

After that walk to the jewel of Lhasa – the majestic Potala Palace overlooking the city. After making inevitable stops for the photos, join the crowds of Tibetans and walk around the Palace. It is a great way to experience Tibetan culture. There is a peaceful park behind the Palace where you can take a break or have a snack in the shade of the trees. 

Reward yourself by having a nice meal in a small Tibetan tea house or in one of the restaurants. Luckily for travelers, Lhasa combines impressive historic sites with modern amenities. Treat yourself in one of the local restaurants, enjoying delicious Tibetan, Indian, or even Western dishes. Choose a restaurant with an outdoor terrace to enjoy a view of Lhasa while sampling local delicacies.

Continue exploring Lhasa by visiting large monasteries, such as Sera or Drepung that housed over 10,000 monks in its heyday. Alternatively, you can visit some of the smaller nunneries or temples in Lhasa that showcase the authentic Tibetan culture and are rarely seing any tourists.

TABLE OF CONTENT

Click on the link to jump to the section of the page.

• Safety while traveling
• Potala Palace
• Jokhang Temple
• Sera Monastery
• Drepung Monastery
• Nechgung Oracle Temple
• Norbulingka
• Ani Tsamkhong Nunnery
• Ramoche Temple
• Thousand Buddhas rock carvings
• Tibet Museum
• How to travel to Lhasa
• Restaurants
• Shopping in Lhasa
• Recommended tours

LHASA GEOGRAPHY

Lhasa is the capital city of the Tibet Autonomous Region, and it serves as the center of Tibetan politics, economy, culture, and religion. It is located on the North Bank of the Lhasa River (Kyichu River), which is a tributary of the Yarlung Tsangpo ( Brahmaputra River ).

The capital dates back more than 1,300 years. It was founded in 633 A.D. under the leadership of King Songtsen Gampo. The area of the city covers 32 square km and the population is about 300,000 people.

Need directions and more ideas? Please, contact us and we will help you to find these and other great places worth visiting!

LHASA ALTITUDE

Lhasa stands at 3,656 meters/ 11,995 feet above sea level . It is the highest capital city in the world! Lhasa is 16 meters higher than La Paz, the government seat of Bolivia. The next highest capital is Quito in Ecuador at an elevation of 2,850 meters.

Such high elevation means that the oxygen level in the air is lower compared to the sea level. That’s why it usually takes a few days to fully adjust to the lower oxygen level at that elevation.

The good news is that it is relatively easy for most visitors to acclimatize to Lhasa altitude. Because of that, Lhasa is a great starting point for a tour in Tibet.  After a couple of days in Lhasa, you are ready to visit higher areas of Tibet.

In the first couple of days in Lhasa, many travelers experience mild symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headache and shortness of breath especially when walking fast or climbing stairs. It is normal and usually goes away naturally. If you experience more severe symptoms, contact your guide who always has oxygen.

ALTITUDE IN TIBET

7 TIPS TO ACCLIMATIZE TO HIGH ALTITUDE

Is it safe to travel in lhasa.

Traveling to Lhasa is safe for tourists. As the cultural and spiritual heart of Tibet, Lhasa is a city that welcomes many visitors every year, offering a unique experience.

To visit Lhasa, foreign travelers need to arrange their tours through a registered travel agency . The travel agency applies for all necessary travel permits and arranges a licensed local tour guide. This ensures that all travelers can explore Lhasa with a knowledgeable guide and enhances safety and the overall travel experience within the city.

Lhasa’s elevation of about 3,656 meters (11,995 feet) means that visitors need to be mindful of altitude sickness. Acclimatizing to the high elevation, staying hydrated, and monitoring for symptoms of altitude sickness are crucial for a comfortable stay. Lhasa has many medical facilities, making it easy for travelers to seek assistance if needed.

In short, Lhasa is a safe and welcoming destination for tourists , offering cultural and historical experiences, as well as religious and spiritual exploration. With the right preparations for high altitude and the guidance of experienced local guides, your tour to Lhasa will be a safe and memorable experience.

MAIN ATTRACTIONS IN LHASA

POTALA PALACE

The Potala Palace is probably the most well-known attraction in all Tibet. The images are featured in guidebooks and even 50 Yuan bills. It is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The distinct architecture and unique atmosphere combined with ancient artifacts displayed inside impress its visitors.

To enjoy the spectacular view of the Potala, we recommend going up the hill in front of it. After taking photos of the palace, come down and walk towards the main gate of the city. After that, you can join Tibetans walking around Potala Palace in a clockwise direction, spinning prayer wheels to send thousands of prayers.

JOKHANG TEMPLE

The Jokhang temple is one of the most important religious sites in Tibet since its housing the statue from the time when Shakyamuni Buddha lived.

The main building of the temple is four floors high. All the buildings in the center of Lhasa cannot be higher than four floors. That allows everyone to see the golden roof of Jokhang from the roofs of all other buildings in Old Town. Jokhang is recognized as the World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.

The most important statue in the temple is more than 2,500 years old and it was consecrated by the Buddha himself.

SERA MONASTERY

Sera monastery is one of the largest and oldest monasteries in Lhasa. It is one of the three great Gelug monasteries in Lhasa, along with Drepung and Ganden.

Before the cultural revolution, more than 5,000 monks lived in Sera monastery. Even though only a few hundred monks live there now, it remains one of the most important monastic centers.

DREPUNG MONASTERY

Drepung monastery was the residence of the Dalai Lamas before the construction of Potala Palace was completed. It is the largest monastery in Tibet.

During the time when Buddhism was thriving in Tibet, up to ten thousand monks were living in the monastery.  Although there are a lot fewer monks living there now (around 600), modern-day Drepung still shows the signs of its previous glory.

NECHUNG ORACLE TEMPLE

Nechung Oracle is a State oracle in Tibet. The Oracle assists the Dalai Lama in making important decisions. Nechung Oracle was guiding the search of the Dalai Lama’s and Panchen Lama’s reincarnations. He is also the head of the Nechung Temple in Tibet.

Nechung Temple is located about 1 km away from Drepung. It is best to visit it during a one-day tour to both Drepung and Nechung.

NORBULINGKA

Norbulingka is the summer residence of the Dalai Lamas. UNESCO included Norbulingka in its World Heritage list.

The name Norbulingka means “Jewel Park” or “Treasure Park” in Tibetan. The complex is different from most of the monasteries that you see in Tibet. It is located in a large park with many trees and flowers, and a lake. There are several palaces in the park, with the 14th Dalai Lama Palace being the most interesting.

Norbulingka is very popular during the Shoton festival when Tibetans have picnics in the park and artists’ troops perform operas.

ANI TSAMKHONG NUNNERY

Ani Tsamkhong Nunnery is the largest nunnery in Lhasa, the only one nunnery in the Old Town, and the most active one.

There are over 100 nuns living there today. Their main duty is to conduct rituals, primarily dedicated to Avalokiteshvara and Tara. In addition to the nunnery, nuns are running a tea house and a traditional Tibetan hospital.

There are many variations of spelling the name of the nunnery, including Ani Tsankhung and Ani Sangkung.

Pabonka Hermitage is one of the oldest monasteries in Lhasa, dating back to the 7 century. Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo meditated there before the construction of the Jokhang temple. However, it is lesser-known and tourists rarely visit it. It makes it a great off-the-beaten-path destination in Lhasa. Pabongka Hermitage will be interesting for meditators and people curious about Tibetan history and Buddhism.

Visiting the monastery can make a great day trip outside of Lhasa. You can combine it with visiting a nearby nunnery. It will be a good trekking practice if you are going on a longer trek afterward.

RAMOCHE TEMPLE

Ramoche Temple is one of the oldest religious Temples in Lhasa. Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo built it in the 7th century at the same time as Jokhang Temple. The temple houses the statue of the Jowo Mikyo Dorje, representing the Present Buddha at the age of 8.

Originally, the Ramoche temple was built to house the Jowo Shakyamuni statue that you can now see in Jokhang. After Songtsen Gampo’s death, Tibetans moved the statue of Jowo Mikyo Dorje to the Ramoche. Since that time Jokhang houses the Jowo Shakyamuni statue depicting Buddha at the age of 12. Ramoche is very popular with local visitors and pilgrims from all over Tibet.

THOUSAND BUDDHAS ROCK CARVINGS

Buddha Rock Carving is called Sangye Dhongku in Tibetan. It is one of the city’s hidden gems, a lovely collection of painted rock carvings centered around a huge image of Tsepakme (Buddha of Longevity). To the right from the carvings, there is a beautiful stupa built entirely of carved mani stones. Mani stones are rocks painted with various Buddhist mantras.

To find the carvings, join Tibetans walking the long kora or lingkor around Potala Palace.

TIBET MUSEUM

Tibet Museum reopened in 2022 after a few years of extensive renovation. The museum is located near Norbulingka Park within a walking distance from Potala Palace and features a view of the Potala Palace from its rooftop.

The museum has a collection of over 2,500 items on display, ranging from pre-historic times to modern days. There are many stands with videos and interactive displays making a visit interesting for all ages.

Learn about the history, culture, Tibetan traditional costumes, religion, power and status items, and more.

WEATHER IN LHASA

Don’t let the high altitude of Lhasa ( 3,650 meters / 11,995 feet ) scare you. Because of 3000 hours of sunshine annually , visitors enjoy nice weather in Lhasa almost in any season.

As everywhere in Tibet, there is a big difference between day and night temperatures. Even in summer, mornings and evenings can be chilly, and during the daytime, it can get hot. 

Winters are also not as cold as you might expect. Daytime temperatures are quite comfortable, around +10°C (50°F), and rarely go below freezing.

The rainy season in Tibet is from the end of June until the end of August – the beginning of September. It usually rains at night and can be cloudy during the daytime. Because winter is a dry season, snow is very rare in Lhasa and most Tibetans meet it with excitement. 

The most popular time to visit Lhasa is between April and the middle of October , with most tourists coming in summer and during large holidays. 

If you plan to visit in winter, you will see more of the traditional life in Lhasa with fewer tourists and more time to explore places without crowds. In winter many pilgrims visit Lhasa to prepare for the Tibetan New Year and buy all necessary supplies.

LHASA WEATHER

Find the best time to visit Lhasa, recommended tours, and what to wear. Also: temperatures, rainfall, wind speed, and amount of sunshine for every month

WEATHER IN TIBET

BEST TIME TO VISIT TIBET

How to get to lhasa.

As a capital city in Tibet and a center of the economic, religious, and cultural life of the region, Lhasa also serves as the main transportation hub. Travelers can arrive in Lhasa via a modern airport, train station, or by driving there. All of these means of transportation have their advantages and drawbacks.

TRAVEL TO LHASA BY AIR

The Lhasa Gonggar Airport is 62 km/ 39 miles outside of the city, and it takes about 1 hour to travel from the airport, and Lhasa Old Town. It is one of the highest airports in the world surrounded by mountains reaching over 6,000 m/ 20,000 ft. There are many domestic flights connecting Tibet with all major Chinese cities. International flights connect Lhasa with Nepal’s capital Kathmandu. These domestic and international flights offer safe, fast, and efficient services.

TRAVEL TO LHASA BY TRAIN

There is a train station in Lhasa, connecting it to many of the cities in China and Tibetan cities, such as Shigatse. In addition, the newly opened line connects Lhasa and Nyingchi in Eastern Tibet. Taking a train to Lhasa is a great way to see stunning landscape views along the way and experience culture. Please note, that due to the high demand train tickets are often very difficult to get, especially the most comfortable soft sleeper, and you have to book them in advance, as soon as they become available.

TRAVEL TO LHASA OVERLAND

There are many recently built roads and highways connecting Lhasa with Qinghai, Sichuan, Yunnan, Xinjiang, and Nepal.

The most popular routes are:

• from Chengdu following Southern or Northern routes
• from Xining
• from Kathmandu via the Gyirong border and Everest base camp

All these tours require traveling for several days with some long days in a car. Also, because of the travel regulations in Tibet and strict requirements for travel vehicles, overland tours are a lot more expensive than traveling by train or even plane. That’s why very few travelers travel to Lhasa overland.

However, there is one great exception. A popular 7-day Lhasa to Nepal border group tour will take you from the capital of Tibet to the Himalayan range and Mount Everest Base Camp before reaching the border of Nepal. From the border, you can continue your adventure toward Kathmandu.

LHASA TO KATHMANDU OVERLAND TOUR

Join us for an unforgettable adventure on the road connecting tibet and nepal through the border in himalayas., modern day lhasa.

The oldest historical part of Lhasa – Old Town is well preserved with many buildings dating back to the 18th/ 19th centuries and some temples dating back to the 7th and 8th centuries. Even newly built buildings are designed to fit well in the overall look of the city. Their architecture resembles traditional Tibetan style and they are no more than 4-5 floors high not to block the view of the golden roofs of the most important temples: Jokhang and Ramoche .

Lhasa is becoming a thriving and prosperous city, with a growing amount of successful new businesses. These businesses include hydroelectric power stations, leather fanning plants, thermal power stations, cement works, agriculture machinery plants, machine repair plants, a film dubbing studio, vehicle repair shops, grain and oil processing factories, etc.

At the same time, cultural, educational, and modern sanitation services and facilities are also being developed. There are recently established Tibet University, Polytechnic schools, Hospitals, and Cultural Organisations.

Certainly,  Lhasa is a beautiful city with a rich history and friendly people. No wonder it attracts numerous tourists from all over Tibet and around the world.

HOTELS IN LHASA

There are many hotels scattered around Lhasa catering to travelers with all kinds of interests, needs, and budgets. For most travelers, we recommend staying in the Old Town, the central part of Lhasa, or within walking distance from it. In that way, you will be close to many stores and restaurants and can enjoy evening strolls in the city without having to travel far.

The hotels in the Old Town include all modern-day amenities. You can stay in the 18th-century old building and still enjoy your hot shower in the morning.

There are different levels of comfort, including 3, and 5-star hotel options. Some hotels offer familiar Western designs, while several hotels showcase eye-catching Tibetan styles.

We highly recommend staying in Tibetan-owned hotels to support local businesses. In Lhasa, there are many great options to choose from!

RESTAURANTS IN LHASA

There are many dining options in Lhasa. Tibetans usually go to various tea houses. These simple eateries serve traditional Tibetan tea: sweet milk tea and Tibetan butter tea and traditional dishes, such as momos (Tibetan dumplings), meat or vegetable noodles, rice dishes, and vegetables.

In addition to tea houses, you will find many restaurants. The restaurants offer a variety of different cuisines, ranging from traditional Tibetan to Indian, Nepalese, and Western. Many Tibetan-owned restaurants serve great quality food. The most famous restaurants are Family Kitchen, Lhasa Kitchen, Om Pizza, Summit Cafe for coffee and breakfast, Dunya Restaurant, and many others. Please, check the article below for an in-depth review of the best restaurants in Lhasa.

FOOD IN TIBET

TEA HOUSES IN LHASA

Shopping in lhasa.

You can find stores selling both traditional Tibetan handicrafts, as well as all the necessary clothing and equipment for your trip. Food is available in small stores everywhere throughout Lhasa and in supermarkets.

If you are staying in the Old Town, walk to the Times Square shopping center , where you can find a supermarket on the lower level with all necessities, and more stores and small cafes on all other levels.

Although Barkhor Street seems to be the first choice for souvenir shopping, we advise you to avoid it. Instead, ask your guide to show you a Barkhor Supermarket, where many Tibetan sellers offer various traditional clothes, souvenirs, and religious items for a fair price. Remember to bargain.

For Tibetan-made handicrafts, head to the Dropenling store near the Muslim quarter of the Old Town. They have a unique collection of beautiful and high-quality toys, leather goods, jewelry, rugs, and many other items.

WHAT TO BUY IN TIBET

Suggested lhasa tours.

4 DAYS LHASA TOUR

5 DAYS LHASA SIGHTSEEING

5 DAYS LHASA SURROUNDINGS

5 DAYS LHASA AND NATURAL WONDERS

6 DAYS TIBET HIGHLIGHTS

LHASA DAY TOURS

Recommended group tours.

8 DAYS LHASA TO EVEREST TOUR

A beautiful and exciting journey, starting in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, and going to the Everest Base Camp. The tour visits Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera, Drepung, and Tashilhunpo monasteries, Kumbum Stupa, Yamdrok Lake, and Karola glaciers.

Both group and private tours are available

15 DAYS MOUNT KAILASH GROUP TOUR

One of our most popular group tours starts in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, and goes to Mount Kailash for a three-day trek around this sacred mountain. During this tour, we visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Yamdrok Lake, Gyantse monastery and Kumbum stupa, Mount Everest, lake Manasarovar, Mount Kailash, and much more.

7 DAYS LHASA TO KATHMANDU TOUR

This tour starts in Lhasa. We will stay there for 2 days to explore the capital and acclimatize. After that, we will head to the center of attraction in the Himalayas – Mount Everest. We will spend a night by the highest mountain on the planet and continue driving through majestic mountain ranges, alongside rivers and waterfalls to the border between Tibet and Nepal.

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• WORLD HERITAGE

Discover Tibet's Breathtaking Palace in the Clouds

Potala Palace is one of the most well-known spiritual sanctums in the world.

At 12,139 feet above sea level, Potala is the highest palace in the world. The 1,300-year-old structure was originally built as a gesture of love, commissioned by Tibetan king Songtsen Gambo for his marriage to Princess Wencheng of the Chinese Tang Dynasty. Eventually monks came to rule Tibet and the palace was expanded and converted into the winter residence for the Dalai Lama . But when the Dalai Lama was exiled to India in 1959, the Chinese government took over and made the grounds into a museum.

Still, the Potala Palace remains an iconic part of the region and a mecca for Buddhists around the world. The name Potala is a nod to a sacred mountain in India , where the Buddha of compassion is said to dwell. Year-round, thousands of religious pilgrims circle the perimeter of the palace with prayer wheels and beads to ask for blessing. Many have traveled thousands of miles by foot just to pay their respects.

Related: 21 Photos of China's Breathtaking World Heritage Sites

With more than a thousand rooms, 10,000 painted scrolls, 698 murals, and thousands of exquisite statues made from precious alloys and jewels, the structure has become one of the most famous spiritual sanctums in the world. Inside are the tombs of eight Dalai Lamas, hundreds of sacred Buddhist scrolls, and numerous shrines. Butter lamps light the hallways and watchful monks are stationed in nearly every public room to ensure that decorum is maintained.

The building is divided into two sections—the Red Palace and the White Palace. The former serves as the religious section and the latter as the administrative area. They are literally colored red and white; a fresh coat of paint made up of milk, honey, and sugar is applied every autumn.

The Potala Palace was named a World Heritage site in 1994 by UNESCO, and the neighboring Jokhang Temple and Norbulingka and were added on as extensions in 2000 and 2001, respectively. The Jokhang Temple is considered the most sacred temple in Tibet and the Norbulingka was the former summer residence of the Dalai Lama. All three structures are outstanding embodiments of Tibetan culture and despite waves of natural and human-induced damage, they are international icons that have remained spiritually relevant and intact over the centuries.

HOW TO GET THERE

Fly into the Lhasa Gonggar Airport or take a train into the city. Visitors must obtain a Tibet Tourism Bureau permit through a local tour agency in advance (allow up to 14 days) to enter Tibet by plane or train.

HOW TO VISIT

All visitors must visit the Potala Palace with a tour group. Groups are allocated an hour inside the premises and photos are not allowed. While the palace and its adjacent temples are very much tourist attractions, many of the guests are Tibetan pilgrims who have come to the sacred sites to pray.

WHEN TO VISIT

As one of the highest cities in the world, Lhasa can get quite frosty during the winter. Summer is the best time to visit. June to August is peak tourist season.

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Lhasa Travel Guide - Attractions, Hotels, Transfer

Latest Tibet Travel News (updated on May 25, 2022):

⑴. Lhasa-Nyingchi High-speed Railway is under operation now, making the journey between Lhasa and Nyingchi as short as 3.5 hours. Check detailed Lhasa to Nyingchi Train Schedule >>

⑵.Thanks to the successful control of the COVID-19 pandemic in Tibet and other regions of China, Tibet has opened to expats living in China since May. Now it’s safe and convenient to travel to Tibet with our firsthand travel information and worry-free tour packages.

● Places Opened: Lhasa and surrounding areas (Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Namtso Lake...); Gyantse (Palcho Monastery, Gyantse Dzong); Shigatse (Tashilumpo Monastery, Sakya Monastery); Mount Everest , Mount Kailash, etc.

● Requirements: Your passport and Chinese visa, proofs of work and you haven’t been out of China since you entered China for more than 90 days from your company, screenshot of local healthy green code, Nucleic acid test within 7 days (you need to provide one when apply for the permit and another one when you enter), Tibet Travel Permit (we will obtain for you).

The holy land Tibet is waiting for you! Contact us to start your Tibet tour now ! Early birds get better price!!

A glimpse of the holy city Lhasa

Lhasa, literally means the Place of the Gods, is hidden deep in the spectacular Himalayan Mountains (altitude: 3,700 meters). It is a treasure trove of brilliant palaces, monasteries and temples. The symbol of Tibet, the dominating red and white Potala Palace is the first sight you will see when you enter the holy city Lhasa. For Tibetan people, Lhasa is the holiest city in the world. Every day, travelers and locals rub shoulders on the exotic Barkhor Street to walk the scared “kora”. Jokhang Temple, the spiritual center of Tibet, keeps the most important treasure of Tibet - Jowo Rinpoche, the life-sized (5 foot/1.5m) image of the Shakyamuni at the age of 12 which was said to be created according to the description of the wet nurse of Shakyamuni. Lhasa also has several the most infuluential monasteries in Tibet - Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, Ganden Monastery, Tsurphu Monastery, etc.

Lhasa, the tourist distributing center of Tibet

Today Lhasa has become the Must-visit destination for travelers because it is the essence of Tibet, the perfect place to experience the best culture of Tibet. Travelers usually stay a couple of days in the city for a short Tibet trip, or start their longer Tibet adventures from Lhasa to Gyantse, Shigatse, Mount Everest, Mount Kailash, etc.

• How to Plan Lhasa Tour
• Top Lhasa Attractions

Potala Palace

Namtso lake.

• Norblingka Park

Barkhor Street

Jokhang temple, sera monastery, drepung monastery.

• Zongjiao Lukang Park

Ganden Monastery

Reting monastery, nyemo tunba.

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Top lhasa attractions and activities.

The holy city Lhasa is famous for its beautiful landscapes, thousand-years-old history, unique Tibeatan culture, sunshine & blue sky and friendly local people. The most outstanding highlight is its magnificent palace and temples, such as the famous Polata Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, and Norbulingka. The miraculous and beautiful Namtso Lake is about half-day driving from the city. Besides the diverse cultural and scenic sights, you will also have chance to explore authentic Tibetan culture, such as Tibet food cooking, Princess Wenchen Show, etc. Basically you can spend about 2~3 days to visiti all thse famous attractions in Lhasa. Check all Lhasa attractions and all Lhasa activities .

Type : Architecture, Religion

Altitude : 3,700 meters

Best time to visit : April to October

Only the given words cannot form the real Potala Palace. It's not only the center of Lhasa, the house of treasure, or the winter palace of Dalai Lama, but also the start of your Tibet Travel, an essential part of your life journey.

Type : Hiking & Photograph

Altitude : 4,718 meters

Best time to visit : June to September

Literally meaning Heavenly Lake, Namtso Lake is really worthy of its name. With shimmering turquoise-like blue water and flying colorful prayer flags, Namtso Lake attracts plentiful photographers...

Type : Religious Sites, Historical Sites

Altitude : 3,650 meters

The 1,300-year-old Jokhang Temple is the spiritual center of Lhasa permeated with intense incense. The life-sized statue of the Shakyamuni at the age of 12 is worshiped in the main hall.

Known as a popular circumambulation and souvenir shopping site, Barkhor Street is busy with pilgrims and tourists. In this saint road, you can feel the strong Buddhist belief.

Type : Religious Sites, Architectural Buildings

Altitude : 3800 meters

In the meaning of happiness and contentedness in Tibetan, Ganden Monastery is one of the three greatest monasteries featured in cultural relics, orderly architectures, Butter Lamp Festival etc.

Type : Live Stage Night Show

Best time to visit : Late April to early October

Princess Wencheng Drama is a huge outdoor live performance. It is a widely circulated legendary epic, revivifying an original look of Tang Dynasty and Ancient Tibet by integration of drama, music, dance and modern choreography.

Norbulingka

Type : Architecture & Culture

The pleasant Norbulingka Park contains several palaces, chapels as well as colorful flowers. It is the former summer residence of Dalai Lamas. Many festival will be celebrated here, including Losar Festival, Lantern Festival, Shoton Festival etc.

Altitude : 3,800 meters

Listed in the three greatest monasteries, it once was the residence for Dalai Lamas before Potala Palace and now is a famous Buddhist school. In Shoton Festival, a huge Thangka Buddha painting will be shown on in Drepung Monastery.

Also one of the three greatest monasteries, Sera Monastery is mostly famous for Buddhism debating which a spectacular way of discussing the Buddhist knowledge, which makes it as a must-see in Tibet. The Buddhist halls are amazing as well.

Type : Tibetan Village, Cultural Site

Altitude : 3,809 meters

Featuring the origin of Tibetan Incense, Nyemo Tunba, a small village siting aside of 318 National highway, offers you a typical experience to discover the handcrafted procedure of fragrance incense making.

Type : Religious Temple, Historical Site

Altitude : 4,150 meters

Reting Monastery is a historically important Buddhist monastery. It has a ruined dzong which is overlooked by a mountain of near-perfect conical proportions. During special festivals, kinds of activities are taken place lively.

Tibet Cooking Experience

Type : Cooking Experience

Altitude : 3650 meters

Best time to visit : All year around

Tasting delicious Tibetan food is not enough, and taking part in the cooking class will leave you a more unforgettable experience. Tibetan Family Kitchen offers a cooking class, also a food culture trip. It begins at 16:30pm and ends at 18:30pm usually.

Useful Lhasa Travel Notes

• 1. How to Plan Lhasa Travel 1) choose a gateway city to take a flight or train to Lhasa. Chengdu, Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Xining are most popular gateway cities with tourists; 2) decide your travel length in Lhasa. Usually, the classic Lhasa city tour needs at least 4 days - two full days visit to the most famous sites, such as Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery.. and two days for arrival, departure and free-time activities. If you have more days, you can go to add a local family visit (1 day), or go to explore Namtso Lake (1 or 2 days). If you want to travel to Mount Everest, you have to add 3 or 4 days.
• 2. Tibet Permits for Lhasa Travel To visit Lhasa, including nearby towns and attractions, such as Namtso Lake, Ganden Monastery, you only need to obtain Tibet Travel Permit (Tibet Entry Permit). Other permits, like Alien Travel Permit, Border Permit and Military Permit are not required. Tibet Entry Permit, issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau, is the most important one which has to be obtained before your trip because you must have it to take your flight/train to Tibet. To get the permit, you have to book a Tibet tour with us, and send us your passport and Chinese visa about 20 days in advance, and then let us apply for the permit (all Tibet permits can only be applied by travel agency).
• 3. Acclimatize Yourself to High Altitudes of Lhasa. The average altitude of Lhasa city is around 3700 meters. You may suffer slightly from high altitude sickness in the first two days, but don't worry you can acclimatize yourself gradually - 1) go for some leisure walking to acclimate the high altitude but avoid strenuous activity after arrival; 2) you’d better not have bath, in case of catching a cold; 3) drink more water, and have some fruit; 4) have a good rest.
• 4. Packing and Wearing Ideas for Lhasa Travel Firstly you can’t forget your passport and Chinese Visa. A large backpack and a smaller one are recommended (the smaller one can be used for daily activities). Also bring the necessary medicine you need. Other stuffs like sunglasses, snow glasses, hats, lip balm, sun block are recommended. As for wearing, you are suggested to dress in layers (both thin and thick jackets). Down jacket is necessary in Spring and Autumn. A pair of durable and comfortable shoes is necessary.

Most Recommended Lhasa Tour Packages

Following are some other recommended Lhasa tour packages that you may be interested in. All of our Tibet tour packages are customizable to meet your personal requirements. You can also contact us to customize a trip if you want.

4 Days Lhasa City Private Tour - Heart of Tibet

Potala Palace, Barkhor Street, Sera Monastery

4 Days Best of Holy City Lhasa Group Tour

Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Drepung Monastery

Lhasa / Namtso / Lhasa

6 Days Holy Lake Namtso In-depth Private Tour

Potala Palace, Barkhor Street, Sera Monastery, Namtso Lake

5 Days Lhasa Highlights & Holy Lake Namtso Tour

Lhasa city and suburb

5 Days Lhasa & Local Life Discovery Tour

Potala Palace, Barkhor Street, Norbulingka Park, Tibetan Family Visiting

Lhasa / Yamdrok Lake / Lhasa

5 Days Best of Lhasa & Beautiful Yamdrok Lake Tour

Highlights: Potala Palace, Barkhor Street, Sera Monastery, Yamdrok Lake

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• Top 10 Lhasa Travel Tips
• Tibet Travel Tips
• November 30, 2016 December 13, 2016

Lhasa is both the holy city and gateway city in Tibet. As the largest and most important city in Tibet, Lhasa attracts numerous domestic and foreign tourists each year. You may want to know more information before arrival, here we collect the Top 10 Lhasa Travel Tips  useful for you. Hope they will help you have an easy and pleasant Lhasa tour.

• Choose a local experienced travel agency

We understand as your first visit to Tibet, you have lots of questions and concerns. So it is important for you to choose a well-experienced local travel agency which can help you solve all problems. As a Lhasa-based Tibet travel agency operating for more than 10 years, we provide all kinds of Tibet travel services such as Tibet travel permits, hotels, tour guides, drivers, and etc. You can save much time and energy by choosing a reputable travel agency like us.

• Book online and find suitable departure time

Thanks to the Internet, things become easy and quick when you choose a Tibetan travel agency. You should read all the details about Tibet travel itineraries and services (included & excluded) in the agency’s website. For lower budget, you may consider group tours which contains 8-12 people. After you decide the places you want to visit in Tibet, find the suitable departure time and send the request. Things can be done very easily!

• Visit the must-see attractions in Lhasa

Now you have done all the preparation work and finally arrive Lhasa. Congratulation! After one or two days for acclimation, Lhasa is waiting for you to explore. Here we suggest you visit Top 3 must-see attractions in Lhasa: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street. Actually, they are close to each other, so you can finish visiting all of them in one day. Remember to obey every rule in Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple. And show respect to pilgrims when you see them. Do not take photos closely and ask for their permission first.

• Buy some local Tibetan handicrafts

Barkhor Street is a window of Tibetan local life and you can find many quality commodities here. However, since more and more vendors joining in the bazaar, you may feel a little confused of what to buy and what price is suitable. Thus, you should take time and choose carefully before making the decision. What’s more, remember to bargain with local vendors because they may raise the price at 30% to 40%.

• Try local restaurants and tea houses

You cannot miss eating the local food and drink in Lhasa. As the capital city in Tibet, Lhasa has the most options of local Tibetan restaurants. You can look up the websites for popular Lhasa restaurants and we also give a list of Top 5 Lhasa restaurants for your referral. Tea House is special in Tibet. Local people like to chat with friends inside and enjoy the leisure time together. Take a free afternoon and join in them. You will feel very relaxed and be attracted to the atmosphere.

• Visit two big Gelug monasteries near Lhasa

There are two big Gelug monasteries near Lhasa worth seeing: Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery. Drepung Monastery locates in the northwest of Lhasa city. It was founded in 1416 by Tashi Palden, Tsong Khapa’s main disciple. As the largest monastery in Tibet, there were 10,000 monks on its peak time. Sera Monastery is at the north of Lhasa. It is famous for the debating among monks. From Monday to Saturday 3 pm, monks get together and discuss questions about Buddhist scriptures. The scene is quite impressive for tourists.

• Yamdrok Lake and Namtso Lake Sightseeing

Yamdrok Lake and Namtso Lake are two holy lakes in Tibet which are not far from Lhasa. After a few days of city-tours in Lhasa. You may consider go to see the natural beauty. We suggest you take one or two days exploring the lakes. The crystal blue water will let you forget everything. Also, you can take really great photos. Considering the relatively high elevation, you had better bring some warm clothes and AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness).

• Enjoy cultural performance at night

Tibet is the home of dance and sing. So there are many cultural performances in Lhasa. You can choose what you want and book the tickets for the great show. Here we recommend Princess Wencheng Cultural Performance because it tells the great history of Songtsen Gampo and Princess Wencheng in Tang Dynasty. The stage is set on the mountains outside and it blends perfectly with the nature. The story of Songtsen Gampo and Princess Wencheng is touching and both of them have high status in local people’s hearts.

• Prevent the sunlight when you are outside

Due to the plateau environment, Lhasa is a city full of sunlight in the daytime. So it also has a name of Sunlight City. Thus, you should prevent the strong sunlight. Sunscreen cream are hat are necessary when you are outside. Also, you may wear lip balm because of the dryness.

• Take photos on the top of Chakpori Hill (Yaowang Hill)

Located opposite to Potala Palace, Chakpori Hill is the ideal place to shoot pictures of Potala Palace and the entire Lhasa city. Many professional photographers wait for the first sunlight to capture the beauty of Potala Palace on the hill. So prepare your camera and take the best photos.

If you want more Tibet travel information, please contact our local Tibet travel agency .

Also, you can follow our Tibet Travel Blog to get the latest Tibet travel news and permit policies.

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One Trip, Five Tips: Visiting Lhasa, Tibet

Venture to Lhasa, where a once-isolated Himalayan Shangri-La today beckons travelers to a mystical, if fast-modernizing, world, marked by Tibet's distinct "otherness." It's here travelers are able to visit ancient and well-used Tibetan Buddhist temples and shrines, colossal cloud-cradled peaks, and a remarkably resilient, devout people.

Yes, the rewards here are rich, despite the region's political sensitivities in the face of some 65 years of Chinese occupation. Consequently, travel to Tibet is strictly controlled for foreign visitors, requiring special permits and participation in pre-booked guided tours, so entrust your journey to an established inbound China tour operator (try Viking River Cruises or Abercrombie & Kent ).

Most visitors will find their introduction to Tibet in its traditional spiritual and political capital of Lhasa (elevation: 11,975'), where these five attractions are the stars:

POTALA PALACE

The historic seat of Tibetan theocracy, this imposing 17th-century hilltop citadel lords above Lhasa as an awe-inspiring monument to what was. Once the palatial dwelling of Dalai Lamas of yore (Tibet's spiritual/political leaders, believed to be embodied bodhisattvas), the massive 13-story, 1,000-plus room complex today functions as little more than a state museum. (Sadly, for sympathizers, the current Dalai Lama is notably absent here, in exile from Tibet since 1959.) Those that ascend will encounter preserved living quarters and reception rooms; centuries-old shrines and ceremonial halls brimming with exquisite religious statuary and iconography; and most mystical of all: the sacred, otherworldly Red Palace, filled with gilded and bejeweled stupas containing the mummified tombs of Tibet's past Dalai Lamas.

THE BARKHOR

This wide, pedestrianized route runs round and round the walls of the Jokhang Temple, marking the most important kora for Tibetan Buddhists. Join the steady clockwise crush of devotees to absorb one of the most captivating scenes in Tibet, a blissful montage of energetic prostrations and spinning prayer wheels, illustrated by an assortment of Tibetan pilgrims oozing religious aura—monks, nomads, children, and more—many of whom come costumed in colorful, traditional garb and ornamentation. Follow the sacred circuit, ducking into the tiny temples en route and admiring the white-washed, traditional Tibetan architecture overhead. After a go-around or two, consider circling again, this time with souvenir shopping in mind. The route comes lined with stalls selling haggle-ready trinkets galore: religious items like prayer beads and flags, wall decor, handmade silver jewelry, and much more.

Jokhang Temple

JOKHANG TEMPLE

The spiritual heart of Tibet and a revered point of Tibetan Buddhist pilgrimage, few places in the world present such tangible evidence of faith as the nearly 1,400-year-old Jokhang Temple. From morning through night, pilgrims prostrate at the temple entrance, and rub shoulders as they circulate the labyrinthine interior network of shrines and prayer rooms. It is a timeless ritual and feast for the senses; visitors soak up the sacred imagery, spin prayer wheels, make offerings, light yak butter candles, listen to monks chant, and breathe the air thick with incense. Ancient murals, statues, and tapestries abound, but none is so venerated as the gilded statue of the five-foot-high Jowo Rinpoche, depicting a youthful Buddha. Above, the temple's golden rooftop proposes sweeping panoramas over Lhasa and the surrounding snowcapped peaks.

TIBET MUSEUM

If you can look past the blatant Chinese propaganda putting forth a painfully one-sided account of Tibetan history, The Tibet Museum —inaugurated in 1999, not far from the Potala Palace—is a worthwhile stop to get an up-close view of some of Tibet's historical and cultural artifacts and artworks, dating back to Neolithic times. Explore rooms dedicated to rare Tibetan musical instruments, theatrical traditions, manuscripts, sculpture, folk costumes, and perhaps most impressively, thangka painting and arts, a form of Tibetan sacred art.

Sera Monastery

SERA MONASTERY

Founded in 1419 by a disciple of Tsongkhapa, this 600-year-old Gelugpa monastery, once a bustling enclave for some 5,000 monks, today counts just about a tenth of that number in residency; it's a trend that is, sadly, consistent in monasteries and nunneries throughout Tibet. Home to a trio of colleges (including one for tantric studies), visitors can explore the large assembly hall with its murals and icons, view sand mandalas, and pick up hand-printed prayer books and banners in the monk-run shop. Time your visit to coincide with the animated philosophical debates, held in the courtyard fronting the assembly hall on weekday afternoons. A chance for monks to exhibit their scholarship, these lively and surprisingly physical exams come marked by emphatic hand gestures and foot stomping.

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Lhasa Attractions

On the way from the Gongkar Airport to Lhasa, you will see a simple but attractive temple north of the highway. A little east of the temple is a giant carved Buddha, Nietang Buddha. The Buddha is a big draw for visitors before they enter the downtown. Everyone wants their photo taken here with the Buddha. Surely every traveler must visit the Potala Palace during their visit. This palace is sacred in Tibetan people's hearts. Before entering the palace you must show your identification card or passport (in the case of foreign visitors). The entrance ticket should be bought beforehand and for non-Tibetan visitors it costs CNY 100 (Nov.1-Apr.30). Another must-see attraction is the Jokhang Temple. It is surrounded by Barkhor Street in the center of Lhasa. Being the spiritual center of the holy land, the temple is richly decorated with Tibetan features. It is where visitors can go to get a real taste of Tibetan culture.   To visit Jokhang Temple, you have to pass through Barkhor Street where you will find many local people go to chant and sing. For visitors this is also a commercial street with lots of featured local artworks and souvenirs and it bustles with visitors from many different countries. The three main monasteries in Lhasa are also not to be missed. They are Sera Monastery, Ganden Monastery and Drepung Monastery.  

We’re not taking new bookings for travel to Tibet at the moment. Our specialists can advise you on all the destinations you can currently book with us.

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Dominating the skyline with immense walls of white and ocher, the famous Potala Palace greets you as you reach the capital of Tibet. In its maze of corridors, chapels and galleries, you will discover the former living quarters of the Dalai Lama and many sacred tombs.

In the old Tibetan Quarter you can walk through the narrow streets and explore nearby Barkhor Square and the spectacular golden-roofed Jokhang, the country’s holiest temple.

Around Lhasa

A day trip into the countryside also reveals the monastic ruins and restorations of Ganden, passing monks on the way to isolated shrines and enjoying fantastic panoramas across the valley.

Start planning your tailor-made trip to Lhasa by contacting one of our Tibet specialists

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Map of lhasa, places & hotels on the map, places near lhasa.

• Tsetang 49 miles away
• Gyantse 106 miles away
• Shigatse 138 miles away
• Everest Base Camp 280 miles away
• Tingri 283 miles away

Photos of Lhasa

Accommodation choices for Lhasa

We’ve selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Lhasa. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.

Dhood Gu Hotel

St Regis Lhasa Resort

Ideas for experiencing lhasa.

Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Lhasa, and which use the best local guides.

Potala Palace Visit

The Potala Palace is an architectural wonder — a spectacular edifice whose gold roofs soar high above the town and rise more than 300 meters above the valley floor. The palace can be seen from all directions for miles around.

Sera Monastery Visit

Founded in 1419 by one of Tsongkhapa's eight disciples, Sera became famous for its Tantric teachings. The warrior monks of Sera, the ‘Dob-Dobs’, were admired as athletes but also feared.

The Dalai Lama's former Summer Palace

The Norbulingka — the Jewel Park — contains the summer palaces of the 13th and 14th Dalai Lamas and is characterized by its spacious walled garden, the main throne hall, an audience hall, the Dalai Lama's private apartment and his mother's apartment.

Walking the Ganden Kora

Walking the Kora — one of the circuits around a monastery — is a traditional way for Tibetan Buddhists to worship, and you will see pilgrims making circuit after circuit of major monastery buildings wherever you are in Tibet.

How to Plan a Tibet Tour 2024: Expert Tips

Commonly referred to as the "roof on the world", Tibet has the world's highest "castle" — the Potala Palace and the world's tallest peak — Mount Everest (altitude 8,848 meters). Tibetan Buddhism dominates the cultural landscape, and there are many Buddhist monasteries scattered across Tibet.

Content Preview

• 1. Can I Visit Tibet Now?

2. How to Get a Tibet Permit

3. it is safe to visit tibet.

• 4. Things Not to Do

5. Best Times to Travel to Tibet

• 7. Tips for Seniors and Children

8. Tibet Travel Insurance

• 9. How to Get to Tibet?

1. Can International Travelers Visit Tibet?

Yes. But please remember , independent travel is not allowed : you will need to go on an organized tour provided by a certified travel agent who will also provide your Tibet Permit.

Send us your inquiry if you would like some provisional help with planning. To ease your concerns, You enjoy 100% refund of any payments made to China Highlights prior to 3 weeks before departure ( detail⇒ ).

Updates : Travelers from visa-free countries just need to provide us with passport photos to apply for a Tibet permit if your itinerary in Tibet is less than 15 days.

Applying for a Tibet permit is a different process from getting you r China visa . Application from individuals is not accepted: it must be done through a travel agency.

Fortunately, it is easy for us to handle all the procedures and we can 99% guarantee your Tibet permit success . With our step-by-step guidance, applications are almost always successful. The procedure is as follows:

If you are from a visa-free country, just disregard this step.

No matter whether it is a group tour or a private tour.

If you are from a visa-free country, just send your passport to us.

Normally it will be posted by express mail to your pre-Tibet stop.

Except for L (Visitor/Tourist) Visa holders, you are also required to provide proof of a place at your company/school .

For expats in China , you will need to provide a work/study certificate .

Don't worry: your travel agency (we) will give you guidance in preparing all the items.

As far as personal security goes, Tibet is a safe place with a low crime rate. Even if you walk around Tibet alone in your free time, your personal security is not expected to be threatened.

When walking in the streets of Lhasa you will find lots of police stations , and armed policemen can be seen everywhere in the streets. They are normally on duty 24/7.

As a pure land with devoted Buddhist people, wherever you go a wide smile will be there to greet you.

With an average elevation of 4,500 meters (15,000 feet) above sea level, probably your biggest concern is altitude sickness in Tibet.

It is perfectly okay for ordinary people to travel to Tibet, including seniors or kids , however, it is suggested that you consult a doctor before traveling if you have a heart problem or high blood pressure.

Oxygen cylinders will be available in the vehicle for every China Highlights customer during your stay in Tibet.

You may want to read more about staying healthy in Tibet .

4. Things Not to Do When Planning a Tibet Trip

• Don't book your tour any later than 10 days before departure to ensure we have (your travel agency has) plenty of time to apply for Tibet permits.
• Don't book flights before the Tibet permit is issued, especially during this COVID-19-affected period. You might find that a Tibet Permit is required to confirm a flight booking, but your permit cannot be obtained until 2–7 days before your tour! It is better to ask a travel agent (us) to organize your flight tickets as it is easy for them (us) to handle all these problems, as well as cancel flight tickets if there is any travel ban due to COVID-19, etc.
• Don't plan your Tibet trip for March. Tibet will be closed to foreign travelers during the Tibetan New Year period, which is usually in February/March and is based on the Tibetan calendar. During this period, it is worth considering other Tibetan regions such as Qinghai , Sichuan , and Yunnan , which have many of the cultural and scenic attractions that Tibet does without access restrictions.
• Don't arrange a tight schedule in Tibet to sure your tour arrangement is as flexible as possible. You may need more time to let your body get used to the high altitude. See How Long to Spend in Tibet
• Don't make changes to your itinerary (such as pre-Lhasa city or travel destinations in Tibet) once your Tibet Entry Permit is issued, otherwise, you will need to apply for a new one! Please do tell your travel agency (us) in advance if you want to make any changes to your Tibet plan.

The weather in Tibet is largely affected by altitude . Therefore, even in the same month, the temperature in southern (low altitude) and northern (high altitude) Tibet can be very different.

Every season has its advantages and characteristics. Exploring Tibet in different months shows you different scenery and cultural activities for different travel experiences.

Spring (April to May) is best to enjoy less-crowded attractions and a favorable rate of hotels (except for the Labor Day holiday: May 1-5). The peach blossom in Nyingchi is really worth seeing.

Summer is best for seniors and kids because the air's oxygen content is higher during this period.   You can enjoy most of the sights in Tibet when nature is at its most vibrant and also experience rich festivals. Local people make their living by growing barley and raising yaks there every summer. You can take part in the work of local Tibetans . In the evening, you can cook and enjoy dinner with a local Tibetan family. While it's more crowded than other months, there are higher costs due to the higher demand for flights, trains, and hotels.

You can travel to every place in Tibet during autumn , which provides the year's best weather for hiking . The most popular trekking trails by far are the Everest Base Camp Trek and the Mount Kailash (Yatra) Trek — a famous pilgrimage route. It is also the best time to admire the breathtaking snow-capped Mount Everest when the sky is particularly blue, the air is clean and dry, and there are few clouds.

Winter is Tibetan people's leisure time and many of them choose to make a pilgrimage trip to Lhasa from their various Tibet regions. Small religious activities can be found in many corners of Lhasa. In winter, blue glaciers are an unusual and striking feature of Tibet, with ice cracks and bubbles all over the frozen lakes, the huge ice blocks appear to be a charming blue color. It is also a good time to enjoy the favorable rates of hotels. See  5-Day Tibet Winter Tour

See more on Best Times to Visit Tibet .

6. Budget for a Trip to Tibet

The budget depends on where, when, how many people, how many days, hotel class, private or group tour, transport, and other requirements you may have.

You could get the approximate price from our  8-Day Tibet Tour (based on 2 people for a private tour) for reference. The price of 8 days would be about USD 2200 per person, including private transfers in Tibet, meals, admission fees,  guiding, hotels, etc.

To make the most of your budget, you are suggested to book a few months in advance to enjoy some early booking discounts or travel with more than four people to share private tour costs.

If you have a holiday in winter, travel to Tibet in December or January to enjoy the special winter rates including discounts on hotels, airfares, and entrance tickets.

7. Tips for Traveling with Seniors and Children

• Make sure any seniors and children in your group are healthy enough to visit Tibet by consulting a doctor. Seniors with cardiovascular diseases or chronic respiratory ailments are not suggested to travel to Tibet.
• Stay in Lhasa for 2 days for acclimation before touring any wider in Tibet.
• Traveling with a wheelchair is not convenient in Tibet , as most of the attractions are located on hillsides without a chairlift or elevator, which means those in wheelchairs will miss the Potala Palace and monasteries. But it is fine to visit places with flat roads in a wheelchair, such as Barkhor Street, Jokhang Temple, and Lake Yamdrok.
• Children under 4 years old are not suggested to visit high-altitude regions in Tibet, such as Everest Base Camp (5,200 m), Mount Kailash (4,700–5,600 m), or any place over 4,500 m. Lhasa (3,800 m), Lake Yamdrok (4,000 m), and Nyingchi (3,100 m) are perfect choices for them.
• Be sure your children can well express how they are feeling to identify symptoms of altitude sickness.
• Bring some snacks for your kids , as the foods in Tibet will probably not be to their liking — most of the dishes have a heavy flavor and will be quite strange to them. However, if your children are adventurous eaters, this could work out well.
• If you are a family with 2 adults and 1 kid , your family can simply sleep in one bed if there is enough space or ask for an extra bed or cot.
• If your family has 2 adults and 2 children or more, it is better to book adjoining rooms (rooms are often connected by a door). This type of room is limited in availability and not provided in every hotel, please ask our travel advisor to choose hotels for you.

During our over 20 years of experience , we have organized Tibet tours for customers from 4 to 82 years old . Please do tell us about any special requests you have , and our professional travel advisor will solve any problems for you.

You may want to read more tips and suggestions on How to Deal with Altitude Sickness .

It is wise to get travel insurance when you travel to Tibet. Here is what you need to consider when selecting your policy:

1. It is better to get "cancellation for any reason" insurance in case of a sudden closure of Tibet (although this is not frequent, it could happen at any time). Booking with China Highlights, you enjoy free cancellation up to 22 days before departure for your Tibet tour or other China tours.

2. Check if it covers an emergency medical evacuation, which could help you quickly descend or leave Tibet if you suffer severe altitude sickness.

3. If you plan to trek in Tibet, check if your policy covers trekking in Tibet.

4. Check if your travel insurance includes medical expenses for your trip to Tibet in case you need medical services in a hospital there (due to altitude sickness).

5. Other typical air travel issues should be covered, for example, a snowstorm closing down your airport before you can board your flight to Tibet, or arriving only to find your luggage is on its way to another city…

Based on what we know from our previous customers, the most popular insurance companies are InsureMyTrip and World Nomads.

9. How to Get to Tibet? — Easiest from China

Broadly speaking, there are two ways you can enter Tibet: from China's cities or from Nepal , but the easiest way by far is from the China side.

Travel from China's cities

There are direct flights from China's major cities to Lhasa in Tibet, such as from Beijing , Shanghai , Chengdu , and Chongqing . The most frequent and reliable flights to Tibet are from Chengdu, with about eight flights per day.

Trains to Tibet depart from these cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou , Xi'an , Chongqing , Lanzhou , and Xining .

Xining is the best place to start the train journey, as it is the beginning point of the most beautiful section of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway with the shortest train journey to Lhasa (20–22 hours), compared to around 30–50 hours for further departure points.

See more details on How to Get to Tibet .

Example: the Best Way to Travel to Tibet from the U.S.

1. Book a flight from a USA city to a China city: Beijing, Shanghai, etc.

2. Spend a couple of days in your China arrival city to get over jet lag.

3. Take a flight to Chengdu , which is the best city for connecting flights to Lhasa (almost all flights to Tibet stopover in Chengdu). You could happily stay a night in Chengdu — home to China's giant pandas — and spend a day sightseeing in the city before going to Tibet.

A wonderful panda volunteer keeper program experience would be worth a day there.

4. Take a morning flight from Chengdu to Lhasa (2½ hours) so that you can have plenty of time for acclimation in the afternoon before you sleep to avoid altitude sickness effects as much as possible.

On your return journey, you could experience the Qinghai-Tibet Railway from Lhasa to Xining with beautiful scenery along the way , and then take a flight from Xining to a large city in China for the flight home.

Traveling out of Tibet by train will help you successfully get train tickets. Lhasa-Xining train tickets are five times easier to buy than Xining-Lhasa tickets! This also means you can save a lot on the ticket booking fee.

Tips: Taking a flight into Tibet is better than a train because a good sleep in a hotel in Lhasa is much more helpful to altitude acclimation than spending a night on the train.

Most passengers find it more difficult to fall asleep on the train, and tiredness makes altitude sickness more uncomfortable.

You may need information about How to deal with altitude sickness in Tibet

Travel from the Nepal Side

There are two ways into Tibet from Nepal: by flight and by road .

You should first consider issues of a China visa and Tibet Entry Permit , no matter whether you'll go by flight or road. Procedures are different from traveling from a Chinese mainland city to Tibet.

Y ou must apply for a China visa and Tibet permits in Nepal via a travel agent . Any China visa issued in your resident country will be invalid for Tibet travel. You will need to stay in Kathmandu for at least 3 working days to wait for the visa and permit.

By road, you can travel from Kathmandu to Lhasa via the Gyirong border (possibly with a convenient side tour to Mount Everest).

For more, see How to Travel from Nepal to Tibet .

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April 8, 2024 — Total Solar Eclipse — Lhasa, Tibet, China

Astronomy Note: April 8, 2024 — Total Solar Eclipse is not visible in Lhasa. See more

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