Lhasa-7-day-itinerary

7-Day Itinerary for Travelling in Lhasa

Day 1: Arrival and Acclimatization

Places to Go:

  • Potala Palace: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and former residence of the Dalai Lama. (Note: Tickets need to be booked in advance)
  • Jokhang Temple: One of the most sacred temples in Tibet, known for its beautiful architecture and vibrant atmosphere.

Activities:

  • Explore the streets of Lhasa and get accustomed to the high altitude.
  • Visit the local market to try some traditional Tibetan snacks.

Where to Eat:

  • Tashi Delek Restaurant: Serves delicious Tibetan cuisine, including momos (Tibetan dumplings) and thukpa (noodle soup).
  • Snowland Restaurant: Offers a variety of international dishes, including Indian and Nepali food.

Where to Stay:

  • Lhasa Hotel: A comfortable hotel with traditional Tibetan architecture.
  • Yak Hotel: A budget-friendly option with clean rooms and a friendly staff.

Things to Know:

  • Acclimatize to the high altitude by taking it easy on the first day.
  • Respect local customs and traditions when visiting temples and monasteries.

Day 2: Lhasa City Tour

Places to Go:

  • Norbulingka Palace: A beautiful palace with stunning gardens, once the summer residence of the Dalai Lama.
  • Sera Monastery: One of the three main monasteries in Lhasa, known for its lively debates among monks.

Activities:

  • Watch the monk debates at Sera Monastery (Monday, Wednesday, Friday).
  • Explore the Norbulingka Palace and its beautiful gardens.

Where to Eat:

  • Lhasa Kitchen: A popular restaurant serving traditional Tibetan dishes.
  • Tibetan Cafe: Offers a variety of coffee and tea options, as well as delicious pastries.

Transportation:

  • Hire a taxi or join a group tour for the day.
  • Walk or bike around the city to explore its hidden gems.

Day 3: Namtso Lake and Yangbajain Hot Springs

Places to Go:

  • Namtso Lake: One of the highest saltwater lakes in the world, surrounded by stunning scenery.
  • Yangbajain Hot Springs: A relaxing hot spring resort with beautiful views.

Activities:

  • Take a bus or hire a car to Namtso Lake (around 4 hours).
  • Soak in the natural hot springs at Yangbajain.

Where to Eat:

  • Local Tibetan Restaurants: Try some traditional dishes, such as tsampa (roasted barley flour) and butter tea.
  • Yangbajain Hot Springs Resort Restaurant: Offers a variety of Chinese and Tibetan dishes.

Tips:

  • Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and warm clothing for the high altitude.
  • Respect local customs when visiting Namtso Lake.

Day 4: Ganden Monastery and Drak Yerpa

Places to Go:

  • Ganden Monastery: One of the three main monasteries in Lhasa, known for its stunning architecture.
  • Drak Yerpa: A scenic valley with ancient Tibetan temples and hermitages.

Activities:

  • Hike up to Ganden Monastery (around 1 hour).
  • Explore the Drak Yerpa valley and its ancient temples.

Where to Eat:

  • Ganden Monastery Restaurant: Offers simple, traditional Tibetan dishes.
  • Local Snack Stalls: Try some local snacks, such as roasted corn and yak cheese.

Things to Know:

  • Respect local customs when visiting Ganden Monastery.
  • Bring comfortable hiking shoes for the Drak Yerpa hike.

Day 5: Lhasa Surroundings

Places to Go:

  • Drepung Monastery: One of the three main monasteries in Lhasa, known for its beautiful architecture.
  • Nechung Monastery: A scenic monastery with stunning views of Lhasa.

Activities:

  • Take a bus or hire a car to Drepung Monastery (around 1 hour).
  • Explore Nechung Monastery and its surroundings.

Where to Eat:

  • Drepung Monastery Restaurant: Offers simple, traditional Tibetan dishes.
  • Local Restaurants: Try some local snacks, such as momos and thukpa.

Transportation:

  • Hire a taxi or join a group tour for the day.
  • Take public transportation (bus) to Drepung Monastery.

Day 6: Shopping and Relaxation

Places to Go:

  • Barkhor Street: A lively street filled with shops, restaurants, and tea houses.
  • Ani Tsankhung Nunnery: A peaceful nunnery with beautiful gardens.

Activities:

  • Shop for souvenirs, such as Tibetan handicrafts and jewelry.
  • Relax in the Ani Tsankhung Nunnery gardens.

Where to Eat:

  • Barkhor Street Restaurants: Try some local snacks, such as tsampa and butter tea.
  • Ani Tsankhung Nunnery Restaurant: Offers simple, traditional Tibetan dishes.

Tips:

  • Bargain when shopping for souvenirs.
  • Respect local customs when visiting the Ani Tsankhung Nunnery.

Day 7: Departure

Places to Go:

  • Lhasa Airport: Depart from Lhasa and head back home.

Activities:

  • Return any rented bikes or equipment.
  • Exchange currency (if needed).

Where to Eat:

  • Airport Restaurant: Offers simple, traditional Tibetan dishes.
  • Pack Snacks: Bring some snacks for the journey ahead.

Things to Know:

  • Check-in at least 2 hours before your flight departure time.
  • Respect local customs when departing from Lhasa.

Additional Tips

  • Always respect local customs and traditions when visiting temples, monasteries, and other cultural sites.
  • Be prepared for high altitude sickness by drinking plenty of water and taking it easy on the first few days.
  • Try to learn some basic Tibetan phrases, such as “tashi delek” (hello) and “thank you”.
  • Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and warm clothing for the high altitude.
  • Bargain when shopping for souvenirs.
  • Exchange currency (if needed) before departing from Lhasa.

Transportation

  • Hire a taxi or join a group tour for the day.
  • Take public transportation (bus) to nearby attractions.
  • Rent a bike or walk around the city to explore its hidden gems.

Accommodation

  • Lhasa Hotel: A comfortable hotel with traditional Tibetan architecture.
  • Yak Hotel: A budget-friendly option with clean rooms and a friendly staff.
  • Local Guesthouses: Try staying in a local guesthouse for a more authentic experience.