Lhasa China 4 Day Itinerary

4-Day Itinerary for Travelling in Lhasa, Tibet, China

Day 1: Arrival and Acclimatization

Morning

  • Arrive at Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA) or train station
  • Take a taxi or shuttle bus to your hotel (approximately ¥20-50)
  • Check-in to your hotel and rest for a few hours to acclimatize to the high altitude

Afternoon

  • Visit the Jokhang Temple (), one of the most sacred temples in Tibet (entrance fee: ¥25, opens from 9am to 5pm)
  • Explore the surrounding streets and alleys, known as the Barkhor Circuit, where you can find local markets, tea houses, and street food

Evening

  • Have dinner at Tashi Delek Restaurant (), a popular spot for traditional Tibetan cuisine
  • Stay overnight at House of Shambhala () or similar, a comfortable hotel with a great location

Things to Know

  • Lhasa is at an altitude of 3,650 meters (12,000 ft), so it’s essential to take it easy on the first day to acclimatize
  • Tibetans are very friendly and welcoming, but be respectful of their culture and customs

Day 2: Potala Palace and Sera Monastery

Morning

  • Visit the Potala Palace (), the former residence of the Dalai Lama (entrance fee: ¥200, opens from 9am to 5pm)
  • Explore the palace’s many rooms, chapels, and shrines, including the famous Red Palace

Afternoon

  • Visit Sera Monastery (), a Gelugpa monastery known for its debating monks (entrance fee: ¥50, opens from 9am to 4pm)
  • Watch the monks debate in the courtyard, a unique Tibetan tradition

Evening

  • Have dinner at Dunya Restaurant (), which serves a mix of Tibetan and Chinese cuisine
  • Stay overnight at House of Shambhala () or similar

Tips

  • Make sure to book your Potala Palace tickets in advance, as they often sell out quickly
  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions

Day 3: Namtso Lake and Yampachen Hot Springs

Morning

  • Take a day trip to Namtso Lake (), one of the highest saltwater lakes in the world (approximately ¥200, including transportation and entrance fee)
  • Enjoy the stunning scenery and take photos with yaks and Tibetan nomads

Afternoon

  • Visit Yampachen Hot Springs (), a natural hot spring located near Namtso Lake (entrance fee: ¥50)

Evening

  • Have dinner at Tashi Delek Restaurant () again, or try Snowland Restaurant () for some western options
  • Stay overnight at House of Shambhala () or similar

Transportation

  • Hire a private car and driver for the day trip to Namtso Lake (approximately ¥800)
  • Alternatively, take a public bus from Lhasa to Namtso Lake (approximately ¥50)

Day 4: Ani Tsankhung Nunnery and Departure

Morning

  • Visit Ani Tsankhung Nunnery (), a peaceful nunnery with a beautiful garden (entrance fee: ¥20)
  • Explore the surrounding streets and alleys, where you can find local markets and street food

Afternoon

  • Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or exploring Lhasa’s old town
  • Depart from Lhasa Gonggar Airport or train station

Other Things to Know

  • Tibet is a sensitive region, so be respectful of local customs and regulations
  • Be prepared for variable weather conditions, including high altitude sickness
  • Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the strong sun

Additional Tips

  • Book your flights or trains to Lhasa in advance, as they often sell out quickly
  • Bring a reusable water bottle and refill it at your hotel or restaurants
  • Learn some basic Tibetan phrases, such as “tashi delek” (hello) and “zhuk ti” (thank you)

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Lhasa, Tibet!