Lhasa China 5 Day Itinerary

Lhasa, Tibet 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa and Acclimatization

  • Morning: Arrive at Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA) or train station. Take a taxi or bus to your hotel.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Tibet Museum (9:00 am - 5:00 pm, ¥50) to get an overview of Tibetan history and culture.
  • Evening: Explore the Barkhor Street, a sacred circuit around Jokhang Temple, and try some local street food.

Where to Stay: House of Shambhala Hotel (starts from ¥800 per night)

Where to Eat: Try some traditional Tibetan cuisine at Tashi Delek Restaurant (average price ¥50-100 per meal)

Things to Know:

  • Lhasa is at high altitude, so take it easy on the first day and drink plenty of water.
  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting monasteries and temples.

Day 2: Monasteries and Temples

  • Morning: Visit the Jokhang Temple (9:00 am - 5:00 pm, ¥60), one of the most sacred sites in Tibet.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Sera Monastery (9:00 am - 4:00 pm, ¥50), famous for its debating monks.

Transportation: Take a taxi or join a guided tour to visit these monasteries.

Tips:

  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions.
  • Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun hat to protect yourself from high-altitude sun exposure.

Day 3: Potala Palace and More

  • Morning: Visit the Potala Palace (9:00 am - 4:00 pm, ¥200), the former residence of the Dalai Lama.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Ani Tsankhung Nunnery (9:00 am - 5:00 pm, ¥30) and learn about Tibetan Buddhist nuns.

Where to Eat: Try some Nepali cuisine at Himalayan Cafe (average price ¥50-100 per meal)

Things to Know:

  • Potala Palace tickets must be booked in advance through a travel agency or online.
  • Respect the nuns’ daily routines and traditions when visiting the Ani Tsankhung Nunnery.

Day 4: Namtso Lake and Yampachen Hot Springs

  • Morning: Take a day trip to Namtso Lake (¥200, including transportation and entrance fees), one of the highest saltwater lakes in the world.
  • Afternoon: Relax at Yampachen Hot Springs (¥50) and enjoy the stunning views.

Transportation: Join a guided tour or hire a private car for the day trip.

Tips:

  • Be prepared for long drives on rough roads.
  • Bring warm clothing, as it can get chilly in the evenings, especially at high altitudes.

Day 5: Departure from Lhasa

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or exploring local markets.
  • Afternoon: Depart from Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA) or train station.

Things to Know:

  • Check with your airline or travel agency for any travel restrictions or requirements.
  • Bring some yuan (RMB) with you, as credit cards may not be widely accepted in Tibet.

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