Lhasa China 7 Day Itinerary

Lhasa, Tibet 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Acclimatization

  • Arrival: Fly into Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA) from Chengdu or Beijing
  • Accommodation: Stay at the Tibet Gyangtsé Hotel or similar
  • Activities:
    • Visit the nearby Norbulingka Park, a beautiful park with gardens and lakes
    • Explore the local market, Barkhor Street, for a taste of Tibetan culture
  • Eat: Try some traditional Tibetan cuisine at Lhasa Kitchen
  • Tips:
    • Drink plenty of water to acclimate to the high altitude (3,650m)
    • Respect local customs and traditions

Day 2: Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple

  • Potala Palace: Visit the former residence of the Dalai Lama, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Jokhang Temple: Explore this sacred temple, considered the spiritual heart of Tibet
  • Eat: Enjoy a traditional Tibetan lunch at Tashi Delek Restaurant
  • Tips:
    • Wear comfortable shoes for the long walk up to Potala Palace
    • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at Jokhang Temple

Day 3: Sera Monastery and Namtso Lake

  • Sera Monastery: Visit this Gelugpa monastery, famous for its debates among monks
  • Namtso Lake: Take a day trip to the highest saltwater lake in the world (4,718m)
  • Eat: Pack a picnic lunch or try some local snacks at Namtso Lake
  • Tips:
    • Be respectful of the monastery’s rules and traditions
    • Bring warm clothing for the high-altitude lake visit

Day 4: Drepung Monastery and Nechung Temple

  • Drepung Monastery: Explore this ancient monastery, once home to over 10,000 monks
  • Nechung Temple: Visit this temple, known for its beautiful murals and Tibetan opera performances
  • Eat: Enjoy a traditional Tibetan dinner at Snowland Restaurant
  • Tips:
    • Wear comfortable shoes for the long walk around Drepung Monastery
    • Be prepared for crowds and noise at Nechung Temple

Day 5: Ganden Monastery and Trichang Labrang

  • Ganden Monastery: Visit this Gelugpa monastery, known for its stunning views of Lhasa Valley
  • Trichang Labrang: Explore this ancient temple, famous for its beautiful murals and Tibetan art
  • Eat: Try some local street food at the Ganden Monastery area
  • Tips:
    • Be respectful of the monastery’s rules and traditions
    • Bring warm clothing for the high-altitude visit

Day 6: Lhasa Old Town and Ani Tsankhung Nunnery

  • Lhasa Old Town: Explore the narrow streets and traditional Tibetan houses of the old town
  • Ani Tsankhung Nunnery: Visit this nunnery, known for its beautiful murals and peaceful atmosphere
  • Eat: Enjoy a traditional Tibetan lunch at Dorjee’s Kitchen
  • Tips:
    • Respect local customs and traditions in the old town
    • Be prepared for crowds and noise at Ani Tsankhung Nunnery

Day 7: Departure

  • Departure: Fly out of Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA) to Chengdu or Beijing
  • Tips:
    • Check with your airline for any travel restrictions or requirements
    • Bring back memories and souvenirs from your trip to Tibet!

Additional Information

  • Transportation: Taxi, bus, or hire a private car with driver for the day trips
  • Language: Mandarin Chinese, Tibetan; English is not widely spoken
  • Currency: Renminbi (RMB); credit cards are accepted in some hotels and restaurants
  • Weather: Lhasa has a high-altitude climate with low oxygen levels; dress warmly and stay hydrated
  • Health and Safety: Be prepared for altitude sickness, and take necessary precautions

Responsible Travel

  • Respect local customs, traditions, and the environment
  • Support local businesses and communities
  • Be mindful of your carbon footprint and reduce waste

Enjoy your trip to Lhasa, Tibet!