Lhasa Tibet 3 Day Itinerary

3-Day Itinerary for Travelling in Lhasa, Tibet

Day 1: Arrival and Acclimatization

Morning

  • Arrive at Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA) or take an overnight bus from Shigatse or other nearby cities.
  • Take a taxi or shuttle bus to your hotel in the city center.

Afternoon

  • Visit Potala Palace (admission: ¥200, opens 9:30 am - 4:30 pm), the former residence of the Dalai Lama. Be prepared for a steep hike up the palace.
  • Explore the nearby Jokhang Temple (admission: ¥50, opens 8:00 am - 6:00 pm), one of the most sacred temples in Tibet.

Evening

  • Enjoy traditional Tibetan cuisine at Tashi Delek Restaurant, located near Jokhang Temple. Try their signature dishes like momos and thukpa.
  • Take a stroll around Barkhor Street, a vibrant shopping street that surrounds Jokhang Temple.

Day 2: Spiritual Experiences

Morning

  • Visit Sera Monastery (admission: ¥50, opens 9:00 am - 4:00 pm), one of the three main monasteries in Lhasa. Watch the monks debating in the courtyard.
  • Stop by Norbulingka Park, a beautiful park with gardens and lakes.

Afternoon

  • Explore Drepung Monastery (admission: ¥50, opens 9:00 am - 4:00 pm), another significant monastery in Lhasa. Take a hike up to the hill for panoramic views of the city.
  • Visit Tibet Museum (admission: ¥50, opens 10:00 am - 6:00 pm) to learn about Tibetan history and culture.

Evening

  • Dine at Lhasa Kitchen, a popular restaurant serving Tibetan and Chinese cuisine. Try their yak meat dishes.
  • Attend a traditional Tibetan Opera performance at the Lhasa Cultural Palace ( tickets: ¥50 - ¥100).

Day 3: Exploration and Departure

Morning

  • Visit Ani Tsankhung Nunnery, a peaceful nunnery with stunning views of the city.
  • Explore the Lhasa Old Town, a charming area with narrow alleys and traditional Tibetan architecture.

Afternoon

  • Take a day trip to Namtso Lake (admission: ¥150, opens 8:00 am - 6:00 pm), one of the highest saltwater lakes in the world. The scenic drive takes around 4 hours.
  • Return to Lhasa and visit Ramoché Temple, a small but significant temple near Jokhang Temple.

Evening

  • Depart from Lhasa Gonggar Airport or take an overnight bus to your next destination.

Accommodation

  • Lhasa Hotel: A comfortable hotel with Tibetan-style rooms, located in the city center.
  • Tibet Gang Gyur Metok Hotel: A budget-friendly option with simple but clean rooms.

Things to Know

  • Altitude Sickness: Lhasa is at an altitude of 3,650 meters. Take it easy on your first day and drink plenty of water to avoid altitude sickness.
  • Permits: Tibet requires special permits for foreign visitors. Make sure to obtain them before arriving in Lhasa.
  • Dress Modestly: Respect Tibetan culture by dressing modestly when visiting monasteries and temples.

Transportation

  • Taxis: Taxis are widely available, but be prepared to haggle over prices.
  • Buses: Public buses connect major attractions in Lhasa. You can also take a taxi or hire a private car for the day.
  • Walking: Lhasa is a walkable city, and walking is a great way to explore the old town and surrounding areas.

Tips

  • Respect Local Customs: Remove your shoes when entering temples or monasteries, and avoid taking photos of monks or nuns without permission.
  • Bargain: Haggling is expected at markets and from street vendors.
  • Learn Some Tibetan Phrases: Show respect for the local culture by learning basic Tibetan phrases like “tashi delek” (hello) and “tuk jey” (thank you).

Other Things of Interest

  • Lhasa River: Take a stroll along the Lhasa River, which runs through the city.
  • Tibetan Market: Visit the bustling market near Jokhang Temple for souvenirs and local snacks.
  • Yak Meat: Try yak meat dishes at local restaurants. It’s a staple of Tibetan cuisine.

Note: Prices and opening hours may vary depending on the season and other factors. This itinerary is meant to serve as a general guide, and you should research and confirm details before your trip.