Lhasa Tibet 7 Day Itinerary

7-Day Itinerary for Travelling in Lhasa, Tibet

Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa and Acclimatization

  • Morning: Arrive at Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA) or take a train from Chengdu/Beijing to Lhasa. Take a taxi or bus to your hotel.
  • Afternoon: Rest and acclimatize to the high altitude (3,650m). Explore nearby streets and get familiar with local culture.
  • Evening: Enjoy traditional Tibetan dinner at Lhasa Kitchen or Tashi Delek Restaurant. Try some local beer like Lhasa Beer.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel: Stay at House of Shambhala or Tibet Gorkha Hotel, both offering comfortable rooms and good location.
  • Homestay: Experience Tibetan hospitality at a local homestay, such as Tibetan Family Homestay.

Day 2: Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple

  • Morning: Visit the iconic Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lama. Explore its vast halls, chapels, and tombs.
  • Afternoon: Walk to Jokhang Temple, a sacred Buddhist site and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Watch pilgrims circumambulate the temple.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Snowland Restaurant, serving Tibetan and Chinese cuisine.

Day 3: Sera Monastery and Norbulingka

  • Morning: Visit Sera Monastery, one of the three main monasteries in Lhasa. Watch monks debate in the courtyard.
  • Afternoon: Explore Norbulingka, a beautiful park with gardens, lakes, and palaces. It’s also a popular spot for picnics.
  • Evening: Try some street food at Barkhor Street, offering a variety of Tibetan snacks.

Day 4: Drepung Monastery and Nechung Monastery

  • Morning: Visit Drepung Monastery, one of the largest monasteries in Tibet. Explore its many chapels and halls.
  • Afternoon: Stop by Nechung Monastery, known for its beautiful murals and stunning views of Lhasa Valley.
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Tibetan hot pot dinner at Tibetan Hot Pot.

Day 5: Namtso Lake (Optional)

  • Full Day: Take an optional trip to Namtso Lake, one of the highest saltwater lakes in the world ( approx. 250km, 4-5 hours drive).
  • Evening: Return to Lhasa and enjoy dinner at Lhasa’s Best Kitchen.

Day 6: Explore Lhasa Old Town

  • Morning: Wander through Lhasa Old Town, exploring its narrow streets, alleys, and traditional Tibetan architecture.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Tibet Museum, which showcases Tibetan history, art, and culture.
  • Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at Gyama Restaurant, serving Tibetan and international cuisine.

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or exploring local markets.
  • Afternoon: Depart from Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA) or take a train back to Chengdu/Beijing.

Things to Know:

  • Altitude Sickness: Take necessary precautions and rest to avoid altitude sickness.
  • Permits: Obtain required permits, such as the Tibet Travel Permit, before entering Tibet.
  • Respect Local Culture: Dress modestly, remove your shoes when entering monasteries or homes, and respect local customs.

Transportation:

  • Airport/Train Station Transfers: Book private transfers or take taxis/bus to/from airport/train station.
  • Local Transportation: Use taxis, buses, or walk/bike around the city.

Tips:

  • Language: Learn basic Tibetan phrases and carry a phrasebook.
  • Currency: Chinese yuan (RMB) is widely accepted. Some places may accept US dollars or credit cards.
  • Weather: Pack layers for cold mornings and evenings, even in summer.
  • Photography: Respect local rules and regulations when taking photos, especially at monasteries.

Other Things of Interest:

  • Lhasa River: Take a stroll along the riverbank, offering scenic views of the city.
  • Tibetan Opera: Catch a performance at the Tibetan Opera House, showcasing traditional music and dance.
  • Local Markets: Explore markets like Barkhor Street or Nyangrain Market for souvenirs, snacks, and local products.