Lhasa 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Ancient Lhasa

Morning:

  • Accommodation: Stay at a local Tibetan guesthouse or an international hotel like the Shangri-La Hotel for comfort and convenience.
  • Breakfast: Enjoy a traditional Tibetan breakfast at your hotel or try Kung Fu Tea for a popular local chain with multiple locations in Lhasa.

9:00 AM - Potala Palace: Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Potala Palace, the winter residence of the Dalai Lama. It is advisable to book tickets online in advance to avoid long queues.

  • 12:00 PM - Lunch: Have lunch at Dekyi La’ang restaurant for authentic Tibetan dishes like Thukpa (noodle soup) and Momo (dumplings).

Afternoon:

  • Jokhang Temple: Visit the Jokhang Temple, one of the most sacred temples in all of Tibet. Surrounding the temple is the Barkhor Street, a bustling area filled with shops selling traditional Tibetan artifacts, souvenirs, and local delicacies.
  • Sera Monastery: In the late afternoon, head to Sera Monastery to witness the famous Buddhist debating sessions (around 3:00 PM) between the monks.

7:00 PM - Dinner: Dine at New Tang Palace for a taste of contemporary Tibetan cuisine with a modern twist.

Day 2: Discovering Lhasa’s Surroundings

Morning:

  • Breakfast: Start the day early with breakfast at your hotel or try Yak Butter Tea House for a local experience.

8:00 AM - Norbulingka Palace: Drive approximately 1.5 hours to the outskirts of Lhasa to visit the summer residence of the Dalai Lama, Norbulingka Palace. The beautiful gardens are perfect for a leisurely stroll.

  • 12:00 PM - Lunch: Have lunch at Drapchi Cafe in Norbulingka Palace or return to Lhasa and dine at Yak Butter Tea House.

Afternoon:

  • Drepung Monastery: After lunch, head to Drepung Monastery, one of the ‘great three’ Gelug university monasteries of Tibet. The monastic ruins are a sight to behold.
  • Nechung Monastery: On your way back to Lhasa, stop by Nechung Monastery, the seat of the state oracle of Tibet and protector of Lhasa.

7:00 PM - Dinner: For your final dinner in Lhasa, dine at Casa Dorada for Italian cuisine with a local twist, or return to Kung Fu Tea for a farewell meal.

Things to Know:

  • Lhasa is at an altitude of 3,650 meters (11,975 feet), so it’s essential to acclimatize and drink plenty of water.
  • The sun rises early and sets late in Lhasa during summer months, so carry a hat and sunscreen.
  • Taxis are readily available, or you can use local buses for travel within the city. If you prefer, renting a car with a driver is also an option.
  • Cash (Chinese Yuan) is preferred over credit cards in most places, although some restaurants and hotels do accept international cards.
  • Respect local customs and traditions while traveling in Tibet. Dress modestly and remove your shoes when entering monasteries.