Lhasa 6 Day Itinerary

Title: 6-Day Lhasa Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa

  • Transport: Fly into Lhasa Gonggar Airport or take a train to Lhasa Railway Station. Due to the high altitude, it’s advisable to rest and acclimatize on your first day.
  • Accommodation: Stay in a hotel near Barkhor Street, such as the Shangri-La Hotel Lhasa or House of Shambhala.
  • Things to know: Lhasa is at an altitude of 3,650 meters (11,975 feet), so take it easy and drink plenty of water.

Day 2: Potala Palace and Barkhor Street

  • Morning: Visit the iconic Potala Palace, the winter palace of the Dalai Lama. It’s best to go early in the morning to avoid crowds.
  • Afternoon: Stroll around Barkhor Street, a historical block filled with traditional Tibetan stores and teahouses. Don’t forget to circle the Jokhang Temple within Barkhor.
  • Dinner: Dine at Tibet Kitchen or Himalaya Restaurant for authentic Tibetan dishes.

Day 3: Norbulingka Palace and Sera Monastery

  • Morning: Explore Norbulingka Palace, the summer residence of the Dalai Lama. Enjoy the beautiful gardens and traditional architecture.
  • Afternoon: Head to Sera Monastery, famous for its debating monks. The debates are usually held in the afternoon.
  • Dinner: Try Nyima’s Kitchen or Yak Restaurant for a delicious meal.

Day 4: Jokhang Temple and Drepung Monastery

  • Morning: Spend more time at Jokhang Temple, one of the most sacred temples in Tibet.
  • Afternoon: Visit Drepung Monastery, once the largest monastery in the world.
  • Dinner: Dine at Tibetan Family Restaurant or Yaksteak for a variety of dishes.

Day 5: Yamdrok Lake and Traditional Tibetan Medicine Hospitals

  • Morning: Take a day trip to Yamdrok Lake, one of the three holy lakes in Tibet. The lake is around 70 km (43 miles) from Lhasa.
  • Afternoon: Return to Lhasa and visit a traditional Tibetan Medicine Hospital to learn about Tibetan medicine practices.
  • Dinner: Enjoy your final dinner at Tibet Steak House or New Shambhala Restaurant.

Day 6: Departure

  • Morning: Spend your last few hours in Lhasa shopping for souvenirs or revisiting favorite spots.
  • Transport: Depart from Lhasa Gonggar Airport or Lhasa Railway Station.

Tips:

  • Carry enough cash as credit cards are not widely accepted in Lhasa.
  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting monasteries.
  • Dress modestly to show respect for the local culture.
  • Always have bottled water with you due to the high altitude.
  • Enjoy your trip and take lots of photos!