5-Day Itinerary for Traveling in Lhasa, China

Day 1: Arrival and Acclimatization

Places to Go

• Lhasa Airport: Arrive at Gonggar Airport (LXA) and take a taxi or a shuttle bus to your hotel.
• Barkhor Street ( Barkhor Dongda Caidan ) : Spend the afternoon exploring this bustling street filled with traditional Tibetan shops, stalls, and teahouses. Don’t forget to walk the traditional Kora (circumambulation) around Jokhang Temple.

Where to Stay

• Hotel Shangri-La Lhasa or St. Regis Lhasa Resort: Luxury hotels with breathtaking views of the Potala Palace and excellent service.
• Hostel Bar Street (Tibet Hostel) : Affordable option for budget travelers, centrally located near Barkhor Street and other attractions.

Things to Know

• Lhasa is at a high altitude of 3,650 meters (12,000 feet), so it’s important to acclimatize gradually. Drink plenty of water, avoid strenuous activities, and rest if necessary.

Day 2: Potala Palace & Norbulingka

Places to Go

• Potala Palace ( Po Ta La ) : Visit the iconic palace of the Dalai Lama, exploring its grand halls, chapels, and tombs. Be sure to book tickets in advance for a smoother experience.
• Norbulingka ( Nor-bu-glinguka ) : Explore this beautiful summer palace of the Dalai Lamas, featuring traditional Tibetan architecture and stunning gardens.

Where to Eat

• Kung Fu Kitchen: Try authentic Tibetan dishes like Thukpa (noodle soup), Momo (Tibetan dumplings), and Yak meat.
• Lhasa International Restaurant: Offers a variety of international cuisines, including Indian, Nepalese, and Chinese dishes.

Day 3: Jokhang Temple & Sera Monastery

Places to Go

• Jokhang Temple (Tibetan: ཝོ་ཁང་) : One of the most sacred temples in Tibet, it houses a statue of Buddha Sakyamuni brought to Tibet by Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century.
• Sera Monastery ( Tibetean: སེར་དགོན། ) : Witness the famous monk debates, held at around 3 PM each day during the summer months.

Where to Eat

• Tashi Restaurant: Offers traditional Tibetan cuisine with a modern twist, located near Jokhang Temple.
• Yak & Yeti Kitchen: Another excellent choice for Tibetan and Himalayan dishes, close to Sera Monastery.

Day 4: Drepung Monastery & Visit Local Market

Places to Go

• Drepung Monastery (བསྟེ་འབུང་དགོན། ) : Once the largest monastery in the world, home to around 10,000 monks.
• Local Market (Tibetan: བརཱ་ལྔ ): Experience the vibrant atmosphere of a traditional Tibetan market and try local snacks.

Where to Eat

• Dunhuang Restaurant: Specializes in Sichuan cuisine, offering a spicy and flavorful dining experience.

Day 5: Departure

Take a taxi or shuttle bus back to Lhasa Airport for your departure. If time allows, explore more of the city or visit nearby attractions like the Dzonggyue Monastery or the Tibet Museum.