Lhasa Tibet 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Ancient Lhasa

Morning:

  • Arrival at Gonggar Airport or Tibet Railway Station. (Note: Due to high altitude, it is advisable to rest for the first few hours upon arrival and acclimatize.)
  • Check-in at a local hotel (recommended: Hotel Shangri-La, St. Regis Lhasa Resort, or Tibet Hotel). Hotels can help with oxygen supply and advice on acclimatization.

Afternoon:

  • Visit Potala Palace: The iconic symbol of Tibet and former winter palace of the Dalai Lama. (Entrance Fee: ~CNY 100)
  • Stroll around Barkhor Street: An old pilgrimage route and bustling local market where you can find traditional Tibetan artifacts, thangka paintings, and religious items.

Evening:

  • Dinner at Kunga’s Restaurant: A popular choice among tourists offering a variety of authentic Tibetan dishes like yak steaks, momos, and thukpa.
  • Rest and acclimatize for the next day.

Day 2: Discovering Tibetan Culture

Morning:

  • Visit Jokhang Temple: One of the most sacred temples in Tibet and a must-visit for every Tibetan pilgrim. (Entrance Fee: ~CNY 80)
  • Explore Norbulingka Palace: The summer residence of the Dalai Lama, featuring beautiful gardens and traditional Tibetan architecture. (Entrance Fee: ~CNY 65)

Afternoon:

  • Take a short trip to the outskirts of Lhasa to visit the Drepung Monastery: One of the ‘great three’ Gelug monasteries. (Entrance Fee: ~CNY 80)
  • Visit the Sera Monastery and witness the debating monks in the afternoons. (Entrance Fee: ~CNY 65)

Evening:

  • Dinner at Lhasa Kitchen: Another popular choice offering both Tibetan and Chinese cuisine.
  • Relax and explore local nightlife at nearby bars or tea houses like Tibet Tea House or Yak Butter Tea House.

Things to Know:

  1. Lhasa is at an altitude of around 3,650 meters (~12,000 feet), so it’s crucial to acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness. Drink plenty of water and rest frequently during the first few days.
  2. Taxis and buses are widely available for transportation within Lhasa. It’s also possible to hire a private car with a driver for more convenience.
  3. Always carry cash (CNY or RMB) as credit cards may not be accepted everywhere, especially in smaller shops and restaurants.
  4. Respect local customs and traditions, including removing your shoes when entering a Tibetan home or monastery, and dressing modestly.
  5. Don’t forget to purchase some souvenirs from Barkhor Street to take back home!

Travel Tips:

  • Always carry a good sunscreen and moisturizer due to the high UV index in Lhasa.
  • Carry a first-aid kit with medications for altitude sickness, diarrhea, and headaches.
  • Be aware of the local time (Tibet Time is 2 hours behind Beijing Time).
  • Enjoy your trip and immerse yourself in the unique culture and beauty of Lhasa, Tibet!