Lhasa, Tibet 4 Day Itinerary

Four-Day Itinerary for Exploring Lhasa, Tibet

Day 1: Arrival and Acclimatization

Places to Go:

  1. Potala Palace: Iconic symbol of Tibet and the former residence of the Dalai Lamas. Allow about 2 hours for a visit.
  2. Barkhor Street: A bustling district with traditional shops, monasteries, and the Jokhang Temple. Spend some time exploring the area.

Things to Know:

  • Lhasa is at a high altitude (3650m) so it’s important to take things slowly and drink plenty of water to help acclimatize.
  • Taxis are readily available but negotiate prices before starting your journey.
  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting monasteries or temples.

Where to Eat:

  1. Tibet Kitchen: Try authentic local dishes like yak butter tea, momos, and tsampa.
  2. Happy Yak Restaurant: Offers a variety of Tibetan and international cuisine.

Where to Stay:

  1. House of Shambhala: A boutique hotel offering comfortable rooms and excellent service.
  2. Hotel Shangri-La Lhasa: Luxury accommodation with stunning views of the Potala Palace.

Day 2: Historical Sites and Local Culture

Places to Go:

  1. Drepung Monastery: One of the ‘great three’ Gelug monasteries. Spend a couple of hours exploring.
  2. Sera Monastery: Known for its famous debate sessions (usually held in the afternoon).
  3. Norbulingka Palace: The summer palace of the Dalai Lamas, with beautiful gardens and traditional Tibetan architecture.

Things to Know:

  • Most monasteries have specific dress codes, so make sure your shoulders and knees are covered.
  • Debate sessions at Sera Monastery are a unique cultural experience, but they may not happen every day depending on the monks’ schedules.

Where to Eat:

  1. Lhasa Kitchen: Serves a variety of Tibetan dishes in a cozy and authentic environment.
  2. Tibetan Family Restaurant: Try traditional Tibetan cuisine in a family-run restaurant.

Day 3: Nature and Scenic Views

Places to Go:

  1. Ganden Monastery (day trip): One of the oldest monasteries in Tibet, located on Wangbur Mountain. It offers breathtaking views of the valley below.
  2. Yamdrok Lake: A stunning turquoise lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains. A great spot for photography.
  3. Karola Glacier (day trip): A spectacular glacier near Yamdrok Lake that can be reached via a short hike or by car.

Things to Know:

  • Both Ganden Monastery and Yamdrok Lake/Karola Glacier require a full day for travel and exploration.
  • Bring warm clothing, even in the summer months, as it can get cold at high altitudes.

Where to Eat:

  1. Tashi Restaurant: Serves a mix of Tibetan and Chinese cuisine, with a focus on local specialties.
  2. Kailash Restaurant: Offers a variety of dishes, including vegetarian options.

Day 4: Shopping and Departure

Places to Go:

  1. Lhasa Art Museum: Explore Tibetan art and culture in this fascinating museum.
  2. Traditional Tibetan Handicraft Market: Pick up souvenirs such as Tibetan carpets, thangka paintings, and local jewelry.

Things to Know:

  • Bargain for items at the market to get a fair price.
  • Check departure times for your flight or train journey, as transportation may take several hours from Lhasa.

Where to Eat:

  1. Yak Steakhouse: Try traditional yak meat dishes in this cozy restaurant.
  2. Tashi’s Kitchen: Offers a variety of Tibetan and international cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere.