Lhasa, Tibet 7 Day Itinerary

7-Day Lhasa Itinerary: Exploring the Roof of the World

Day 1: Arrival & Acclimatization

  • Transport: Fly into Lhasa Gonggar Airport. Due to high altitude, it’s important to take precautions against altitude sickness.
  • Accommodation: Stay at a well-rated hotel in Lhasa’s city center like House of Shambhala or Tibet Hotel.
  • Activities: Rest and acclimatize. Drink plenty of water, avoid strenuous activities, and explore local areas around your accommodation.
  • Food & Dining: Try some local Tibetan dishes such as Thukpa (noodle soup), Momo (Tibetan dumplings), and butter tea at a nearby restaurant like Tashi’s Kitchen or Kunga’s Restaurant.
  • Tips: Bring enough cash as many places do not accept credit cards, and keep your valuables secure.

Day 2: Potala Palace & Jokhang Temple

  • Transport: Take a taxi or join a tour group to visit these attractions.
  • Activities: Visit the iconic Potala Palace, once home to Dalai Lamas, and explore its intricate halls and chapels. Next, head to Jokhang Temple, the spiritual heart of Tibet.
  • Food & Dining: Lunch at local eateries like Gyurme’s Kitchen or Ngoma Restaurant.

Day 3: Barkhor Street & Sera Monastery

  • Transport: Walking tour of Barkhor Street and taxi to Sera Monastery.
  • Activities: Stroll around Barkhor Street, a bustling pilgrimage circuit, and witness monks debating at Sera Monastery in the afternoon.
  • Food & Dining: Savor local snacks like sweet tea biscuits on Barkhor Street or try traditional Tibetan hot pot for dinner.

Day 4: Norbulingka Palace & Drepung Monastery

  • Transport: Taxi to visit these attractions.
  • Activities: Explore the summer palace of Dalai Lamas, Norbulingka Palace, and learn about Tibetan art and culture in its museums. Head to Drepung Monastery, one of the largest monasteries in Tibet.
  • Food & Dining: Lunch at a nearby restaurant like La Tsela or Tashi’s Kitchen.

Day 5: Yamdrok Lake & Gyantse

  • Transport: Join a tour group for a day trip to Yamdrok Lake and Gyantse.
  • Activities: Marvel at the turquoise beauty of Yamdrok Lake and visit Gyantse’s Pelkor Chode Monastery and Kumbum Stupa.
  • Food & Dining: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Gyantse or pack your own picnic for the day trip.

Day 6: Tibet Museum & Free Exploration

  • Transport: Taxi to visit the museum.
  • Activities: Learn about the rich history and culture of Tibet at the Tibet Museum. Spend the afternoon exploring local markets or resting.
  • Food & Dining: Dine at a favorite restaurant from earlier in your trip or try somewhere new like Mandala Restaurant.

Day 7: Departure

  • Transport: Return to Lhasa Gonggar Airport for your departure flight.
  • Tips: Arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before your flight, and don’t forget to take souvenirs and photographs from your memorable Tibetan journey!