Lhasa Travel Tips: 10 Useful Tips for Your First-time Lhasa Tour

Lhasa is the heart of Tibet and a must-see on any trip to the region. Along with famous sites like the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, you can also relax in local Tibetan teahouses and enjoy the lively nightlife.

If you are planning your first trip to Lhasa, this guide is just for you. It covers the most essential tips of Lhasa travel - how to get there, how many days to spend, where to stay, what to pack, and more. Read on to prepare for you dream trip to Tibet!

1. You Can Get to Lhasa Either by Train or Flight from Mainland China

One of the best and the easiest ways to get to Lhasa is to enter Tibet from mainland China. The most prominent gateway cities, like Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou, and Xining, offer smooth entry to Lhasa with several options, including trains, flights, and adventurous overland routes.

Train to Lhasa from Mainland China

Taking a train to Lhasa is one of the best ways to experience the vast landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau. Popular departure cities include Beijing, Xining, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou, and more. The Xining–Lhasa route is the most recommended due to its shorter distance and frequent daily departures.

Following the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, the route offers a sensational glimpse of the calm waters of Qinghai Lake, the enormous Gobi Desert, the vast grasslands of the northern Tibet plateau, and the breathtaking snow-capped Tanggula Mountains. Although it is a long journey, taking over 20 hours from Xining to Lhasa, the sight makes every hour worth it.

The train also helps you acclimatize to the changing altitude. With a gradual ascent and onboard oxygen system, the train eases the transition to the high altitude.

Flight to Lhasa from Mainland China

Taking a flight to Lhasa is the most convenient way to get to Tibet. Flights from Chengdu only take around two hours, and depart over 20 times per day, making it the most popular route.

Direct flights are also available from major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, and Guangzhou. You can arrive in mainland China from anywhere in the world and connect to Lhasa to maximize your time in Tibet.

You can get to Lhasa by train.

2. Plan at Least 4 Days for Your First Lhasa Tour

Lhasa, ‘the spiritual heart of Tibet,’ deserves at least a week to be explored. However, if you are on a short trip bound by time, 4 days is the minimum for your first Lhasa tour. This itinerary is enough for you to visit the most popular and important sights inside Lhasa.

The first day you arrive in Lhasa, it is highly recommended to rest and get a good sleep to acclimate to the high-altitude conditions. It is also a good time for a relaxed walk around to explore the local area to adjust to the environment.

The next two days will be spent sightseeing and touring the most important places in Lhasa. During these two days, you can explore Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Bazaar. While touring these places, it is common to stop for local Tibetan tea and to explore the old market. You can also visit Drepung and Sera Monastery, two of the great three Gelug monasteries of Tibet.

The last day will be scheduled for departure. Look back and let Lhasa amaze you with its beauty once again in the near future!

You can join our well-designed Lhasa tour to explore the Potala Palace.

3. Remember to Book Potala Palace Tickets in Advance

Potala Palace is both one of the most iconic and one of the most popular attractions in Lhasa. The massive, ancient palace dominates the city's skyline and is a must-see for all visitors. To manage the crowds and ensure everyone has a good experience, only a limited number of visitors are allowed each day, so you must book in advance.

Same-day tickets for Potala Palace are not available. All tourists must make a reservation in advance through the official WeChat mini program or in person at the ticket window. Tickets are sold up to 10 days in advance and can sell out quickly.

For a guaranteed spot, book a tour itinerary that includes visiting the palace, and we’ll secure the tickets on your behalf.

4. Do Not Miss the 3 Best Monasteries out of 20+ Temples in Lhasa

One of Lhasa’s unique attractions is the dozens of ancient temples and monasteries. While there are around 22 temples, including nunneries, the best monasteries in the city are Jokhang Temple, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery.

Jokhang Temple, known as the ‘spiritual center of Tibet,’ is considered to be the holiest destination for all Tibetan pilgrims. It is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The meaning of Jokhang is ‘House of the Buddha’. Visiting Jokhang Temple while in Lhasa is a great way to observe the religious part of Tibet and experience the devotion of Tibetans.

Drepung Monastery, one of the Three Greatest Monasteries in Lhasa, once used to be the largest monastery in the world with 10,000 monks. Drepung Monastery is flanked on three sides by mountains. Drepung, in Tibetan, means collecting rice, and when you look at the monastery, you will find a group of grand white buildings occupying a large area, just like a huge heap of rice.

Sera Monastery is one of the big monasteries in Lhasa and is also the last Buddhist monastery to be built. One of the most interesting aspects of this sacred place is that there is a debating session on Buddhist doctrines among the monks at the Debate Courtyard of Sera Monastery.

Jokhang Temple is a must-see in Lhasa.

5. Experience the Local Tibetan Teahouse in Lhasa

Traditional Tea houses in Lhasa are a big part of the local culture. On any trip to Tibet, you cannot miss a chance to have a cup of sweet tea in a local tea house to experience leisure as the locals do. It’s a common way to pass the time, socializing, exchanging information, and entertaining each other.

The local Tibetan families running these tea houses often have their own unique recipes. However, there are some local snacks you need to try in a tea house:

- Tibetan noodles served with soup and vegetables, meat, or both
- Tibetan Dumplings (Momos) served steamed or fried.
- Tibetan Tea: Butter tea and sweet tea. Butter tea is made of strong black tea and mixed with butter. Sweat tea is a uniquely brewed tasty milk tea with some sugar.

You will find plenty of tea houses while strolling down the old streets of Lhasa. Nonetheless, there are the most popular and recommended tea houses you should try:

- CangGusi Sweet Tea House
- Guang Ming Sweet Tea House
- Luo Qu Sweet Tea House
- Shan Dong Sweet Tea House
- Ni Ma Tea House

So, take some time and enjoy the vibe as you sip your sweet tea. It is the favorite place of the locals, maybe it will be yours too!

Tibetan buttered tea and Tibetan Noodle.

6. Do Enjoy the Nightlife in Lhasa

The nightlife in Lhasa is simpler than in other cities in China, but it has a unique charm that is worth experiencing. People gather at night markets to chat with friends and enjoy traditional performances while snacking on local food.

Tianhai Night Market is the most popular and busiest night market in Lhasa. You can find all kinds of goods, including fashion clothes, articles of daily use, home appliances, and handicrafts. It’s a great spot for local culture and to pick up souvenirs.

Another popular place to walk around is the Barkhor Street night market, which is packed with stalls selling handicrafts and delicious local snacks. It is a perfect place for soaking up the vibes of Lhasa, as well as haggling for a bargain.

Lhasa also has attractive bars and pubs to add to its local flavors. The young Tibetans spend their night hours in local bars and pubs. Tourists love the exotic flavors that Lhasa has to offer.

Potala Palace is another must-see during the nighttime. As alluring as Potala Palace is during the day, you will find the night view dazzling with a pleasing music fountain that changes its shapes with the rising and falling of the musical rhythm.

Tianhai Night Market in Lhasa

7. Choose Accommodation with Oxygen Supply for Better Comfort

Lhasa has a wide range of accommodations available, from hostels and guesthouses to luxury resorts. One of the best options is to choose hotels that provide oxygen supplies. At an elevation of around 3,600 meters, oxygen levels in Lhasa are lower than at sea level. Altitude sickness is a possibility for anyone visiting from a lower region.

Many hotels in Lhasa have oxygen concentrators in the rooms or common areas. These increase the level of oxygen available, helping to alleviate altitude sickness symptoms and making it easier to adapt. Check with the hotel before booking to ensure they have this service available.

8. Pack Warm Clothing for Your Lhasa Tour, Even in Summer

Be ready for cold or chilly temperatures with some warm clothes, even in summer. In the warmest months, from June to August, daytime can be above 20°C, but nights can be chilly. You’ll want a warm fleece for when the temperatures drop to below 10°C.

In spring and autumn, you need to pack layers of clothes. Temperatures can swing from close to 0°C to 17/18°C. Winter highs in Lhasa can be up to 10°C, but it drops below freezing at night. In these seasons, you need to dress in layers.

Bring a thermal base layer, warm pants, a sweater, and a warm jacket to stay warm and be able to adapt to the changing conditions throughout the day.

9. Protect Yourself from Sunburn No Matter When You Visit Lhasa

Lhasa is bathed in sunlight all year round. The thinner atmosphere makes you more susceptible to sunburn. No matter what time of year, and even on cloudy days, the sun can be stronger than you expect, so it’s important to protect yourself from the sun at all times.

Bring a high-SPF sunscreen to apply on any exposed skin. Sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat will also help keep the sun off your skin and keep you comfortable. Even in warmer weather, you’ll see local people dressed in long, lightweight clothing. Follow their example to stay comfortable and protected while outdoors.

10. Consider Visiting Lhasa in Winter for a Cheaper Price

Many people assume that Tibet in winter is unbearably cold with heavy snow. Parts of the region do experience some extreme weather, but Lhasa has a relatively mild winter. The daily temperature is above 10 degrees Celsius during the day, and it can feel even warmer in the sunlight. At night, it drops to around zero.

The skies are clear and blue, perfect for admiring the charms of the city. With the bright sunshine comes fabulous views, making it the perfect time to put your cameras to work and capture the artistry of Lhasa.

Winter is the low season, with fewer tourists visiting. There are many deals on air tickets, hotels, and tours. Not only can you save money, but popular attractions are less crowded for a quieter and more authentic experience.

Winter is also a great time to bond with the locals. Losar, the Tibetan New Year, which takes place in late winter, is an amazing way to explore Tibetan culture. Many pilgrims from all around Tibet come to Lhasa to visit major monasteries, and it’s an incredible opportunity to see the region's diversity.

Conclusion

Your first trip to Lhasa can be an incredible journey that you will never forget. You can access Lhasa from Mainland China by flight if you are looking for convenience, or by train if you are looking for the breathtaking. Plan for at least a 4-day trip to see the local teahouses, explore the pilgrim’s kora, visit the best monasteries, and enjoy the unique nightlife.

No matter what you decide to do, Lhasa will be an unforgettable experience. For more questions about Lhasa travel, please feel free to contact us or book your tour with us today!