Top Lhasa Attractions and Activities
The holy city Lhasa is famous for its beautiful landscapes, thousand-years-old history, unique Tibeatan culture, sunshine & blue sky and friendly local people. The most outstanding highlight is its magnificent palace and temples, such as the famous Polata Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, and Norbulingka. The miraculous and beautiful Namtso Lake is about half-day driving from the city. Besides the diverse cultural and scenic sights, you will also have chance to explore authentic Tibetan culture, such as Tibet food cooking, Princess Wenchen Show, etc. Basically you can spend about 2~3 days to visiti all thse famous attractions in Lhasa. Check all Lhasa attractions and all Lhasa activities.
Useful Lhasa Travel Notes
- 1. How to Plan Lhasa Travel
1) choose a gateway city to take a flight or train to Lhasa. Chengdu, Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Xining are most popular gateway cities with tourists; 2) decide your travel length in Lhasa. Usually, the classic Lhasa city tour needs at least 4 days - two full days visit to the most famous sites, such as Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery.. and two days for arrival, departure and free-time activities. If you have more days, you can go to add a local family visit (1 day), or go to explore Namtso Lake (1 or 2 days). If you want to travel to Mount Everest, you have to add 3 or 4 days. - 2. Tibet Permits for Lhasa Travel
To visit Lhasa, including nearby towns and attractions, such as Namtso Lake, Ganden Monastery, you only need to obtain Tibet Travel Permit (Tibet Entry Permit). Other permits, like Alien Travel Permit, Border Permit and Military Permit are not required. Tibet Entry Permit, issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau, is the most important one which has to be obtained before your trip because you must have it to take your flight/train to Tibet. To get the permit, you have to book a Tibet tour with us, and send us your passport and Chinese visa about 20 days in advance, and then let us apply for the permit (all Tibet permits can only be applied by travel agency). - 3. Acclimatize Yourself to High Altitudes of Lhasa.
The average altitude of Lhasa city is around 3700 meters. You may suffer slightly from high altitude sickness in the first two days, but don't worry you can acclimatize yourself gradually - 1) go for some leisure walking to acclimate the high altitude but avoid strenuous activity after arrival; 2) you’d better not have bath, in case of catching a cold; 3) drink more water, and have some fruit; 4) have a good rest. - 4. Packing and Wearing Ideas for Lhasa Travel
Firstly you can’t forget your passport and Chinese Visa. A large backpack and a smaller one are recommended (the smaller one can be used for daily activities). Also bring the necessary medicine you need. Other stuffs like sunglasses, snow glasses, hats, lip balm, sun block are recommended.
As for wearing, you are suggested to dress in layers (both thin and thick jackets). Down jacket is necessary in Spring and Autumn. A pair of durable and comfortable shoes is necessary.