How to Spend 2 Days in Lhasa - Lhasa 2 Days Itinerary Plans 2025/2026

Where to go if you have 2 days in Lhasa? Two days are enough to cover the main attractions in Lhasa city, such as Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, etc., which are all located in the city center, close and easily accessible. Or you can even take a day round-trip to surrounding Namtso or Yamdrok Lake, which not include the days of arrival and departure from Lhasa. If you're only making Lhasa as a stopover on your trip to other Tibet areas, but also want to enjoy the local highlights, then here are some suggestions to help you make most of your 2-day Lhasa trip. With decades of experience in Tibet, we have extensive exploration knowledge and a comprehensive service system in Lhasa and the surrounding areas, allowing us to offer you a uniquely customized travel experience.

2 Days Lhasa City Highlights Tour - Recommended for First Timers

Two days are very limited time for visiting Lhasa, basically only allowing you to visit the main attractions within the city center. Below is a suggested 2-day itinerary in Lhasa city (not including arrival and departure times in Lhasa) for your reference.

Day 1: Tibet Museum - Norbulingka - Sera Monastery

Visit Tibet Museum, appreciate beautiful Norbulingka and take a visit to Sera Monastery in day 1. Tibet Museum, as the first modern museum in Tibet, has rich collections of statues of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas in various genres and shapes, colorful Thangka paintings, distinctive ethnic handicrafts, etc., where is your comprehensive window to understand the history and culture of Lhasa and Tibet. Norbulingka, means "Park of Treasure" in Tibetan and is a charming garden reputed as the summer palace of Lhasa with traditional Tibetan-style architecture. As one part of the historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace, it was added to World Heritage Sites in 2001. Sera Monastery one of the three main temples in Lhasa, along with Drepung Monastery and Ganden Monastery, is a representative of Gelug temples, featuring its famous Buddhism Debating, which is a spectacular way to discuss the Buddhist knowledge. If there is extra time, it is highly recommended to watch the outdoor live performance of Princess Wencheng during your Lhasa journey. Princess Wencheng Show, performed during 21:30~23:00 (late April to Early October), presents the Chinese and Tibetan history and culture through the story that Princess Wencheng of Tang Dynasty married Songtsen Gambo 1,300 year ago.

Day 2: Potala Palace - Jokhang Temple - Barkhor Street

In day 2, climb to the Potala Palace, visit Jokhang Temple and walk along with Barkhor Street. Since the Potala Palace is at a higher elevation (3700m) than other attractions in the city (3650m) and requires climbing a large number of steps, it is recommended to visit the Potala Palace on the second day. Potala Palace, regarded as landmark and the symbol of Tibet, is a masterpiece of Tibetan architecture with many precious cultural heritages. It is the dream destination for both pilgrims and travelers from all over the world and even a short glimpse will leave tourists a long-lasting impression. Jokhang Temple is spiritual center of Lhasa surrounded by the devoted pilgrims. It was also listed in the World Cultural Heritages with Potala Palace and Norbulingka. Most travelers visit Jokhang Temple to witness the life-sized statue of the Shakyamuni at the age of 12. Barkhor Street, as a public square around Jokhang Temple, is a popular circumambulation for pilgrims and commercial center. You can find many pilgrims turning their prayer wheels and many interesting souvenirs shopping stores here.

2 Days Lhasa City & Namtso/Yamdrok Day-trip Tour - Recommended for Nature Lovers

If you are more interested in natural scenery, in addition to the one-day classic itinerary within Lhasa city, you can also take a one-day round-trip from Lhasa to the surrounding Namtso or Yamdrok Lake (not including arrival and departure times in Lhasa).

Day 1: Potala Palace - Jokhang Temple - Barkhor Street

In day 1, climb to the Potala Palace, visit Jokhang Temple and walk along with Barkhor Street. If you have limited time and plan to visit the areas around Lhasa, you should set aside at least one day to explore the main attractions within the city. Potala Palace, regarded as landmark and the symbol of Tibet, is a masterpiece of Tibetan architecture with many precious cultural heritages. It is the dream destination for both pilgrims and travelers from all over the world and even a short glimpse will leave tourists a long-lasting impression. Jokhang Temple is spiritual center of Lhasa surrounded by the devoted pilgrims. It was also listed in the World Cultural Heritages with Potala Palace and Norbulingka. Most travelers visit Jokhang Temple to witness the life-sized statue of the Shakyamuni at the age of 12. Barkhor Street, as a public square around Jokhang Temple, is a popular circumambulation for pilgrims and commercial center. You can find many pilgrims turning their prayer wheels and many interesting souvenirs shopping stores here.

Day 2: Namtso/Yamdrok Lake Round-trip from Lhasa

Take a Day-trip to Namtso/Yamdrok Lake from Lhasa in day 2. If you are a nature lover, it is highly recommended to add Namtso or Yamdrok Lake in your itinerary. Since both Namtso and Yamdrok Lake are located in the surrounding areas of Lhasa, it is possible to make a round trip to one of them in a single day, but only suitable for visitors who are in good health and not prone to altitude sickness. Namtso means Heavenly Lake in Tibetan, so it is considered as one of the three holy lakes in Tibet, together with Yamdrok Lake and Lake Manasarovar. Outstanding with shimmering turquoise-like blue water, flying colorful flags and flock of sheep or yaks, Namtso Lake is honored as the paradise of photographers. Yamdrok Lake, situated at the south of Yarlong Tsangpo River in Shannan city, is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains with jaspideous colors. By standing the hilltop around, you can have a far view of the fresh water under the sunshine reflected different colors of blue and the diverse lakeside grass and plants with yaks and birds dotted with. Since both Namtso (4718m) and Yamdrok Lake (4441m) are at high altitudes, it is recommended to rest well the day before the trip and arrive in Lhasa at least two days in advance to help adapt to the high-altitude environment.

Tour Lhasa in More Days - Extend Your Trip from Lhasa

How to Plan A Tibet Tour

Top Recommended Lhasa Private Tours 2025

Lhasa, as the gateway to Tibet, is the starting point and transit hub of a Tibet tour. Travelers usually spend 3~4 days on traveling in and around Lhasa, including the arrival and departure days, and take more 1~2 days to surrounding Namtso or Yamdrok Lake. Most tourists also set Mount Everest, located in Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet, as their trip goal, extending their journey to 8~10 days. Here we have selected the 3 best Lhasa tours below for your reference, and you can also contact us to create a Lhasa trip that tailored to your personal interests and needs.

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  Lhasa / Gyantse / Shigatse / Everest / Lhasa

  8 Days Lhasa to Mount Everest Private Tour

  Highlights: Potala Palace, Yamdrok Lake, Tashilhunpo Monastery, Mt. Everest

  $1,599 / Details

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  Lhasa

  4 Days Lhasa City Private Tour - Heart of Tibet

  Highlights: Potala Palace, Barkhor Street, Jokhang Temple, Monk Debate

  $619 / Details

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  Lhasa / Namtso / Lhasa

  5 Days Lhasa Highlights & Holy Lake Namtso Tour

  Highlights: Potala Palace, Barkhor Street, Sera Monastery, Namtso Lake

  $839 / Details