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How to Spend 4 Days in Lhasa - Lhasa 4 Days Itinerary Plans 2026/2027
Where to go if you have 4 days in Lhasa? Four days is enough to explore the main attractions within Lhasa and its surrounding areas. You can also delve deeper into Lhasa's culture, cuisine, lifestyle, etc. according to your interests, or embark on an in-depth adventure in the surrounding areas around Lhasa. Here are some suggestions to help you make most of your 4-day Lhasa trip, which not include the days of arrival and departure from Lhasa. With decades of experience in Tibet, we have extensive exploration knowledge and a comprehensive service system in Lhasa and the surrounding cities, allowing us to offer you a uniquely customized travel experience.
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Plan A: Lhasa City In-depth Cultural Exploration Tour
Since most of Lhasa's main attractions are located in the city center and are relatively close to each other, four days is enough to cover the city's main highlights for an in-depth city tour (not including arrival and departure times in Lhasa).
Day 1: Tibet Museum - Norbulingka - Sera Monastery
Visit Tibet Museum, appreciate beautiful Norbulingka and take a visit to Sera Monastery on 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.
Exquisite Buddhist Artifacts in Tibet Museum
Our Guest visited Norbulingka in Summer Time
Day 2: Potala Palace - Jokhang Temple - Barkhor Street
On 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.
The Majestic Jokhang Temple with Golden Roof
The Bustling Barkhor Street with Devout Pilgrim
Day 3: Local Tibetan Life Discovery
Take one day to explore the local life of Tibetan people on day 3. If you want to experience the local life, you could have another day to visit a local family and explore the real Tibetan life. This activity offers a great opportunity to get immerse contact with the Tibetan family, chat with the friendly and hospitable host, taste home-made buttered tea, enjoy authentic local Tibetan cuisine... For those tourists keen on Tibet food, it is also a good idea to take part in a Cooking Class to make authentic Tibetan cuisine by yourself. Tibetan Family Kitchen as one of the most recommended Lhasa restaurants, provides real and authentic taste of Tibet as well as Tibet cooking class, which will take about 2 hours. For those travelers with kids and interested in Thangka, which is an exquisite Tibetan scroll, most of which focuses on the motifs of Tibetan Buddhism, such as depicting a Buddhist deity and describing historical Buddhist events, you can take some time on Thangka Drawing as well.
Our Guests from Japan visited Local Tibetan Family in 2024
Cooking Class in Tibetan Family Kitchen
Day 4: Free Exploration According to your Interests
Today is a free day to explore Lhasa city according to your own preferences. If you are a photography enthusiast, you can visit classic spots like Potala Palace Square, Chakpori Hill Viewing Platform, Barkhor Street Times Square, etc. to capture Potala Palace from different angles. For more details, you can refer to our page 11 Best Places to View & Photograph Potala Palace to get more information on photo locations, timing, and tips. If you are a hiking enthusiast, you can go to nearby Tuanjie Park and Nanshan Park for a light hiking experience. Both parks have hiking trails with views of the Potala Palace and spectacular panoramic view of Lhasa city. If you are a dance lover and want to experience the local traditional dances, you can go to Zongjiao Lukang Park behind the Potala Palace, where many locals dance and everyone is welcome to join them. If you are a foodie, you definitely should not miss Barkhor Food Street, Lhasa Night City, and Tianhai Night Market, where you can taste the most authentic Tibetan food.
Read more: Top Lhasa Attractions - Things to Do in Lhasa
Our Guests at Chakpori Hill Viewing Platform
Local Tibetan People Dancing in Zongjiao Lukang Park
Plan B: Lhasa Namtso Highlights Tour with Holy Elephant Heaven Gate
If you are a nature lover and want to explore Namtso in depth, it is recommended to spend 1~2 days to take a round-trip from Lhasa to the Holy Elephant Gate, which is an ideal place for photography and landscape enthusiasts (not including arrival and departure times in Lhasa).
Day 1: Potala Palace - Jokhang Temple - Barkhor Street
On day 1, climb to the Potala Palace, visit Jokhang Temple and walk along with Barkhor Street. If you 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.
Our Guests visited Potala Palace in Autumn
Overlook View of Barkhor Street
Day 2: Drak Yerpa - Ganden Monastery
On day 2, explore Lhasa's suburb cultural sites and beaitiful scenery. Drak Yerpa, nestled in the northeast of Lhasa, is a sacred hermitage perched on cliffs at 4,400m, renowned for its ancient meditation caves used by Tibetan Buddhist masters like Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) and Songtsen Gampo. The site blends spiritual mystique with dramatic landscapes: narrow paths wind through prayer-flag-draped cliffs, leading to caves adorned with murals of Buddhist deities and relics. Ganden Monastery, perched on Wangbur Mountain 47km east of Lhasa, is Tibet’s oldest Gelugpa monastery, which is founded in 1409 by Tsongkhapa, the reformer who shaped Tibetan Buddhism’s Yellow Hat tradition. Its architecture cascades across the mountainside: the golden-roofed Serdung (tomb of Tsongkhapa) glows with relics, while the Tsongkhapa Assembly Hall houses towering pillars and murals depicting Buddhist cosmology. After visiting Ganden Monastery, back to Lhasa city.
Sacred White Stupa in Drak Yerpa
Manuel's group from Spain visited beautiful Ganden Monastery
Day 3: Shengxiang Tianmen (Holy Elephant Gate) of Namtso Lake
Today, venture into the untouched beauty of Namtso Lake - Tibet’s most beautiful holy lake. Departing from Lhasa, pass through Damxung County and reach the first iconic station - Nagenla Pass (altitude: 5190m), where the air thins and the world unfolds: pause at the pass to overlook the exhibition-like Namtso Lake, its turquoise expanse shimmering below like a fallen piece of sky. Continue descending along the scenic road to the scenic area gate, then brace for the final leg-a 50km stretch of washboard road that jostles you toward the heart of the wilderness. The bumpy ride is a small price for what awaits: Shengxiang Tianmen (Holy Elephant Gate), Tibet’s most Instagrammable marvel. Imagine a colossal elephant-shaped rock arching into the lake, framing a "heavenly gate" where earth meets sky, with snow-crowned Nyenchen Tanglha peaks mirrored in the turquoise waters below. After soaking yourself in Shengxiang Tianmen’s raw beauty, back to Damxung County for accommodation. Detour to a cliffside vantage for a fiery sunset over the lake-moments that will haunt your dreams.
Elephant-shaped Heavenly Gate in Namtso Lake
Overlook View of Shengxiang Tianmen
Day 4: Nanshan Park - Sera Monastery
Return to Lhasa city from Damxung County in the morning with scenic route winding through rolling Tibetan grasslands, dotted with nomadic tents and grazing yaks. Upon arrival, head straight to Nanshan Park (Lhasa’s “Green Lung”), a hillside oasis that tells the story of Tibet’s ecological triumph. Pause at viewpoints to marvel at the greening project’s success: once-barren hills now burst with emerald foliage, a testament to local efforts to harmonize with nature. The most highlight part is the panoramic view of Lhasa’s skyline, where the Potala Palace rises like a golden crown against the azure sky-its whitewashed walls and red-tiled roofs glowing in the sunlight, framed by distant snow-capped peaks. Then make your way to Sera Monastery, one of Lhasa’s “Three Great Temples”. Time your visit for the famed monk debates (typically 3-5 PM), held in the monastery’s courtyard. Watch as young monks in maroon robes engage in lively, rhythmic debates-gesturing sharply, chanting Buddhist scriptures, and clapping to emphasize points. The air hums with intellectual energy, a dynamic display of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy in action. End the day with a warm Yak Hotpot dinner in a typical Tibetan restaurant, with traditional Tibetan songs and dances for your 4-day memorable Tibet journey.
Panoramic Cityscape with Potala Palace in Nanshan Park
Tibetan Buddhism Debating in Sera Monastery
Tour Lhasa in More Days - Extend Your Trip from Lhasa
A classic trip to Lhasa usually takes about four days, and if you want to explore other parts of Tibet in depth, it is recommended to plan more days to enjoy your Tibet tour better.
● For travelers who want to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience, Mount Everest stands as an indispensable highlight. Rising along the border of Tibet and Nepal, Everest is not only the world’s highest peak but also a symbol woven deeply into local history, spirituality, and exploration. The Base Camp on the north face of Mt. Everest in Tibet, China, can easily reached from Lhasa, where you can view the most impressing sunset, sunrise, starry sky and highest peak in the world. With its dramatic ridgelines, sweeping valleys, and stark glacial landscapes, the Everest area presents a powerful blend of natural majesty and human heritage, making it an unforgettable destination for those seeking meaningful, visually striking experiences.
☛ 8 Days Lhasa to Mount Everest Private Tour
● If you are a shutterbug, it is highly recommended to add Nyingchi in your itinerary. Located in eastern Tibet, Nyingchi is often called the Tibetan Switzerland for its stunning natural scenery: snow-capped peaks, vast grasslands, grazing yaks and goats, turquoise rivers, rice fields, and lush forests that resemble the landscapes of Switzerland. Yet Nyingchi offers even more: dramatic gorges, crystal-clear rivers, and its famous peach blossoms. Every March and April, when the Nyingchi Peach Blossom Festival arrives, the region transforms into a pink wonderland that attracts travelers from all over.
☛ 7 Days Classic Lhasa Nyingchi Discovery
● For travelers drawn to the historical and cultural depth of Tibet, Shigatse and Gyantse are essential destinations. Set in the heart of southwest Tibet, these historic cities offer a breathtaking blend of culture and scenery. In Shigatse, the sweeping Himalayan backdrop, golden fields, traditional villages, and the majestic Tashilhunpo Monastery create a picture-perfect setting. Nearby Gyantse captivates visitors with its ancient fortress, terraced farmlands, winding rivers, and the iconic Palcho Monastery, all framed by rugged mountains. Together, Shigatse and Gyantse present a rich tapestry of Tibetan heritage and natural beauty - an ideal destination for anyone seeking memorable and photogenic landscapes.
☛ 7 Days Lhasa Gyantse Shigatse Golden Triangle Tour
Read more: How to Plan a Lhasa Tour | How to Plan a Tibet Tour
Our Guests from Germany visited Mount Everest in 2022
The Magnificent Scenery of Namjagbarwa Peak, Nyingchi
Our Guests from Spain visited Tashilhunpo Monastery, Shigatse
How to Plan a Lhasa Tour
How to Get to Lhasa : Nonstop flights to Lhasa Gonggar International Airportfrom Chengdu (about 3 hrs), Chongqing (about 3 hrs), Beijing (about 4.5 hrs), Xi'an (about 4.5 hrs), Xining (about 2.5 hrs), Kunming (about 3 hrs), Shangri-La (about 2.5 hrs), etc. and Qinghai-Tibet Railway to Lhasa Railway Station from Xining, Chengdu, Chongqing, Beijing, Shanghai...
Best Time to Visit Lhasa : all year round, with the summer (Jun.~Aug.) and autumn (Sept.~Nov.) seasons being the optimal time to visit.
Where to Stay in Lhasa : Central Lhasa's Chengguan District, with the Barkhor Street or Potala Palace areas being highly recommended.
Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, is known as the "Sunlight City" and serves as the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism. We recommend spending 3~4 days exploring the city.
☛ How to Plan a Lhasa Trip & Visiting Lhasa Advices
The 4-day classic Lhasa journey is designed for first-time visitors to Lhasa. Its carefully paced itinerary allows for gradual acclimatization while covering Lhasa's highlights, gently guiding you from heritage sites to living traditions. Spend your first day gently adapting to Lhasa's high altitude (3650 m). On your second day, begin at the Tibet Museum, where you'll gain a thoughtful introduction to the region's history, art, and heritage. From there, step into the tranquil Norbulingka, the former Summer Palace celebrated as a masterpiece of Tibetan garden design. By afternoon, experience the lively Buddhist debates at Sera Monastery, offering a glimpse into Tibetan Buddhist scholarship.
On the third day, ascend to the UNESCO-listed Potala Palace, standing at 3,700 meters and housing sacred halls and historic artifacts. Continue to the spiritual heart of the city, Jokhang Temple, where pilgrims gather in devotion before the revered Jowo Shakyamuni statue. Finally, step into the vibrant Barkhor Street circuit, circling the temple amidst a lively blend of prayer, traditional markets, and local craftsmanship. The final day is reserved for departure.
☛ 4 Days Holy City Lhasa Private Tour - Heart of Tibet
For a touch of nature beyond the city, consider a day trip to one of Tibet’s Three Sacred Lakes: Namtso Lake or Yamdrok Lake. Namtso Lake ranks among the world's highest saltwater lakes, with prayer flags and mani stones along its shores completing a landscape of profound serenity. Yamdrok Lake is famed for its ribbon-like turquoise waters winding through the mountains. Its ever-shifting shades of blue and green create a view often described as "heaven on earth".
☛ 5 Days Lhasa City and Holy Lake Namtso Tour
☛ 5 Days Best of Lhasa & Beautiful Yamdrok Lake Tour
With 6~9 days to explore, extend your journey from Lhasa to more of Tibet's iconic destinations, such as the world's highest peak Everest, the lush and scenic Nyingchi known as "Tibetan Switzerland", and Shigatse, the Tibet's second-largest city and home to the historic Tashilhunpo Monastery.
☛ 6 Days Lhasa Gyantse Shigatse Historical Tour
☛ 7 Days Classic Lhasa Nyingchi Landscape Discovery Tour
☛ 8 Days Everest Base Camp Tour - Top of the World
☛ 9 Days Tibet Discovery Tour plus Everest and Namtso Expedition
At Tibet Discovery, we can seamlessly connect your Lhasa experience with a comprehensive Tibet tour, handling all itineraries, permits, and transportation so you can focus on the once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Contact us to customize your journey now!
Must-Visit Attractions in Lhasa
Our Guest visited Namtso Lake in Summer Time
Why Now Is the Golden Time to Travel to Lhasa and Tibet
Now is the golden time to travel to Lhasa and other parts of Tibet, where multiple advantages converge to create an ideal journey: transportation networks are fully upgraded, intra-city travel is seamless, the region’s ecology and comfort have also improved significantly, and both accommodation and dining options have been improved and diversified.
Easy Arrival in Lhasa
Lhasa is now more accessible than ever. The most convenient way to get to Lhasa is by flying into Lhasa Gonggar International Airport, which is well-connected to major cities across China, including Chengdu (about 3 hours), Chongqing (about 3 hours), Beijing (about 4.5 hours), Xining (about 2.5 hours), etc. With a distance of around 60 km from airport to Lhasa city center, you can take the airport shuttle bus or car to get there in 1~1.5 hours; Taking the train is a classic and scenic way to reach Lhasa, though journeys can be quite long. The Qinghai-Tibet Railway connects Lhasa to domestic cities like Chengdu (about 34.5 hours), Chongqing (about 34 hours), Beijing (about 40.5 hours), and Xining (about 20~21.5 hours). Upon arrival at Lhasa Railway Station, it's only about a 9-kilometer drive for 0.5 hours to the city center.
Intra-city Transportation Upgrades
Lhasa’s road system has been significantly improved, featuring smoother, well-paved highways that connect all key destinations seamlessly. Whether you are traveling from the airport to the city center via the Lhasa-Gonggar Airport Expressway, or venturing from downtown to farther natural wonders like Namtso Lake, Yamdrok Lake, and even the Mount Everest region, you can expect a comfortable journey on expansive, orderly roads.
Enhanced Ecology & Lowering Altitude Sickness Risks
Vibrant greenery and orderly streets define Lhasa's new look. From the tree-flanked expressway to the city's parks and well-kept residential lanes, every corner offers a fresher, more picturesque setting for your journey.
Diverse Dining & Accommodation Options
Lhasa offers a wide range of dining options. You can savor Tibetan specialties such as yak meat dishes, butter tea, and sweet tea, explore other popular Chinese regional flavors like Sichuan and Hunan cuisine, or try Nepalese, Indian, and Western dishes. Halal food is also available, catering to different tastes and needs. Complementing this variety are numerous comfortable hotels, many featuring convenient oxygen services to alleviate high-altitude concerns and ensure a comfortable night's sleep.
Well-paved expressway in Lhasa
Lively street of Lhasa
5-star hotel in Lhasa - St Regis
Discover Tibet with a Journey Tailored to You
International travelers are required to join an organized tour with a licensed travel agency to visit Tibet, which means independent travel isn’t permitted. But rather than viewing this as a limitation, we at Tibet Discovery see it as an opportunity to craft something extraordinary for you. Our decades of experience operating in Tibet allow us to transform what could be a simple route into a carefully curated journey. Just contact us to plan your adventure!
When you travel with us, you’ll benefit from:
◾ An expert local guide who brings Tibet’s history, culture, and hidden stories to life.
◾ A comfortable private vehicle suited to Tibet’s unique road conditions.
◾ An experienced driver who knows every curve of the route and can spot wildlife or photo opportunities you might otherwise miss
◾ Flexible pacing that lets you linger at viewpoints or explore unexpected discoveries along the way
Travel with Tibet Discovery
Lhasa Travel Plan
Lhasa Travel Guide
Lhasa Transportation
Top Recommended Lhasa Private Tours 2026
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 / Yamdrok Lake / Gyantse / Shigatse / Mount Everest / Lhasa
8 Days Lhasa to Mount Everest Private Tour with Base Camp Experience
Highlights: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Yamdrok Lake, Palcho Monastery, Everest Base Camp, Sakya Monastery, Tashilhunpo Monastery
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Lhasa
4 Days Holy Lhasa City Highlights Private Tour with Cultural Heritage Treasure
Highlights: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Norbulingka, Sera Monastery Monk Debate
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Lhasa / Yamdrok Lake / Gyantse / Shigatse / Mount Everest / Namtso Lake / Lhasa
9 Days In-depth Tibet Discovery Private Tour plus Everest and Namtso Expedition
Highlights: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Yamdrok Lake, Palcho Monastery, Everest Base Camp, Sakya Monastery, Tashilhunpo Monastery, Namtso Lake
Prefer to tailor a trip that totally suits your requirements and interests? Our 20+ professional, helpful and friendly travel experts are ready to help! Tell us your needs, and one of our experts will get to you with trip details within 0.5~23.5 hrs. You can also call us at 86-28-85227275 / 86-28-85223672.
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