Lhasa Altitude - How High is Lhasa & Tips to Avoid Altitude Sickness

Most of Lhasa's major attracions, including Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Norbulingka, Sera Monastery and Drepung Monastery cluster in the city's south-central Lhasa River valley plain. They share relatively similar base altitude, with variations attributed to differences in the height of the structures themselves.

1. Potala Palace (3,700 meters)

Known as the landmark and symbol of Tibet, Potala Palace is the biggest, the best preserved ancient palace in Tibet, also the highest palace in the world. It is a UNESCO-listed World Cultural Heritage and a national 5A scenic spot, covering an area of 360,000 square meters. Situated on Marpori Mountain (the “Red Hill”) of Lhasa Valley, Potala Palace stands at an elevation of 3,700m ( 12,139 ft) and its main structure rising 115.7 meters high. To explore its ancient halls and sacred chambers, visitors must climb a series of stone steps—the actual altitude will increase as they ascend. To make the most of your visit, plan to explore the Potala Palace on your second or third day in Lhasa—giving your body ample time to acclimatize to the high altitude.

Check more about Potala Palace Altitude

2. Barkhor Street, Jokhang Temple (3,650 meters)

Jokhang Temple, at an elevation of about 3,650m (11,975ft) above sea level, is a Tibetan Buddhism monastery with over 1,300 years of history. Regarded as Tibet'a most sacred and important temple, it attracts devout pilgrims who kowtow reverently outside its gates throughout the day. Surrounded it is the vibrant Barkhor Street, one of Tibet's most famous circumambulation routes and the spiritual heart of Lhasa. As a centuries-old pilgrimage path, it sees devout pilgrims from across the plateau spining prayer wheels and chanting mantras every day. This street itself is also a large living area of old blocks in the central Lhasa, suffused with over 120 handicraft shops, 200 stalls selling various Tibetan-style goods.

5. Drepung Monastery (3,800 meters)

Drepung Monastery, together with Sera Monastery and Ganden Monastery is one of three great temples of Lhasa and the largest monastery in Tibet. It sits at an altitude of 3,800m (12,467ft), at the foot of Gambo Utse mountain, about 10km south of Lhasa downtown. Built along the hillside, Drepung Monastery is surrounded by high mountains on three sides, with a sloping land in the south covered by trees and shrubs. From afar, its clustered white buildings cascade down the hillside like a massive mound of rice—aptly reflecting its Tibetan name "Drepung," which translates to "heap of rice." Tourists arriving in Lhasa by train can catch the sight from Lhasa Railway Station.

6. Sera Monastery (3,700 meters)

Sera Monastery is one of the three greatest monasteries in Tibet, together with Drepung Monastery and Ganden Monastery. It's a representative temple of Gulug sect, a prime faction of Tibetan Buddhism. Perched on the Serawoze Mountain, Sera Monastery has an altitude of 3,700m (12,139ft). The most notable feature of the monastery is its unique Tibetan Buddhism Scripture Debating, which takes place daily during 15:00 to 17:00. Monks in traditional maroon robes gather in the courtyard, some gesture emphatically with hands clapped or raised, while the other responds thoughtfully. This spectacular practice is both a dynamic way to discuss Buddhist knowledge and a time-honored method of mutual learning for monks.

7. Norbulingka (3,650 meters)

Norbulingka Park is the largest and the most beautiful man-made garden in Tibet. It stands at an elevation of about 3,650m (11,975ft) above sea level. Covering an area of 360,000 square meters with more than one hundred species of plants, Norbulingka Palace is considered to be a highland botanic garden, dubbed "Plateau Oxygen Bar". Near the Potala Palce, it used to be a summer residence and administrative site. In 2001, the park was added to a World Heritage Site, as an integral part of the Potala Palace Historic Ensemble. Each year, during the Shoton Festival, Norbulingka transforms into a bustling hub of activity in Lhasa, where monks unfurl massive thangka paintings, traditional Tibetan opera performances take center stage, etc.

8. Ganden Monastery (3,800 meters)

Ganden Monastery is one of the three greatest temples in Lhasa, and the ancestral temple of Gelug sect. Located on Wangbori Mountain along the south coast of Lhasa River in Dagzê County, northeast of Lhasa, the temple sits at an altitude of 3,800m (12,467ft). It was founded during the Ming Dynasty in the 15th century by the founder of Gelug sect, Tsongkhapa. With an orderly architectural layout of Buddha halls, towering roofs, magnificent stupas, Ganden Monastery is constructed with vivid colors of black windows, white, golden, or red walls, like a colossal castle inlaid on the peak. It is also renowned as the iconic starting point of Tibet's classic Ganden to Samye Trek, a beloved route cherished by trekkers and pilgrims.

1. Undergo a full physical examination 1 to 2 weeks before you enter Tibet. Especially check your cardiopulmonary function and blood pressure carefully. Avoid traveling if diagnosed with hypertension, heart disease, asthma, or acute respiratory infections (e.g., colds).

2. Start taking altitude sickness prevention medicines like Rhodiola rosea 1 to 2 days in advance as advised by a doctor, and pack some with you.

3. Maintain physical fitness in the weeks prior, but avoid intense workouts 3 days before travel to reduce oxygen consumption.

During The Travel

1. You’d better not to take a shower in the first two days after your arrival.

2. Don’t do strenuous exercises, including running, fast walking, etc.

3. Have a high carbohydrate diet every day in the tour. Avoid greasy, spicy food and overeating.

4. Drink 2-3 liters of water daily. Abstain from from alcohol, smoking, and caffeinated drinks during the first 3 days.

5. Not to take sedative hypnotics.

6. Do some relaxing walking slowly to adapt the new environment.

7. Keep warm from getting cold.

If you have severe high altitude reaction, you have to contact the local Tibet guide as early as possible to receive medical treatment in local Tibet hispitals. You can contact us get more helpful advice. Our Tibet tour packages cover all essentials, from tailor-made itinerary, attraction tickets, transfer service, accommodation, meals, etc. Contact us now >>

Namsto Lake (4,718 meters) - Must-Visit Attraction near Lhasa

Namtso Lake, about 240km (4 hours by car) to south Lhasa city, is one of the three holiest lakes in Tibet (together with Yamdrok Lake and Lake Manasarovar). Located on Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, at the northwest border of Lhasa and Nagchu prefecture, Namtso Lake is the world's highest large lake with a lake surface elevation of 4,718m (15,479ft). The iconic Nagenla Pass, standing at 5190 meters, overlooks the lake. To the north lies a plateau hilly region with an average altitude of 5000-5500 meters with a gently sloping terrain. To the south and east, the valleys of Gangdisê Mountains (冈底斯山) and Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains(念青唐古拉山脉) stretch, with elevations ranging from 4000 to 4300 meters, rising gradually from south to north.