Lhasa Tours

Lhasa Tour FAQs & Travel Guide

• When is the best time to visit Lhasa Tibet?

  Lhasa can be visited throughout the year, and each season offers different highlights.

  In spring (April to May), the weather becomes milder, with average daytime temperatures around 10°C. Winds and snowfall are light, making it a pleasant time to enjoy blooming flowers in and around Lhasa.

  Summer (June to August) is cool and comfortable, with daytime temperatures around 25°C. Rain usually falls at night, while daytime remains sunny and warm. With the snow melted, summer is a good season for trekking and visiting Namtso Lake.

  Autumn (September to October) has dry air and clear skies, similar to spring. It is one of the best seasons for short treks around Lhasa, such as the Ganden to Samye route, offering excellent scenery.

  Contrary to common belief, winter (November to March) in Lhasa is not extremely cold due to strong sunshine. Temperatures can even feel warmer than many cities in northern China. As it is the low travel season, travelers can also enjoy better prices on hotels and flights.

• What documents are needed to visit Lhasa?

  To visit Lhasa, international travelers need to obtain a Tibet Travel Permit.

  In addition, most travelers also need a Chinese Visa, although China currently offers visa-free entry to citizens of some countries for short stays. Visa policies may change, so we always recommend checking the latest requirements based on your nationality before traveling.

  If a Chinese Visa is required, it must be obtained before applying for the Tibet Travel Permit.

  The Tibet Travel Permit cannot be applied for independently and must be arranged through a licensed local travel agency. Once you book your Tibet tour with us, we will assist you with the permit application. You only need to provide photos or photocopies of your valid passport and Chinese Visa (if required).

  The processing time for the Tibet Travel Permit usually takes 7–14 working days. After it is issued, we will mail the original permit to your address in mainland China 3–5 days before departure, ensuring you can board your flight or train to Lhasa smoothly.

• How to get to Lhasa? By flight or train?

  Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region, can be conveniently reached from Kathmandu or mainland China.

  From Kathmandu, travelers can take a direct flight to Lhasa, which takes about 1.5 hours. Another popular option is an overland journey along the Friendship Highway, often combined with a classic 8-day Kathmandu to Lhasa tour that includes a visit to Everest Base Camp.

  From mainland China, Lhasa is accessible by direct flights or trains from major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Xi’an, Chongqing, and Guangzhou. Flights usually take 2 to 7 hours, depending on the departure city. Trains are more economical but take longer, generally 20 to 50 hours.

  For adventurous travelers, an overland trip from Chengdu to Lhasa is also possible. This 7-day journey crosses diverse landscapes from the Sichuan Basin to the Tibetan Plateau.

• How many days to spend in Lhasa?

  A common plan is to spend 2 days exploring Lhasa city. One day is usually devoted to Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery, while the second day covers the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street.

  Since visiting the Potala Palace involves climbing many stone steps, scheduling it after a day of acclimatization helps you prepare better.

  By adding one or two extra days, you can explore more city attractions or visit nearby sites such as Yamdrok Lake or Ganden Monastery.

  A classic Lhasa and Namtso Lake tour generally takes 5 days, including arrival and departure.

• What kind of hotels are available in Lhasa?

  Lhasa offers accommodations ranging from luxury 5-star hotels to mid-range 3–4 star hotels and Tibetan-style guesthouses.

  Luxury hotels such as the St. Regis Lhasa Resort provide deluxe rooms, extensive facilities, and often panoramic views of the Potala Palace, though prices are higher.

  For comfortable stays at reasonable prices, popular 3–4 star hotels like Xinding Hotel, Gang-Gyan Hotel, and Thangka Hotel are well located, clean, and suitable for most travelers.

  Budget travelers can choose Tibetan guesthouses or youth hostels, such as Phuntsok Kasang International Youth Hostel, which offer affordable rooms with basic amenities like hot water, Wi-Fi, and sometimes simple breakfast.

• What and where to eat during a Lhasa tour?

  During a Lhasa tour, travelers can enjoy both traditional Tibetan food and a wide range of Chinese and Western dishes.

  Local Tibetan specialties include tsampa, yak meat, yak yogurt, butter tea, and sweet tea, best experienced at Tibetan restaurants and local teahouses around Barkhor Street.

  For those who prefer familiar flavors, Lhasa also has Sichuan, Nepalese, and Western-style restaurants, making dining convenient for international visitors.

• What is the elevation of Lhasa city? Is altitude sickness a concern?

  Lhasa is located at an altitude of 3,650 meters, making it one of the lower-altitude cities in Tibet, along with Nyingchi.

  Although altitude sickness can affect some first-time visitors, symptoms are usually mild and manageable. To reduce risks, travelers are advised to rest well, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and limit strenuous activities during the first few days of arrival.

  If more serious symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest tightness, or severe headaches occur, please inform your guide immediately and seek medical assistance.

• What are the local cultural etiquette and taboos in Lhasa?

  When visiting monasteries and religious sites, dress modestly and behave respectfully. Always walk clockwise around temples and stupas, and avoid touching Buddha statues or religious objects.

  Photography of monks or local people should only be done with permission. Do not step on prayer flags, mani stones, or religious items placed on the ground.

  Showing respect for local customs and traditions will greatly enhance your experience in Lhasa.

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