Lhasa Tours

Frequently Asked Questions about Lhasa Tour

• When is the best time to visit Lhasa Tibet?

  To be honest, Lhasa city can be visited at any time of the year, and there are different highlights to experience for a Lhasa tour in different seasons. The weather in Lhasa in spring is becoming warm, with small wind and snow, and the average daily temperature is about 10 degrees. It is the perfect time for you to enjoy the blossoming flowers in Lhasa surroundings.

  When in summer, you can find Lhasa to be a comfortable and cool place, with daily temperature of around 25 degrees. Rains always fall at nights, and warm and bright sunshine takes up the daytime. With snow melted, one can take Namtso Lake trekking for great sights.

  In autumn, the weather in Lhasa is similar to that of spring. With dry air and clear sky, it is the great time to do trek around the city. One can explore the short trails, like Ganden to Samye, to enjoy the best of the scenery of Lhasa during this season.

  Unlike many have supposed, the winter in Lhasa is not that cold, owing to its strong sunshine. It can be even warmer than most cities in northern China. Since it is the low travel season for Tibet tours, one can enjoy great discounts on hotels, flights and the like during this time.

• How to get to Lhasa?

  Lhasa, as the capital city of Tibet Autonomous Region, can be easily accessed in convenient ways, from either Kathmandu or mainland China. If you start from Kathmandu, you can take a direct flight to Lhasa, which will take you only around 2 hours. Or, you can take an overland trip from Kathmandu to Lhasa, to go through the scenic road journey via Friendship Highway. It is recommended to join in a classic 8-day Kathmandu to Lhasa tour, with a wonderful detour to the Everest Base Camp en route.

  If you travel to Lhasa from mainland China, you can take direct trains or flights from gateway cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Xi’an, Chongqing, Guangzhou etc. The flights to Lhasa vary in duration and prices, depending on the travel distance from these cities. Trains to Tibet will be more cost-effective, on the other hand, despite its longer travel time on the rails.

  Last but not the least, you can also take an overland tour from Chengdu to Lhasa, if trains or flights are not to your liking. Risky and challenging, the journey will normally take 7 days, and will let you traverse diverse landscapes and terrains from the low Sichuan basin to the high Tibetan Plateau. Still have no idea? You are free to contact us for more details about the way to get to Lhasa from your departure city.

• What kind of hotels available in Lhasa?

  There are a wide range of accommodations available in the city of Lhasa, from 5-star luxury hotels to economic hotels to Tibetan guesthouses. You can choose what suits you best according to your own situation. But as a remainder, the hotel facility and service are not as good as those of the same grade in China’s big cities such as Beijing, due to the economic development.

  The most recommended luxury 5-star hotels include Luxury St. Regis Lhasa Resort etc. These hotels can give you a pleasant experience with deluxe suites and more types and usually provide the most wonderful view of the whole city. But the prices will certainly be much higher.

  If you want to stay comfortably at proper cost, there are economic hotels for your choice. Popular hotels like New Mandala Hotel, Lhasa Kailash Hotel, and Yak Hotel will let you relax yourself and meet the needs of the majority. The environment is always clean and cozy to live. and It is convenient to get the necessary services in these hotels.

  In addition, you can also find Tibetan-style guesthouses to save more on travel costs, like Phuntsok Kasang International Youth Hostel, which offers the economic standard double and triple rooms as well as 8-bed to 12-bed rooms. Though budget-priced, these hotels also offer hot water, internet access, and even some simple breakfast.

• How many days to spend in Lhasa?

  A popular plan for many is to have a two-day Lhasa city sightseeing. You can visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple Barkhor Street on the first day, and then explore the important Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery on the second day. Plus one day, you can explore more attractions inside the city or travel beyond to the surroundings, to visit Yamdrok Lake, Ganden Monastery etc. A classic itinerary for the Lhasa and Namtso Lake tour usually will cover 6 days in total, include the first day you arrive in Lhasa and the last day for departure.

• What documents are needed to visit Lhasa?

  To visit Lhasa, you'll need to obtain the Tibet Travel Permit. Independent application for the Tibet Travel Permit is not permitted, but we can assist you in obtaining it. Once you book your Tibet tour with us, simply submit photos or photocopies of your valid passport and Chinese Visa to us for the application.

  The processing time for the Tibet Travel Permit typically ranges from 7 to 14 working days. Once issued, we'll mail it to your address in mainland China 3-5 days before your departure, ensuring you have it for your train or flight to Tibet.

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

  Lhasa stands at an altitude of 3650 meters, placing it among the lower-altitude cities in Tibet, alongside Nyingchi. While altitude sickness can affect first-time visitors to high-altitude regions, its severity varies from person to person.

  To reduce the risk of altitude sickness, it's recommended to refrain from bathing, particularly hair washing, during the initial days in Lhasa, avoid exposure to cold temperatures to prevent colds, prioritize adequate rest, and avoid strenuous activities. Additionally, staying hydrated, consuming fresh fruits and vegetables, and abstaining from alcohol are advisable.

  If experiencing severe symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest tightness, or intense headaches, it's crucial to notify your guide and seek immediate medical assistance while accompanied by the guide.