As Tibet's cultural and spiritual center, Lhasa is a must-visit destination during your Tibet tour. But how to visit this charming city can be complicated for many tourists. To make it easier, this guide breaks down the process into 8 simple steps, including best travel time, required documents, packing, transportation, accommodation, dining, etc. Read on to prepare yourself for a stress-free and smooth trip to Lhasa.

When is the Best Time to Visit Lhasa? From April to October

Lhasa is actually a year-round destination in Tibet, and presents its different charm in each season. While, for the best weather, the ideal time to visit Lhasa is from April to October, when temperatures are moderate and pleasant.

During spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October), Lhasa experiences mild temperatures, clear skies and abundant sunshine, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. These months are ideal for doing short trekking around Lhasa, like the trek from Ganden Monastery to Samye Monastery.

Summer (July and August) is also an excellent time to visit Lhasa. Despite being the monsoon season, the rain normally falls in the late afternoons and evenings. So your travel plan will typically not be disrupted. And the weather during this time is warm, not too hot, perfect for exploring.

Besides, winter is also a good time to visit Lhasa. It is not as cold as many imagine, and a lot of sunshine makes you feel warm during the daytime. With fewer tourists in this season, you can enjoy a quieter travel experience in Lhasa and around. Plus, you can enjoy a budget travel cost during this time.

This is the most classic tour to visit Lhasa city.

What Documents are Needed to Visit Lhasa? The Tibet Travel Permit is Essential

Before traveling to Lhasa, you will need to prepare some necessary documents, and the most important one is the Tibet Travel Permit. Without it, you cannot take a train or flight to Lhasa. Issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau, this permit can not be applied for individually. But no worries! We will help you to obtain it for free as long as you book your Tibet tour with us.

Besides, you will also need to obtain a Chinese Visa, as Tibet is part of China. The Chinese Visa can be obtained on your own in your home country or a third country. However, if you plan to enter Tibet from Nepal, you will need a Chinese Group Visa, instead of a regular visa. In this case, we will help you to obtain both the Chinese Group Visa and Tibet Travel Permit.

If you are from a Chinese-visa free countries, then you will only need to obtain the Tibet Travel Permit. Be sure to check details about whether you need a Chinese Visa for your Tibet tour.

No matter what’s your travel plan, it is recommended to contact us at least 20 days before your depareture date to Lhasa, to avoid any delays in the application.

What to Pack for Visiting Lhasa? Packing Light is Suggested

Lhasa is situated at a high altitude and has a changeable climate, so it is essential to pack appropriately before you go. It is recommended to pack light, while ensuring you bring all the necessary items.

Comfortable clothing that can be worn in layers is especially important, as the temperatures can vary greatly between day and night. Even in summer, you will need a warm jacket to cope with the chill in the mornings and evenings.

To protect yourself against the strong sunlight, you should also bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip balm, even in winter months. Sturdy walking shoes are also required, as they make it easier for you to explore Lhasa’s streets and holy temples. Besides, remember to bring some common medicines, including anti-altitude sickness medication, in case of emergency.

Packing properly is suggested during your Lhasa tour.

How to Get to Lhasa? By Flight, Train or Overland

It is very convenient to get to Lhasa nowadays, and you can choose to travel by flight, train or overland. If you are short on time, consider taking a flight to Lhasa, which is the fastest option. There are direct flights to Lhasa every day from major cities in mainland China, such as Beijing, Chengdu, Xi’an. Besides, you can fly to Lhasa from Kathmandu, if you plan to enter Tibet from Nepal. Flights usually take only several hours, and can quickly transport you to the plateau.

If you want to experience the famous Qinghai-Tibet Railway, you can take a Tibet train to Lhasa. Departing from seven main cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi’an, Xining and Guangzhou, the train to Lhasa takes you through breathtaking landscape along the way. It is also a good choice to gradually acclimatize to the high altitude. The train journey often lasts over 20 hours, depending on your departure city.

For adventurous travelers, you can also choose to travel to Lhasa by land. Of the four roads that lead to Lhasa from mainland China, the G318 National Highway is the most popular. This famous route will take you through the magnificent scenery of eastern Tibet. In addition, the overland journey from Kathmandu to Lhasa is also worth a try, which will take you through the majestic Himalayas while enjoying the unique charm of many Tibetan attractions along the way.

What are the Top Attractions to Visit in Lhasa? More than Just the Potala Palace

When referring to Lhasa, many people could think of the Potala Palace. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the palace is a must-see during your Tibet tour, featuring magnificent architecture and historic significance. While there are also many other famous attractions to explore in Lhasa:

(1)Jokhang Temple: Dating back to the 7th century, the temple is the spiritual center of Tibetan Buddhism, and is considered to be the most sacred man-made site in the region. Every year, thousands of Tibetan Buddhists travel thousands of kilometers to pray at the temple and walk the kora route around the site.

(2)Barkhor Street: this bustling street lets you glimpse local life and is also the best place to buy traditional Tibetan handicrafts and souvenirs. Many pilgrims walk kora the street, pray and spin prayer wheels, and even prostrate themselves before Jokhang Temple and along the kora route.

(3) Drepung Monastery: the largest temple in Tibet, and is world-famous for its majestic architecture, rich Tibetan Buddhist culture, and grand Shoton Festival.

(4) Sera Monastery: Most famous for its monastic debates, which can get very elaborate, the monastery was built in 1419, and is another of the “Great Three” monasteries of the Gelug School.

(5) Norbulingka Palace: a stunning park in Lhasa, previously serving as the summer palace of the Dalai Lamas, and is a tranquil retreat with beautiful gardens.

(6) Namtso Lake: One of the Three Holiest Lakes in Tibet, located on the outskirts of Lhasa. Here you can admire the snow-covered Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains and crystal-clear turquoise water.

(7) Ganden Monastery: Another Gelug Monastery in Tibet, and offers a beautiful short trek to see the enchanting vista of Lhasa Valley and surrounding mountains.

A 5-day Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake tour is recommended for an extended Lhasa trip.

How Many Days are Recommended for a Lhasa Tour? 4 to 6 Days are Ideal

Trips to Lhasa come in all sizes, and to fully appreciate the city’s highlights in a comfortable way, a 4 to 6-day itinerary is recommended.

A 4-day Lhasa city tour is the most classic trip to explore this charming city. Starting when you arrive in Lhasa at the railway station or the airport, you will first stay in your hotel to acclimatize to the high altitude of the Tibetan Plateau on the first day.

Then the second and third days are normally for seeing the best sights in the city, including Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Drepung and Sera Monastery, etc. In these two days, you can get a basic understanding of Tibetan culture, religion, and local lifestyle. The final day of the tour is your departure day, and your tour guide will take you to the train station or airport for your departure from Tibet.

If you have more time, you can extend your Lhasa tour, with additional excursions to the stunning places near Lhasa. A visit to Lake Namtso from Lhasa normally takes another 2 days, allowing you to explore this sacred lake and visit less-traveled Chimelong Monastery and Tsurphu Monastery on the way back. And a short trip from from Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake normally takes about 5 days in total.

What about the Accomodation and Dining in Lhasa? Plenty of Options to Suit All Needs

As the most prosperous city in Tibet, Lhasa offers a wide range of hotels to suit different budgets and preferences. There are 5-star luxurious hotels like St. Regis Lhasa Resort with modern amenities. You can also find cozy guesthouses at budget prices. Various Tibetan-style hotels of all levels are also available. When choosing the location, hotels near Barkhor Street are recommended, for they offer easy access to major attractions in the city center.

As for the dining in Lhasa, you can also enjoy a variety of choices. There is traditional Tibetan cuisine that serves Tibetan momos, Tibetan noodles, yak butter tea and other local dishes. You can also taste other cuisines, like popular Sichuan dishes, Western-style dishes, Indian and Nepalese dishes, etc. There are even vegetarian restaurants in Lhasa. If you are not sure where to have meals, you can also turn to your Tibetan local guide who can give helpful tips based on your needs.

We include starred hotels in our Lhasa small group tours.

Joining Our Lhasa Tour to Enjoy a Smooth and Enjoyable Travel Experience

Planning a trip to Lhasa on your own can be a little challenging, especially if you are first-timers to Tibet. As the leading Tibet tour operator with years of experience, we offer a series of Lhasa tours to ensure you a smooth and worry-free travel experience.

You can join our small group tour with fixed deparetures to travel with other like-minded tourists, or you can enjoy a personal travel experience with our customized private tour. No matter which kind of tour you choose, we will ensure your Lhasa journey is smooth and enriching.

We offer one-stop services including Tibet Travel Permit application, accommodation, and dining, standard tourist vehicles, experienced local tour guides, etc. We handle every detail so that you can just focus on enjoying your exploration. Contact us to start your adventure now!

Conclusion

By following these eight steps mentioned above, you can enjoy a lifetime Lhasa tour with ease and comfort. Whether you are attracted by the city’s iconic landmarks or unique landscape, Lhasa promises an amazing experience. If you still have questions about Tibet travel or Lhasa travel, feel free to contact us or book your tour with us today. We are happy to provide you with a wonderful trip to the plateau!