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Lhasa Travel Tips: Top 10 Useful Travel Tips for a Lhasa Tour

Last Update: June 30, 2020

Lhasa, the principal city of Tibet, is the world's highest capital. It sits at the banks of the namesake river, which translates as "the Happy River." According to a recent study, people living in Lhasa are the happiest citizens of China, whose happiness, naturally, passes onto travelers in a visit. As a holidaymaker in the chief city of the Roof of the World, you are sure to receive a heartwarming welcome. However, every destination on Earth has its own travel tricks that visitors should know. To help you a great trip in Lhasa, here we list the top ten travel tips for your reference.

1.Choose the best travel time to Lhasa

The best time for visiting Lhasa, Tibet, varies depending on travellers’ priorities: If you are a budget-conscious traveller, coming to "the Happy City" during winter grants you substantial savings. Air temperatures aren't particularly low, and you will admire Lhasa in its whole authenticity. Also, many pilgrims come to the city during this season.

Visit Lhasa city in winterVisit Lhasa city in winter

Spring is the time of year when the prices go somewhat up, but weather and temperatures are generally favourable for sightseeing. Furthermore, the surrounding countryside becomes green and flowery in the second part of spring.

Summer is a wet season, or what passes for it, in the world's highest capital. It is the peak tourist season, and travel-related expenses are at their highest. Due to abundant greenery, however, vacationers adapt to lower levels of oxygen (more on this later) more easily.

Early autumn is the ideal time for photography in and around Lhasa. The weather is still pleasant in September, becoming chilly in October and cold in November. As time goes by, prices and the number of visitors drop.

2.You need to obtain a Tibet Travel Permit to enter Lhasa

You can't simply pack your bags and catch a first flight or train to Lhasa and Tibet. International visitors need to obtain a China Visa and a Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) first. If you include some other Tibetan destinations in your itinerary, you might need to apply for additional documents, such as Aliens’ Travel Permit and Military Permit. After you secure the visa, you need to contact a local travel agency for Tibet Travel Permit application. And that brings us to the next tip for your trip.

3.Contact a Trustworthy Local Tour Operator

Due to local regulations, you can apply for a TTP only through a chosen travel agency. There are many tour operators available on the market, and some of them may not have travellers’ best interests in mind. Thus, make sure to choose a travel agency with a high reputation that has been around for some time.

Our Tibet Tour guidesWe have a group of professional local Tour guides with us.

Choosing a reliable tour operator involves more than securing a Tibet Travel Permit on your behalf. It is up to the agency to deliver the document to you once you arrive in China so you can continue your trip. And you need to join in an organized tour by local travel agency, instead travel along in Tibet, according to the policies. In this way, a reputable provider will also make sure you have a carefree trip to the Land of Snows.

4.Pay Attention to High Altitude Sickness

The majority of tourists visiting Lhasa (3,650m/12,000ft) comes from low-altitude areas where oxygen is abundant. Once you go over 2,500 meters, give or take, above sea level, the quantity of oxygen in the air declines. And that can lead to various inconveniences, such as headache, loss of appetite, and more.

So, consult your doctor before the trip and follow the instructions of your tour guides when you arrive. Avoid any exertion during the first days of your stay in Lhasa and consider booking a hotel room with the oxygen supply.

5.Don’t Miss Must-See Attractions in Lhasa

A classic Lhasa city trip will always bring you to the most highlighted places in this city. Potala Palace is a landmark dominating the cityscape of the principal Tibetan city. It used to be a winter residence of the Dalai Lama, the highest spiritual authority of Tibet. Potala Palace boasts various works of art, stupas containing the remains of several Dalai Lamas, and great views of the surrounding area.

Potala Palace in LhasaVisit Potala Palace in Lhasa

Jokhang Temple, or the House of Buddha, is the holiest place of worship in the Tibetan plateau. It combines a few architectural styles and a wealth of works of art, including murals about a kilometer/0.6 miles long. Among other highlights, you can see a life-size statue of Buddha when he was a boy in the main hall.

Jokhang Temple in LhasaVisit Jokhang Temple in Lhasa

Barkhor Street is the central city street, teeming with eateries and shops. During religious holidays, Barkhor Street is full of pilgrims spinning prayer wheels and chanting.

6.Dine Tibetan Food at a Local Restaurant

Tibetan cuisine is unlike any other you may know. Tibetans source its ingredients from high elevation places, which is where the uniqueness of the local gastronomy lies. Tibetan Yogurt, Momo, Hot Pot, Tsampa, and sausages are some specialties and dishes you should pay attention to.

Dine Taibetan food in LhasaDine Taibetan food in Lhasa

There are various restaurants and eateries in Lhasa serving specialties of the local cuisine. If you wish to taste delicious food in a home environment, go to Tibet Family Kitchen. To browse among Tibetan, Nepali, and Indian dishes, visit Makye Ame. Crazy Yak Saloon is also among reputable eateries serving local food.

7.Avoid Sunlight When You Are Outside

Lhasa city has abundant sunlight all the year round, and thus is also called “the city of Sunshine”. Albeit it may not seem so at high elevations, sunlight can cause sunburns with ease. Since the atmosphere is thinner than at lower altitudes, you are more susceptible to sunburns due to higher exposure.

For prevention, bring a quality sunscreen and apply it regularly on exposed parts of the body, such as head, face, and hands. Also, wear a hat with a wide brim and long-sleeved shirts, and have sunglasses at hand.

If you get sunburns accompanied with fever, dehydration, and nausea among other symptoms, seek medical assistance immediately.

8.Respect Local Customs and Traditions

Tibetan etiquette can make foreign visitors puzzled at times since there are things you should avoid here that are common elsewhere. Some of the most important dos and don'ts you should practice in Lhasa and the world's highest plateau are:

● Don't touch a child's head, which typically stands for most places in Asia. The locals consider the head the holiest part of the body, and they find rubbing it extremely rude.
● If you receive a gift from a Tibetan, accept it with both hands and raise it above your head.
● When accompanying the locals for a meal, don't start eating before everyone around is served.
● When entering a host's home, step over the threshold.
● Ask Tibetans for permission to take a photo of them before you take a shoot. Also, refrain from taking photos during religious services in places of worship.
● When sitting, don't point the soles of your feet to people around you or sacred items in temples. Cross legs instead.
● You should generally avoid wearing shorts and skirts that reveal too much during your tour of Lhasa and Tibet, but especially in Tibetan monasteries.
● Don't walk in front of a believer that prays.
● If a local sticks out their tongue at you, don't feel offended because they greet you that way.

9.Take Part in Wonderful Nightlife in Lhasa

There are plentiful options for you to spend some quality time in Lhasa during the night. If you don't separate having a good time from shopping, pay a visit to Barkhor and Tianhai night markets.

Socializing with the Tibetan localsSocializing with the Tibetan locals

You can also do bar-hopping in the highest capital in the world. Aside from socializing with the locals, you can spend time quietly reading a book, for example.

During your stay, you can attend the open-air Princess Wencheng Musical Show, taking place daily at 9:30 pm in Cijiaolin Village. Some other night entertainment options are KTV shows and dancing at nightclubs.

10.Don’t Neglect the City Outskirts of Lhasa

Many holidaymakers spend some time exploring the outskirts around Lhasa during their trip. Aside from diverse scenery, there are a few historic monasteries a short drive away from the city.

Drepung and Sera, two of the three significant Gelug monasteries, are great day-trip destinations. You will find both of them interesting, the former from the architectural standpoint, the latter because of monk debate sessions.

Visit Drepung Monastery in TibetVisit Drepung Monastery whit our local guide in Lhasa surroundings

Also, spend some time exploring Lhalu Wetland Reserve, China's highest natural wetland. It is called the “lung of Lhasa”, gathering various wildlife and birds including the treasured black-necked crane.

If you have extra days to spend on your trip, you can also travel further to the holy Namtso Lake, which is one of the holiest lakes in Tibet. It presents gorgeous nature scenery and has great importance in the hearts of local Tibetans.

Conclusion

Lhasa is usually the starting point for a Tibet tour. Even if you don't plan to go elsewhere, Lhasa offers a lot of places and activities to occupy you for weeks. So, get in touch with a professional Tibetan travel agency and arrange an individual or join a group guided tour. Just keep in mind to take it easy for a few days before your acclimatization is complete.

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