Lhasa is Tibet’s ancient capital and lies in the enchanting valley along the Kyichu River. The name Lhasa means “Place of Gods” in Tibetan and holds a special place in the hearts of all Tibetan Buddhists. The rich history of Lhasa goes back several centuries. In the 7^th century, Emperor Songtsen Gambo constructed Potala Palace and Jokhang Monastery. Lhasa transformed into Tibet’s religious and administrative capital. By the end of the 17^th century, Lhasa was a sprawling city and the center for trade and culture. In the 18^th and 19^th centuries, the 13-story Potala Palace was ranked among the world's tallest buildings.

Lhasa was one of the most influential trading towns along the Tea Horse Road, which is part of the Silk Road. At the time, Tibetan trade officials used Potala Palace as a command center to monitor and manage tea horse caravans as they entered Lhasa. This architectural marvel at 12,139 feet offered the perfect view of tea merchants with hundreds of horses arriving and departing Lhasa city.

Lhasa is currently the provincial capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR). In this holy Buddhist city, you’ll find mysterious palaces, temples, and monasteries. They come with rich histories and stories to tell. Traveling to Lhasa offers a unique opportunity to explore Tibet’s illustrious history, culture, cuisine, religion, and natural beauty. By going on a Lhasa tour, you will get a snapshot of Tibet and the Tibetan people. Here is an in-depth traveler’s guide of Lhasa.

Lhasa Temple Complex

Lhasa Weather and Altitude

Standing at an altitude of 11,990 feet, Lhasa sits at a higher elevation above sea level than any other capital city globally. Lhasa, known as the “City of Sunlight,” offers plenty of warm sunshine. This Tibetan city has a semi-arid monsoon climate, with temperate highland conditions. The rainy monsoon season starts in the summer, from June to August, and tends to rain heavier between late evening and early morning. So, you don’t have to worry about disrupted outdoor activities during your tour of Lhasa. In Lhasa, spring starts from April to May, autumn from September to October, and winter from November to March.

Summer months are warm, with more than 8 hours of sunshine per day and around 70°F. But temperatures can drop at night due to monsoon rains. Warm sweaters and a cup of hot Tibetan tea can help you overcome Lhasa’s cold summer nights. In winter, temperatures can fall to 14°F. Lhasa is cooler in spring and autumn, with little to no rainfall. But nighttime temperatures can drop to unbearable levels. To get the best tour experience, consider these weather patterns when planning your visit to Lhasa.

Tibetan Snowy Mountains

What is the best time to visit Lhasa?

Lhasa’s temperate climate makes it generally suitable for travel all year round. But the best time to visit Lhasa is in summer and autumn. Peak tourist season in Lhasa falls between June and August. Daytime in the summer is warm and dry, ideal for outdoor tourist activities. There is a catch -the most popular tourist attractions in Lhasa are overcrowded in the summer. If you wish to avoid the crowd, visit Lhasa in autumn. In autumn, Lhasa is cool during the day with clear skies. You can indulge in Tibet’s natural beauty without worrying about overcrowding and monsoon rains. Locals go on pilgrims in autumn, which guarantees authentic experiences for visitors.  

In spring, Lhasa is dry and slightly cold at night. Clear skies in spring and autumn enhance the visibility of snow-capped peaks. You can also visit Lhasa in winter if you love bird-watching or want to save some money! Only a handful of tourists visit Tibet in winter, and most tour and travel agencies offer off-peak discounts. The benefits of visiting Lhasa in winter come at a cost - you’ll have to bear windy conditions during the day and freezing winter nights.

Tibet Wild Animals

How to get to Lhasa from the U.S.

Traveling from the U.S. to Lhasa is quite simple. Here are three ways to travel to Lhasa from the U.S.

Option 1: Take a flight from the U.S. to major hubs in China like Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou. Then, fly from Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou to Lhasa. Air China, China Eastern Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, and Tibet Airlines run daily flights between these three cities and Lhasa. You can find non-stop flights from Beijing to Lhasa, but most flights from Guangzhou or Shanghai to Lhasa have one stopover in Chengdu or Xi'an. These flights take around 5-7 hours.

Option 2: Travel from the U.S. to Chengdu, the capital of Szechuang province, by plane. Several airlines like United Airlines offer direct flights from New York, Dallas, and Boston to Chengdu. Then, fly Sichuan Airlines, China Air, Tibet Airlines, or China Eastern Airlines from Chengdu to Lhasa. A flight from Chengdu to Lhasa takes about two and a half hours. Lhasa Gonggar Airport is about 39 miles from Lhasa. Take a taxi to the city.

You can also travel by train (Z322) from Chengdu Railway Station to Lhasa Railway Station to experience Tibet’s natural beauty and acclimatize to the altitude. The Z322 train takes 36 hours to reach Lhasa. It ascends gradually to the “Roof of the World,” allowing your body to adjust to the altitude. During the 1864-mile journey, watch out for the scenic views of Hoh Xil, Kunlun Mountain, Jade Pearl Snow Mountain, and more.

Option 3: Take a flight from the U.S. to Nepal. Several airlines fly from the U.S. to Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport in Nepal, including Turkish Airlines, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, and American Airlines. Then, connect from Tribhuvan International Airport to the Lhasa Gonggar Airport. Air China and Sichuan Airline offer direct flights from Tribhuvan International Airport to Lhasa Gonggar Airport. Direct flights take about one and a half hours and provide breathtaking aerial views of Mt. Everest. To view this majestic mountain in all its glory, choose a seat on the left side of the plane.

All foreigner visitors must obtain a Tibet Entry Permit issued by Tibet Tourism Board to travel to Lhasa. Songtsam provides this permit service. To acquire a Tibet Entry Permit, email Songtsam via  info@songtsam.com.   

What are the main attractions in Lhasa?

Tourist attractions in Lhasa take visitors on a cultural and historical journey that spans several centuries. This holy city is home to ancient Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, palaces, temples, and relics. Here are the top tourist attractions in Lhasa.

Potala Palace: Perched atop the Red Hill at 12,139 ft, Potala Palace is an architectural marvel and Lhasa’s top tourist attraction. This treasure trove of Tibetan culture is a UNESCO Heritage Site and attracts millions of tourists. Be prepared to climb hundreds of steps to reach this timeless masterpiece. Norbulingka is only 1.2 miles away from Potala Palace. You can visit this “Treasure Garden” during your tour of Potala Palace.

Potala Palace

Jokhang Temple: This Tibetan spiritual center is a UNESCO Heritage Site and the top destination for Tibetan pilgrims. At an altitude of 11,975 ft, Jokhang Temple is a beacon of Tibetan Buddhism. Here, you’ll learn the core tenets of Tibetan Buddhism like the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path and how they influence everyday life.

Jokhang Temple

Barkhor Street: This shopping paradise offers authentic Tibetan handicrafts and souvenirs. It is the heart of Lhasa and attracts millions of tourists every year. After visiting Jokhang Temple, shop and interact with local craftsmen and merchants on Barkhor Street.

Barkhor Street

Yamdrok Lake: At an elevation of 14,570 feet, Yamdrok Lake is an ecological wonderland with awe-inspiring panoramic views. This holy lake creates a relaxing environment with reflections of snow-capped peaks, the scent of rare flora, and sounds of birds and other animals.

Yamdrok lake

Sera Monastery: This top tourist attraction in Lhasa was built in 1419 during the Ming Dynasty and dedicated to the Yellow Hat Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. In Sera Monastery, watch Buddhist monks engage in animated debates and explore centuries-old scriptures and murals.  

Other must-see tourist attractions in Lhasa include Ganden, Drepung, and Samye monasteries, and Lake Namtso.

Sera Monastery

Lhasa Hotels and Accommodations

Lhasa is a world-class tourist destination like no other. This economic powerhouse strikes the perfect balance between 21^st-century modernity and Tibetan cultural authenticity. In Lhasa, you can find Tibetan-style accommodations and luxurious lodges like Songtsam Lhasa Linka. High-end tourist establishments offer 21^st-century amenities and services. Booking your stay in a deluxe tourist lodge allows you to indulge in authentic Tibetan experiences with uttermost comfort.

Although Tibet’s hospitality sector is expanding at an alarming pace, it still lags behind the luxury tourism industry. The most popular and beautiful lodges in Lhasa include Songtsam Linka Lhasa, St. Regis Resort, Intercontinental Lhasa Paradise, Shangri-La Hotel, and Lhasa Brahmaputra Grand Hotel. There are more middle-class accommodations in Lhasa than ultra-luxurious lodges. So, the demand for high-end guesthouses and retreats can surpass the supply during peak tourist season. To avoid last-minute surprises, book your accommodation 20 days in advance.

Songtsam Lhasa Linka

Lhasa Foods and Restaurants

Lhasa is a cultural melting pot that brings together mouth-watering cuisines from across Asia. Tourists can find local Tibetan cuisines, Chinese, Nepali, and Indian dishes in Lhasa. Regional delicacies offer immersive cultural experiences. Indulge your taste buds in spicy Sichuan cuisines like yúxiāng or authentic Tibetan dishes, such as tsampa, momos, and thugpa. If you're homesick or missing someone special, luxurious tourist lodges and accommodations offer all kinds of western foods like pizza, pasta, burger, and many more. A slice of pizza or a juicy beef burger can teleport you back home and heal you of your homesickness. There is also no shortage of fine dining in Lhasa, whether you're a vegan, vegetarian, or meat lover.

Highland Barley Ice Cream

Lhasa Famous Local Products and Tour Shopping Tips

Barkhor Street and Lhasa Ethnic Tourism Handicraft Market offer a multitude of shopping opportunities for tourists in Lhasa. In these markets, you’ll find the most popular local products.  

Cultural and religious objects: Local vendors sell items used in cultural and religious ceremonies like Dorje, wooden bowls, and Tibetan prayer beads. If you want to buy Thangka paintings, visit Barkhor Thangka Painting Department Store. You can even learn to create Thangka paintings yourself!

Home décor pieces: Tibetan rugs and carpets are high-quality with intricate designs. These décor pieces are handspun by experienced artisans using Tibetan highland wool. You can also find high-quality oil paintings with Tibetan themes and other contemporary interior décor products.

Tibetan jewelry: In Barkhor, you can buy jewelry made of gold, silver, and brass or handcrafted jewelry boxes decorated with intricate designs and precious gems.

Barkhor Street is the most popular tourist local marketplace, while Lhasa Ethnic Tourism Handicraft Market is the best go-to option for great deals on Tibetan handicrafts. Both markets offer stress-free and memorable shopping experiences. But you should still watch out for exploitative vendors. Some vendors overcharge tourists, or offer convincing replicas instead of authentic products. To ensure you get a good deal, you could go shopping with your Lhasa tour guide. Also, walking around with wads of cash increases the risk of being targeted by thieves. When visiting Barkhor Street or other local markets, carry small amounts of cash. You can always do additional research to become more acquainted with Tibetan goods! Take some time to check the quality of items and explore alternatives offered in other stalls.  Lhasa shopping tips like these can definitely improve your experience and save you money.

Tibetan Jewelry

Staying Healthy in Lhasa

Lhasa sits at 11,990 feet above sea level. Due to its high altitude, foreign tourists from low-lying areas can experience symptoms of High-Altitude Sickness. Oxygen levels around Lhasa fluctuate seasonally and are highest in the summer. One way to acclimatize to the altitude is by visiting when oxygen levels are higher in Lhasa. In the summer, oxygen levels are at its optimal high, making it the ideal time to visit.

If you do happen to suffer from altitude sickness, please know that symptoms will usually disappear after 3-7 days. To fight off more severe effects, there are several strategies one can adopt. For example, you can eat more vegetables and increase water intake. You can also avoid or reduce strenuous activities, such as smoking, alcohol, and cutting down on carbohydrates. These strategies can help reduce the symptoms of high-altitude sickness.

Lhasa offers many delicious options if you are vegan or vegetarian. In addition, if you’re allergic to gluten, nuts, and dairy products, it would be wise to inform your guide before starting your Lhasa tour. Most Tibetan foods like tsampa, thugpa, and momos contain ingredients like ground barley and yak milk. Walnuts, peanuts, and peanut oil are also commonly used for cooking in Lhasa. To avoid unnecessary risks, make sure your guide understands all your dietary needs and concerns. If you use any medication for allergies, bring more than you need to ensure your supply lasts the duration of your trip. EpiPens are also scarce and hard to find in Tibet.

The backpackers are hiking on the Tibetan Pleateau

Transportation in Lhasa

Lhasa city covers a small area. So, most tourist attractions are only a stone-throw away from each other. Renting a car is the most convenient way to travel in and around Lhasa as a foreigner. But how do you rent a car in Lhasa? There are so many car-rental dealers in Lhasa. Most companies recommend the best vehicle based on your tour destination and rent cars with drivers. If you are traveling miles away from Lhasa, rent an all-terrain 4WD. To avoid unnecessary complications, sign a contract with your driver. Ensure the vehicle has all the necessary certificates and permits.

Renting a car in Lhasa is easy. However, car rental prices in Lhasa can vary depending on a few factors: season, distance, car model and condition. For example, renting a Toyota Landcruiser can cost CNY1,300-CNY2,600 (US$200-US$400) per day. If you’re touring Lhasa as a group, opt to rent a minibus with 17-26 seats for CNY1,600-CNY3,900 (US$250-US$600) per day.

Touring Lhasa by taxi tends to be more cost-efficient than car rentals. On average, short trips within Lhasa city can cost CNY10-CNY15 (less than US$3). You can also use minibusses, pedicabs, or bicycles to travel between temples and cultural attractions in Lhasa. Minibusses charge CNY2/person, while pedicabs cost CNY4-8. Tourists rent bikes for CNY2-3/hour and CNY20-30/day. Pedicabs and bicycles are the cheapest forms of transport in Lhasa, but they’re not as convenient as rented cars and taxis. To get the best experience, book an all-inclusive tour that covers transportation.

Lhasa Downtown around busy traffic

Lhasa Classic Tourist Route

Lhasa’s classic tourist route includes Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street. The best Tibetan tours combine these three heritage sites with other attractions and last for 4-6 days. During a 4-day Lhasa tour, you can visit the three top tourist attractions and include Sera and Drepung Monastery in your itinerary. But you can also take a 4-day trek from Ganden to Samye Monastery or combine short hiking options like Sera Monastery to Pabonka with must-see tourist attractions in Lhasa.

If you’re touring Lhasa for 5 days or more, combine classic 4-day tourist routes with a 1-2-day tour of natural attractions like Lake Namtso or Yamdrok Lake. Or squeeze in cultural experiences like XueDun Festival, Lantern Festival, or Thangka painting. The idea is to use must-see sites in Lhasa as the foundation and build up your tour itinerary with other attractions. This approach ensures you get a complete Tibetan experience.

Lively Lhasa Festival Celebration

Packing list before traveling to Lhasa

When you’re packing for a trip to Lhasa, consider the season, length of the tour, and your travel itinerary. If you're traveling to Lhasa in summer, pack a few warm clothes. You'll also need a raincoat to protect you from monsoon rains. Lhasa also gets some light showers in early spring and late fall. Check out weather predictions to determine whether you should bring a raincoat or not. Warm clothing is essential for winter tours in Lhasa. You should pack thick sweaters, a comfy jacket, and warm socks and shoes to protect you from freezing winter nights.

Some tourist sites have unpaved paths and rough walking trails. So, you’ll need comfy shoes or boots whether you’re touring Lhasa in winter, summer, spring, or fall.  If your Lhasa tour itinerary includes outdoor activities, bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunblock cream to protect you from UV rays. Warm clothing and appropriate gear and shoes are also essential for hiking and trekking. You will also need a small bag or waist pack to carry your documents and permits safely. Don't forget to pack essentials like eyeglasses and inhalers prescribed by your doctor.

Lhasa’s Covid-19 Travel Advisory

Tibet is one of the few places in the world that was not affected by the global pandemic. However, you’ll still need to wear a mask. You won’t be allowed to use public transport or enter any tourist site without a facemask. Temperature checks are also required before entering tourist sites and public spaces. Both requirements enhance your protection and reduce health risks. Tibetans have been wearing masks and face coverings long before the health crisis. Facemasks offer protection from the elements like dust, UV rays, and cold streams and winds.

Lhasa is a cultural melting pot with infinite tourist attractions, experiences, and adventures. This city offers you a snapshot of Tibetan culture, religion, way of life, and everything in between. If you don’t have the time to tour Tibet as a whole, visit Lhasa city for a few days. Then, combine must-see Tibetan attractions like the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street with other historical, natural, or cultural sites. Follow this traveler’s guide of Lhasa to indulge in experiences that can last for a lifetime.