DestinationsLhasa
Lhasa
拉萨The spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism and capital of the Roof of the World. The majestic Potala Palace, sacred Jokhang Temple, and ancient Barkhor pilgrim circuit create an unforgettable cultural experience at 3,650m altitude.
Best Time
May-Oct (Warmest, clearest weather)
Payment
Mobile payment growing in Lhasa. Still recommend carrying pl...
Airport
Gonggar Airport→City: Airport Bus (~¥30, 90min), Taxi (~¥200...
Telecom
Tourist SIM recommended. Good coverage in Lhasa city, weak i...
Emergency
Police: 110 | Ambulance: 120 | Fire: 119 | Altitude Emergenc...
Climate
Highland arid. Strong sun, cool nights. Summers are pleasant...
Visa & Entry Tips
Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA) or Qinghai-Tibet Railway from Xining. Foreign tourists MUST obtain a Tibet Travel Permit through a licensed travel agency.
Payment Overview
Mobile payment growing in Lhasa. Still recommend carrying plenty of cash — many Tibetan vendors prefer it.
Getting Around
Airport to City Center
Gonggar Airport→City: Airport Bus (~¥30, 90min), Taxi (~¥200-300). Airport is ~95km from city.
Local Transport
Bus ¥1-2. Taxi starts at ¥10. Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor are all walkable.
Staying Connected
Tourist SIM recommended. Good coverage in Lhasa city, weak in surrounding areas.
Must-See Attractions
1
Potala Palace
Iconic hilltop palace, winter residence of the Dalai Lama
2
Jokhang Temple
Most sacred temple in Tibetan Buddhism, spiritual center of Lhasa
3
Barkhor Street
Sacred pilgrim circuit around Jokhang Temple with shops
4
Sera Monastery
Famous for monk debates held in the courtyard
5
Norbulingka
Summer palace of the Dalai Lama with beautiful gardens
6
Namtso Lake
Sacred salt lake at 4,718m, one of Tibet's most beautiful
Food You Must Try
Butter Tea
Traditional Tibetan tea with yak butter and salt, warming and nourishing
Sweet Tea
Tibetan-style milk tea, popular in Lhasa teahouses
Yak Meat
Highland beef, staple protein in Tibetan cuisine
Tibetan Noodles
Hand-pulled noodles in yak broth with meat
Tsampa
Roasted barley flour mixed with butter tea, a Tibetan staple
Chang
Traditional Tibetan barley beer
Local Tips
1. YOU NEED A TIBET TRAVEL PERMIT — arrange through a travel agency; 2. Altitude 3,650m — spend your first day resting; 3. Potala Palace tickets must be booked one day in advance; 4. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol for first 2 days; 5. Barkhor Street is best visited in the morning when pilgrims are active.
