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Is Lhasa Worth Visiting? Absolutely!
Lhasa is a must-visit destination in Tibet, offering a perfect blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. Here’s why you should visit:
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The Heart of Tibet – Lhasa is Tibet’s political, economic, and cultural center, offering an authentic Tibetan experience.
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Easy to Reach – As Tibet’s main transportation hub, Lhasa is well-connected by flights, trains, and highways. Find out how to get to Tibet >>
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Altitude Advantage – With a lower elevation (about 3650 km) than other Tibetan regions, Lhasa helps you acclimate to the high altitude more easily.
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Rich Attractions – From historical landmarks like to breathtaking natural scenery, Lhasa has it all!
Check Top Lhasa Attractions on Map
Check out the not-to-be-missed attractions and activities in Lhasa on the map.
1. Climb the Potala Palace: Iconic Thing to Do in Lhasa
Location: No.35, Beijing Middle Road, Chengguan District, Lhasa
Potala Palace Altitude: 3,700 meters
Located in the heart of Lhasa, the is Tibet’s most iconic landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known as the “Winter Palace of the Dalai Lama”, it symbolizes Tibetan Buddhism and ancient Tibetan governance.
The best way to experience it is by climbing the grand staircases, exploring its golden-roofed halls and Buddhist statues, and admiring stunning murals depicting Tibet’s rich history.
2. Pilgrimage to the Jokhang Temple: A Spiritual Must-do in Lhasa
Location: Barkhor Street, Chengguan District, Lhasa
Situated in the old town of Lhasa, Jokhang Temple is the spiritual heart of Tibet. Revered as the “Most Sacred Temple in Tibet”, it houses the life-sized statue of 12-year-old Jowo Shakyamuni.
To truly experience its spiritual significance, join Tibetan pilgrims in a clockwise kora (circumambulation) around the temple, spinning prayer wheels as you go.
3. Walk the Barkhor Street Kora: Join Tibetan Pilgrims on a Sacred Path in Lhasa
Location: Chengguan District, Lhasa
Encircling Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street is the most vibrant pilgrimage route in Lhasa. It’s also known as the “Holy Path” of Tibet, where devoted pilgrims prostrate and chant prayers.
Walk along this sacred circuit with locals, visit traditional Tibetan shops, and soak in the deeply spiritual atmosphere.
4. Watch Monks Debate at Sera Monastery: Most Unique Experience in Lhasa
Location: No.1, Sera South Road, Chengguan District, Lhasa
Located at the foot of Tatipu Hill, Sera Monastery is famous for its lively monk debates, a unique Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Known as one of Tibet’s “Great Three Monasteries”, Sera hosts animated debates in the courtyard every day between 3pm to 5pm (except Sundays).
Watching the monks engage in philosophical discussions through claps and gestures is a must-see cultural experience.
5. Hike to Drepung Monastery: Get the Best Panoramic View of Lhasa
Location: At the foot of Mount Gephel in the western suburbs of Lhasa, about 10 km from Lhasa
Nestled on the slopes of Mount Gambo Utse, Drepung Monastery was once Tibet’s largest monastery and the former residence of the Dalai Lamas. It’s known as “The Mother Monastery of Dalai Lamas”.
Climb to its highest point to enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of Lhasa city while exploring its grand assembly halls and ancient Buddhist scriptures.
6. Sip Tibetan Tea: A Must-do to Be a Local in Lhasa
Where to Have Tibetan Tea: Barkhor Street
You can’t leave Lhasa without trying Tibetan butter tea or sweet milk tea! Popular tea houses, such as those on Barkhor Street, serve these local specialties, which have been a staple of Tibetan daily life for centuries.
Sit with locals, sip a warm cup, and immerse yourself in authentic Tibetan tea culture.
7. Dress in Traditional Tibetan Costume: Be an Attraction in Lhasa!
Where to Rent Tibetan Costume: Barkhor Street
For a fun and immersive cultural experience, try on traditional Tibetan clothing in Lhasa. You can rent clothes on Barkhor Street. Decide if you need make-up and Tibetan jewelry, mostly gold, silver, and gemstone beads, depending on your needs.
After dressing up, you can capture stunning photos in front of , Jokhang Temple, or Barkhor Street, and feel like a true Tibetan for the day!
8. Soak Up Lhasa Nightlife: Fun Things to Do in Lhasa at Night
Where to Go: Potala Square, Tianhai Night Market, and intersection of Beijing East Road and Tibetan Hospital Road
Lhasa’s nightlife may be more relaxed than in other cities, but it’s still full of charm! Here’s where you can experience nightlife in Lhasa:
- Potala Palace Night View – Enjoy stunning views of the from Potala Square.
- Tianhai Night Market – Located 2 km from Potala Palace, offering a variety of local delicacies.
- Princess Wencheng Show – A grand outdoor performance showcasing Tibetan and Chinese history, with nearly 1,000 actors.
- Bars – The intersection of Beijing East Road and Tibetan Hospital Road is the nightlife hub, where you can enjoy live Tibetan music, dance performances, and sip on Tibetan barley wine.
9. Visit Tibet Museum: A Must-do in Lhasa for Culture Enthusiasts
Location: Luoblingka Road, Chengguan District, Lhasa
Located near Norbulingka, the Tibet Museum is the best place to understand Tibet’s history, art, and culture. It houses fascinating exhibits, including ancient Tibetan scriptures, religious artifacts, and traditional Thangka paintings.
Take your time exploring its well-curated collections for a deeper insight into Tibetan civilization.
10. Picnic at Norbulingka Park: Enjoy a Peaceful Retreat in Lhasa
Location: No.21, Luobulinka Road, Chengguan District, Lhasa
Experience Linka, a Tibetan picnic tradition, at Norbulingka Park, also called Norbulingka Palace, the Dalai Lama’s summer palace.
During Shoton Festival, enjoy snacks, butter tea, and Tibetan opera with locals. Outside festivals, relax under willow trees for a peaceful cultural escape in Lhasa.
11. Hike around Ganden Monastery: Find Another Hiking Route in Lhasa
Location: Wangbur Mountain, Dagzê County, Lhasa, about 40 km from Lhasa
Perched atop Wangbur Mountain, Ganden Monastery is one of Tibet’s “Three Great Monasteries” and offers some of the best hiking trails near Lhasa.
A hike around Ganden Monastery’s kora route rewards you with stunning valley views, prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and a glimpse into Tibetan Buddhist life.
12. Meditate at Drak Yerpa: Come to Lhasa for an Escape from City's Hustle and Bustle
Location: Zhayeba Valley, Dazi County, Lhasa, 32km east from Lhasa
A hidden gem in the mountains east of Lhasa, Drak Yerpa Monastery is a place of peace and solitude, known for its meditation caves once used by Tibetan spiritual masters.
It’s the perfect spot for quiet reflection, offering breathtaking mountain views and an escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
13. Visit a Tibetan Family: Close to the Locals' Daily Activities in Lhasa
How to Get There: Join in Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) Guided Tours
One of the best ways to experience Tibetan culture is by visiting a local family in their traditional home. You’ll be warmly welcomed with butter tea, yak cheese, and homemade Tibetan food while learning about their daily life, customs, and traditions.
Travel with Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT), and you’ll have the chance to visit a local family. We help you get in touch with the locals and have guides available to help with language barriers.
14. Stroll around Namtso Lake: A Nature Lover’s Must-do Near Lhasa
Location: About 250km from Lhasa, between Lhasa's Dangxiong County and Nagqu's Bango County
About 250 km from Lhasa, Namtso Lake is one of the “Three Holy Lakes of Tibet” and the highest saltwater lake in the world. It is renowned for its stunning turquoise waters and surrounding snow-capped mountains.
The best way to explore it is by strolling along the lakeshore, taking in the breathtaking scenery, and watching Tibetan nomads herd their yaks.
15. Go Birdwatching in Lhasa: A Must-do Activity in Lhasa for Birdwatchers
Best Time to Go: From November to March, especially from January to March
Every winter, thousands of migratory birds migrate from northern Tibet to the Lhasa River Basin, making it a mecca for bird-watching enthusiasts. In Lhasa, you can spot rare Tibetan bird species, such as black-necked crane, spotted goose, and ruddy duck:
- Linzhou County – A paradise for migratory birds, including black-necked cranes.
- Zongjiao Lukang Park – Near , great for spotting local birds like spotted goose, and ruddy duck.
- Lalu Wetlands National Nature Preserve – The world’s highest wetland ecosystem, home to sparrow warbler, mountain dove, and more species of birds.
How to Plan a Trip to Cover the Attractions in Lhasa?
How Many Days to Spend in Lhasa? 3-5 Days Is Great!
3-5 days is good enough for you to fully explore Lhasa.
Usually, 3-4 days allows you to discover the attractions in Lhasa city center, such as , Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street, and nearby monasteries, including Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery.
An extra day allows you to explore attractions a little further from Lhasa. For example, hike around Ganden Monastery, meditate at Drak Yerpa Monastery, or enjoy the natural beauty of Namtso Lake.
Extend Your Lhasa Tour to Other Places in Tibet
- Yamdrok Lake (1 Day)
Located about 125 km away from Lhasa, Lake Yamdrok deserves a visit. It takes about 3 hours to drive from Lhasa. After that, you can continue your journey to Shigatse and Mt. Everest Base Camp.
- Shigatse (2-3 Days)
A 2-3 days’ visit to Shigatse and its surroundings takes you to explore Gyatso La Pass, Rongbuk Monastery, Tashilunpo Monastery, etc.
- Everest Base Camp (1 Day)
With an elevation of 8,848 meters, Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world. The visit to Mt. Everest Base Camp (EBC) takes 1 day.
Suggested Itinerary for an 8-Day Classic Tibet Tour
The table shows a classic 8-day Tibet tour itinerary. Start from Lhasa, via Yamdrok Lake and Shigatse, camping at Mt. Everest Base Camp (EBC). Finally return to Lhasa.
| Day | Destinations | Attractions/Activities |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lhasa | Airport Pick-up and Hotel Check-in |
| 2 | Lhasa | Lhasa Traditional Handicraft Art Center, Sera Monastery |
| 3 | Lhasa | Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Tibetan-style Featured Dinner |
| 4 | Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse | Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier |
| 5 | Shigatse - Mt. Everest | Gyawu La Pass, Rongbuk Monastery, Mt. Everest Base Camp, EBC Hot Pot Dinner |
| 6 | Mt. Everest - Shigatse | Sunrise over Mt. Everest, Gyatso La Pass |
| 7 | Shigatse to Lhasa | Tashilunpo Monastery |
| 8 | Lhasa Departure | Hotel Check-out and Airport Transfers |
Travel with Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) to Discover Lhasa Attractions
With so many things to do in Lhasa, Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) makes sure you experience them all. Our carefully curated tours take you to Lhasa's top attractions, while providing an insight into Tibetan culture and history.
With AOT, you’ll enjoy expert guides, personalized service, and hassle-free travel arrangements, allowing you to focus on soaking in the endless Lhasa attractions. Let us be your trusted companion on this extraordinary adventure—book your Tibet tour with AOT today!
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