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Lhasa

Things to Do in Lhasa in 2025 - Top Attractions, Local Food, Hotels & Travel Tips (Updated May 2025) | Trip.com

About Lhasa

Recommended trip: 3–5 day(s)

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Unveiling the Legendary Treasures of Potala Palace@Red Palace

Sun Qian Steps Into My Unkept Promise At The Potala Palace@Potala Palace

Sunrise and Sunset Viewing Guide Released: Poetic Beauty Not to Be Missed@Namtso National Park

Unveiling the Legendary Treasures of Potala Palace@Red Palace

Sun Qian Steps Into My Unkept Promise At The Potala Palace@Potala Palace

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Lhasa Local Travel Guide 2025

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Lhasa Brief Guide

Lhasa, the capital city of China's Xizang Autonomous Region, 3,650 meters above sea level, has more hours of sunlight per year than any other city, thus earning it the name "City of Sunlight". Both inside the city and on the outskirts of town there are many noble palaces and temples such as the Potala Palace, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery and Jokhang Temple. These historic sites are well worth going to. Wherever you look, you will see devout believers and pilgrims paying their respects. Chakpori Hill is a good place for beautiful photos of Potala Palace in the light of the early morning. At the beautiful tree-lined Zongjiao Lukang Park, you can see Potala Palace reflected in the water. On bustling Barkhor Street, you can purchase colorful, unique Tibetan souvenirs. There are many precious artifacts on display at the Tibet Museum. If you want to experience a quieter and more tranquil environment, you can go to Xianzu Island in the southern part of the city.

Lhasa Must-try Local Experiences

1. Pilgrimage to the Potala Palace Visit the majestic Potala Palace to admire its exquisite murals, sculptures, and precious artifacts, and experience the mystery and solemnity of Tibetan Buddhism. From the top of the palace, take in panoramic views of Lhasa, feeling the rich history and culture of this sacred site. 2. Stroll Around Barkar Street Encircling Jokhang Temple, Barkar Street is one of the liveliest areas in Lhasa. With its numerous Tibetan-style buildings, artisan shops, and street food stalls, it’s a great spot to experience local life and shopping. 3. Debate Observation at Drepung and Sera Monasteries Visit Drepung and Sera Monasteries to observe the monks’ lively debate sessions. Through their gestures, expressions, and spirited exchanges, gain a unique insight into Tibetan Buddhist culture. 4. Camping and Stargazing at Namtso Lake Camp by the shores of Namtso Lake, where the high altitude and clear air make for spectacular stargazing at night. Alternatively, catch the sunrise or sunset from Tashi Peninsula, an unforgettable experience of the vast and serene Tibetan Plateau. 5. Thangka Painting Workshop Take a Thangka painting class to learn traditional Tibetan art techniques and create your own piece, immersing yourself in the beauty of Tibetan art. 6. Tibetan Costume Try-On and Photoshoot Rent a traditional Tibetan outfit in Lhasa and take a set of vibrant photos in Tibetan dress, experiencing the rich culture of Tibetan clothing. 7. Watch Tibetan Opera During Sho Dun Festival Sho Dun Festival, one of Lhasa’s most important festivals, usually takes place in August. During this time, you can witness grand Buddha unveiling ceremonies, Tibetan opera performances, and other lively folk activities. 8. Visit a Lhasa Tea House Lhasa is home to many traditional tea houses where you can enjoy butter tea and sweet tea, experiencing Lhasa’s tea culture and the everyday life of Tibetan people. 9. Taste Tibetan Cuisine Lhasa offers a diverse array of Tibetan dishes, such as Tibetan yak hot pot, tsampa, and yak meat. Try these local specialties at a restaurant or street stall to experience the unique flavors of highland cuisine. 10. Capture Panoramic Views of the Potala Palace The viewing platform on the Picture Spot of Jag Pori or Potala Palace Square offers ideal vantage points for panoramic shots of the palace. Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for softer light that enhances the grandeur of the palace.

Lhasa Must-see Attractions

Lhasa is a culturally and historically rich city featuring landmark sites such as Potala Palace, Namtso Lake, Jokhang Temple, and the Tibet Museum, which collectively showcase its profound political history, religious significance, and stunning natural beauty.

Lhasa Food Guide

Lhasa's cuisine boasts distinct regional flavors, including soft, meaty potato buns, comforting and energizing butter tea, authentic tangy handmade yogurt, and Zanba, a traditional staple often enjoyed with butter tea or various condiments.

Lhasa Transportation

Lhasa's transportation infrastructure is primarily centered around its airport and railway station, which are essential for intercity travel and connectivity. Lhasa Gonggar Airport (IATA: LXA, ICAO:LZLX) is the main airport serving Lhasa and is one of the highest airports in the world. Located approximately 60 kilometers from Lhasa city, it connects the region to various domestic and international destinations. To reach Lhasa from the airport, travelers can take a shuttle bus for around 30 yuan per person or opt for a taxi, which is more costly but offers a direct route to the city. Lhasa Railway Station is another major transportation hub. It is situated in the Niu New Area, Doilungdêqên District, and is connected to the city center by the Liuwu Bridge. The station is part of the Qinghai-Xizang Railway, the highest railway in the world, and serves as a significant link to various destinations within China. For transportation to the city, public buses and taxis are available, with taxis costing approximately 25 yuan to the city center.

Lhasa Where to Stay

The city’s accommodation scene is vibrant and widespread, extending from the vicinity of major cultural landmarks to quieter, more scenic environs, aptly serving both ardent explorers and peace seekers alike.

Lhasa Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Lhasa is during the months of April to June and September to October, as these periods offer clearer skies and the best views, making them ideal for trekking and sightseeing. Additionally, October and November are highlighted as the best months for a visit due to the warm, dry weather and abundant sunshine, providing over 9 sunny hours per day on average. The summer months, particularly August, are also recommended due to pleasant weather and a high concentration of festivals and celebrations, such as the Shötun (Yogurt Festival) and the Horse-Racing Festival. However, it is important to note that Lhasa is usually closed to international travelers in mid-February and March for the Tibetan New Year (Losar).

Lhasa Useful Guide

Lhasa, the capital of Xizang, is a region where Tibetan is the primary language, with various dialects influenced by local cultures. Travelers can expect Tibetan guides to be fluent in English, ensuring effective communication during their visit. Translation services, including language apps, are available to help tourists navigate language barriers. The presence of multiple languages is due to Xizang's diverse ethnic groups and the influence of tourism. For non-verbal communication, gestures and visual aids like maps can be helpful.

Trip.Best: Lhasa

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Top 6 Bars in Lhasa

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Things to do in Lhasa

What to Do

Looking for things to do in Lhasa? We provide up-to-date info on everything from must-see scenic spots to local hangouts.

Where to Stay

Discover the most popular places to stay in Lhasa, complete with recommendations from fellow travelers and special hotel offers

What to Eat

Want to eat like a local? Don't miss out on these top Lhasa dishes and foodie spots.

Lhasa Moments: Through Travelers' Eyes

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What People Are Saying About Lhasa

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Potala Palace

Anonymous User

The red and white walls of the Potala Palace, set against the blue sky and white clouds, are breathtakingly beautiful. When you step into the palace, you will feel even more shocked. The scenic area is relatively clean and sanitary, the tour guide is serious and responsible, and the explanation is clear and concise.

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Namtso

安若浮生h

The overall scenery of Namco is really great, but it takes a long time to take the shuttle bus, the distance to and from the distance is a long time, and it is recommended that the scenic spot introduce more attractions. There are several attractions that are the last place to take the car out of the scenic spot.

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Namtso National Park

Anonymous User

The driver's master drove very steadily, warm and polite. When the guide explained the characteristics of the various places to the passengers, he drove nearly 200 kilometers for free to check in at the best observation deck in the northwest corner of Namco, and the 5190-meter Nagenla Mountain. The master has been endless and hard.

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Jokhang Temple

石南旅记

Jokhang Temple (Jokhang Temple), also known as "Zulakang" and "Juekang" (Tibetan meaning Sakyamuni Buddha Temple [30]), is a storage temple of the 12-year-old equivalent of Sakyamuni Buddha, built by the Tibetan king Songzan Ganbu, Lhasa has the reputation of "holy place",[1] related to this Buddha statue. The temple was originally called "Yarza", and later became the name of the city, and evolved into the current "Lhasa". After the completion of the Jokhang Temple, it was repeatedly revised and expanded by the Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasty, and it formed the current scale. [2][3] The Jokhang Temple has a history of more than 1300 years and has a supremacy in Tibetan Buddhism. The Jokhang Temple is the most brilliant Tubu period building in Tibet, and the earliest civil structure building in Tibet, and it has pioneered the Tibetan-style Pingchuan-style temple city bureau. The circle of the Sakyamuni Buddha Temple in the center of the Jokhang Temple is called "capsule", the circle of the outer wall of the Jokhang Temple is called "octhor", and the street radiated outside the Jokhang Temple is called "octhor street", that is, the eight corner street. The Jokhang Temple is centered on the Potala Palace, Yaowang Mountain and Xiaozhao Temple, which are included in a large circle called "Lin Khou". These three rings from the inside to the outside are the routes of Tibetans' conversion rituals.

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Princess Wencheng Drama

_We***38

The show was great. I strongly recommend going to the Tibetan Museum during the day and then come here to watch the show at night. The actors are dedicated and they performed in the rain. The driver's pick-up service is good. It's cold on the mountain at night, so the coat is good. You can see the night view of Lhasa at 9 o'clock before entering. If the weather is good, you can take photos with the actors and choose to take a hot air balloon. Disadvantages: Why do you have to climb so many steps down from the parking lot (3-4 floors) You can buy the basic 380 ticket price or the highest price. The other options in the middle are meaningless.

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Princess Wencheng Real Scene Theater

M27***58

The most unforgettable thing about this trip to Lhasa was watching the large-scale stage play "Princess Wencheng". It was really shocking! The performance used the majestic mountains and rivers as a natural curtain, the bright starry sky as the stage lights, and the 360° starry sky real scene light and shadow and 3D surround sound effects intertwined, instantly pulling me back to the legendary years of the marriage between Tang and Tibet more than 1,300 years ago. Hundreds of actors devoted themselves wholeheartedly, and every expression and every movement was full of affection, vividly interpreting the touching story of Princess Wencheng and Songtsen Gampo knowing and falling in love, recreating that magnificent history. Especially the clips of "Da Aga" and Tibetan opera performances, the unique charm of Tibetan culture was fully revealed, which feasted my eyes. The whole plot is cleverly arranged, from Songtsen Gampo sending Lu Dongzan to Tang to propose marriage, to successfully marrying Princess Wencheng after passing the test of wisdom, to Princess Wencheng bidding farewell to Chang'an and embarking on a long journey westward after going through hardships. The plot is ups and downs and exciting, which made me deeply feel the great love spirit of Han-Tibetan harmony and beauty. When the giant background of the Potala Palace slowly appeared at the end, the audience was shocked by the magnificent scene and burst into warm applause involuntarily. This stage play is not only an audio-visual feast, but also a rare opportunity to deeply understand the historical and cultural exchanges between Han and Tibetans. You must not miss it when you come to Lhasa!

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Barkar Street

kk走遍中国

The history of Barkhor Street can be traced back to the 7th century AD. It was originally developed for the construction of the Jokhang Temple. Over time, it gradually became a multifunctional area integrating culture, commerce, religion, and residence. Today, Barkhor Street is not only an important religious site that attracts pilgrims from all over the world, but also a bustling commercial center with many shops selling traditional Tibetan products and tourist souvenirs. It has a history of more than 1,300 years and has witnessed the exchanges and integration of the Tibetan and Han peoples. Barkhor Street was selected as the first "Famous Historical and Cultural Street in China" and was rated as the third batch of national tourism and leisure blocks in 2023.

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Tibet Museum

黑豹A

Located in the southeast corner of Norbulingka in Lhasa, Tibet Museum is the first modern comprehensive museum in Tibet. Construction began in 1994, it was completed and opened in 1999, and will reopen in 2022 after the new building is expanded. The museum has a rich collection of more than 520,000 pieces, including more than 40,000 precious cultural relics. The exhibition consists of permanent exhibitions and special exhibitions, such as "Song of the Snowland", "The Closest Man to the Sun", "Monument to the Snowland", etc. It is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction and a national first-class museum.

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Norbulingka

昝龙

Loblinka is located in the western suburbs of Lhasa, next to the Tibet Museum. If you play, you can go to the museum first, and then go to Roblinka in the afternoon. It is a small park. It takes two hours to play the whole venue. The scenery is very beautiful, you can rest in it, very comfortable.

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Sera Monastery

kk走遍中国

The overall structure of the building and layout: the building complex is built on the hillside, scattered and scattered, mainly composed of Cuoqin (Dajingtang), three Zhacang (College), monk house and defense. Featured buildings: Cuoqin Palace: the largest building in the temple, dedicated to Buddha statues such as Master Zongkaba, and a large number of precious Buddhist scriptures and cultural relics. McBazar, Jizhar, Abazhar: Three major Zhacang studied Xianzong, Tantric and Medicine respectively. Matouming Palace: Black Tangka, which is dedicated to the protection of the god of law, is one of the treasures of the town temple of Sera Temple.

Lhasa: FAQ

What's the most popular attractions in Lhasa?

Here are the best places to visit in Lhasa, including: Potala Palace,Namtso,Jokhang Temple

How to get to Lhasa from Shanghai?

Trains or planes are fine.

How to get to Lhasa from Ningbo?

From Ningbo by plane or train to Chengdu, then take a flight from Chengdu to Lhasa, Chengdu to Lhasa is very convenient, five or six flights a day, one and a half hours.

How to get to Namtso from Lhasa?

No shuttle bus from Lhasa to Nam Co, get a chartered car

How to get to Ali from Lhasa?

There are mainly the following forms: 1. Fly to Shiquan River; 2. Pack off-road vehicles to Shiquan River; 3. Take large trucks to Shiquan River; 4. Lhasa find self-driving off-road vehicles to Shiquan River.