Lhasa is the ultimate fantasy for every explorer in this world with its precious historical relics, unique religious atmosphere, and breathtaking landscapes. It is believed that Lhasa is a must-visit city for most travelers who are longing to travel to Tibet. If you have no idea how to visit Lhasa currently, TibetTourism has prepared some useful information for you here.

When is the Best Time to Visit Lhasa?

The weather plays a very important role in a perfect Lhasa tour. If you can come to Lhasa at the right time, you will get the chance to enjoy all that Lhasa can offer to the fullest.

Generally speaking, the best time to come to Lhasa is from May to October. But if Lhasa is your only destination, you can come to Lhasa all year round as it has an average of more than 8 hours of sunshine per day throughout the year.

Spring in Lhasa last from March to May that is characterized by mild temperatures during the day and cold nights. But flowers will bloom during this time, making it a beautiful season to visit Lhasa.

Summer is the peak season for tourism in Lhasa when it is warm and sunny. Lasting from June to August, tourists can get a clear view of the surrounding snow-capped mountains as the skies are usually clear.

From September to November, Lhasa's autumn is pleasant with cool days and mild nights. And the scenery during this season is fascinating in Lhasa.

Winter in Lhasa is not like other cities on the plateau. From December to February, there are fewer tourists than in other seasons, which doesn't mean that you cannot visit Lhasa in winter. There is sunshine in the daytime to make people feel warm.

What to See in Lhasa?

The captivating city of Lhasa beckons travelers from all over the world with its rich cultural heritages, majestic landscapes, and spiritual ambiance.

Potala Palace
No visit to Lhasa would be complete without marveling at the grandeur of the Potala Palace. It is an iconic site that was built in the 7th century, serving as a testament to Tibetan history, culture, and spirituality. Its intricate architecture, ornate murals, and sacred halls house countless treasures, including chapels, tombs, and meditation rooms.

Potala Palace

Jokhang Temple
Built in the 7th century, this sacred site holds immense spiritual significance for Tibetan Buddhists. It is the place where the statue of Shakyamuni at age 12 is enshrined. Pilgrims from far and wide come to offer their prayers and perform the traditional circuit around the temple.

Sera Monastery
Founded in the 15th century, the Sera Monastery is known for its lively and intellectually stimulating debates among monks. Visitors who come to Sera Monastery at the right time can witness these engaging debates that test the knowledge and understanding of Buddhist Philosophy. Besides, Sera Monastery is beautiful with impressive halls, courtyards, and colorful murals.

Drepung Monastery
As one of the most prominent and largest monastic institutions in Tibet, Drepung Monastery played a crucial role in the political and religious affairs of Tibet and served as the residence of the Dalai Lamas before the construction of the Potala Palace. The architecture reflects the traditional Tibetan Buddhist style with intricate murals, statues, and vibrant decorations.

Norbulingka Palace
Norbulingka Palace is a serene summer retreat for the Dalai Lamas, a perfect place to escape the bustling city and find tranquility for tourists. This complex showcases traditional Tibetan architecture with beautiful gardens, shimmering lakes, and vibrant flora. Here tourists will get a glimpse into the personal lives of Tibet's spiritual leaders and enjoy a peaceful oasis for relaxation.

Sera Monastery

How to Get to Lhasa and Get Around?

To get to Lhasa, there are a few common methods of transportation you can consider. Here are some options for you to choose from according to your location and preference.

The most convenient way to reach Lhasa is by air. Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA) is the main airport in Lhasa, and it has connections to several major cities in China and a few international destinations. You can take a flight to get to Lhasa in cities in China like Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and also Kathmandu in Nepal.

Taking a train to get to Lhasa is also a popular way for tourists. The Qinghai-Tibet Railway connects Lhasa with several major cities in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Xining, and more. Even if it takes about 2-3 days on the road, you will get the chance to enjoy the stunning scenery.

If you have enough time to travel to Lhasa, you can also consider an overland tour. But it is recommended to take the overland tour from neighboring cities such as Chengdu, Chongqing, and Xining. There are several routes that you can take, including Sichuan-Tibet Highway, Qinghai-Tibet Highway, and Xinjiang-Tibet Highway.

As the capital city of Tibet, Lhasa can offer tourists lots of ways to get around inside the city. You can choose to take a taxi, take public buses, rent a car or a bicycle, or take a tricycle to get to wherever you want to go.

Tibet Train

What Activities You can do in Lhasa?

If you are not satisfied with only visiting those attractions in Lhasa and want to get an insight into the real life of Tibet, you may want to try some activities below.

Do Lora around Barkhor Street
Those pilgrims who believe in Tibetan Buddhism consider Lhasa as the center of the world, which is the reason why they circuit around this city. And Barkhor Street is the core circumambulation in Lhasa. So, if you want to join the pilgrims and locals in their Buddhist practice of Kora, you can come to Barkhor Street and follow their steps along the street.

Attend Tibetan Festivals
If you happen to visit Lhasa when there are festivals, you are highly recommended to attend the locals to witness traditional dances, music, and religious ceremonies, which is a good way to get deeper insights into Tibetan culture. The atmosphere is something that you haven’t experienced in the past.

Try Tibetan Cuisine
As long as you are in Lhasa city, you will be happy to get a taste of Tibetan flavors by trying the local cuisine. You can try dishes like yak butter tea, tsampa, momos, and thukpa. It should be one of the easiest ways to experience local life by trying different Tibetan dishes every day. You may talk with local people and they will recommend their favorite restaurants and dishes to you.

Ride a Bicycle along the Lhasa River
The scenery along the Lhasa River is amazing. When the sun goes down, you can just ride a bicycle along the river to enjoy the beautiful sights and the stunning sunset by the river. It will provide you with a great memory of this city.

Where to Stay in Lhasa?

Lhasa offers a range of accommodation options for tourists to suit different budgets and preferences. You can consider hotels around Barkhor Street, the Norbulingka area, the Potala Palace area, the Tibet University area, or the Lhasa Railway Station area. And there are 5-star hotels like St Regis Lhasa Resort to the small but authentic Tibetan guesthouse in Lhasa for you to consider. And three-star hotels can be the best option for most tourists with average prices but high-quality service.