Lhasa

Lhasa has a large temperature difference between day and night, and the UV rays are strong. Bring sun protection when going out, and give yourself time to adjust to the altitude gradually.

• Potala Palace: An important landmark in Lhasa and the highest palace in the world. It is recommended to reserve tickets 7 days in advance through the official mini program, as tickets can be hard to get in peak season. The visiting route has many steps, so walk slowly. The whole visit takes about 2–3 hours.

• Jokhang Temple: An important Tibetan Buddhist temple that enshrines a life-sized statue of Shakyamuni Buddha at the age of 12. In the square in front of the temple, you can often see worshippers performing full-body prostrations. Please respect the local religious atmosphere when visiting. Photography is not allowed inside the halls, and clothing should be modest.

• Barkhor Street: This is a historic kora route, with many Tibetan-style buildings throughout the area. You can walk clockwise with locals as they make the kora, or browse Tibetan shops and cafés along the way to experience daily life in the neighborhood.

• Tibet Museum: Admission is free, and the indoor environment makes it a good place to take a short rest if you are feeling unwell. The “Songs of the Snowy Land” exhibition hall focuses on Tibet’s history and culture. It is recommended to book one day in advance.

• Sera Monastery: From Monday to Friday at 15:00, you can watch monks debate Buddhist scriptures. No reservation is needed on site; after buying a ticket, you can enter and visit.

• Yamdrok Lake: One of Tibet’s three sacred lakes, known for its distinctive turquoise color. It takes about 2.5 hours one way from Lhasa by self-driving or chartered car. It is suitable for a one-day trip, with several viewpoints along the route.

Classic 4-Day, 3-Night Itinerary

• Day 1 Arrival and acclimatization: After arriving in Lhasa, go to your hotel and rest first. On the first day, do not wash your hair or take a shower, and avoid strenuous exercise and staying up late so your body can gradually adjust to the 3,650-meter altitude. If you feel better in the afternoon, you can take a slow walk around Barkhor Street, then go to Potala Palace Square in the evening to enjoy the night view.

• Day 2 Main sights: Visit Potala Palace in the morning. Entering around 9:00 is recommended, when the light is good and there are relatively fewer visitors. In the afternoon, visit Jokhang Temple to learn about local religious culture. In the evening, you can have sweet tea on Barkhor Street and try a Tibetan-style photo shoot.
• Day 3 Cultural visits: Visit the Tibet Museum in the morning. Norbulingka, the summer palace of successive Dalai Lamas, is across from the museum. The grounds have many trees and are good for a relaxing walk. In the afternoon, go to Nanshan Park for an elevated view of Lhasa’s urban area and Potala Palace.
• Day 4 Sacred lake nearby: Set out in the morning for Yamdrok Lake and spend the day there. Return to Lhasa in the evening. If you still have enough energy, you can watch the live performance *Princess Wencheng*.

Altitude Sickness Prevention and Response Guide

• First 3 days after arrival: Do not wash your hair or take a shower, and try to avoid catching a cold. Move slowly during activities, and do not run or jump. Drink warm water in small sips over multiple times to keep hydrated.
• Suggested items to prepare: A portable oxygen canister, preferably one with a mask; oral glucose solution; ibuprofen for headache relief; and a fingertip pulse oximeter to monitor blood oxygen. Be alert if your blood oxygen falls below 90%.
• What to do: If you have mild altitude sickness, sit down, rest, use oxygen, and drink glucose. If headache, vomiting, chest tightness, or confusion persists, do not try to push through. Go to a hospital immediately, such as Tibet Fukang Hospital, for oxygen and medical treatment.

Accommodation and Food Recommendations

• Accommodation suggestions: Hotels near Barkhor Street, Potala Palace, or Yutuo Road are good options, as transport and dining are more concentrated in these areas. For first-time visitors to Tibet, it is recommended to choose a hotel equipped with 24-hour diffuse oxygen supply or nasal oxygen equipment.

• Must-try foods: Guangming Gangqiong Sweet Tea House serves local-style morning tea, about 10 yuan per person. Namaste Restaurant specializes in authentic Tibetan food, about 60 yuan per person. Yak hot pot has large pieces of meat and a rich broth, making it good for replenishing energy. Tibetan noodles and butter tea have relatively mild flavors and are also suitable to eat during altitude sickness.

Practical Tips

• Ticket reservations: Potala Palace tickets must be reserved 7 days in advance through the “Potala Palace Ticket Reservation System” mini program. Tickets are released at 00:00. Jokhang Temple requires booking 1 day in advance. The Tibet Museum is closed every Monday.
• What to wear: Lhasa has a noticeable temperature difference between day and night, and UV rays are strong during the day. In the daytime, wear sun-protective clothing and long pants. In the morning and evening, add a hardshell jacket or down jacket. It is recommended to carry sunscreen (SPF50+), sunglasses, a hat, and lip balm.
• Respect local customs: Do not wear shorts, short skirts, or off-shoulder clothing when entering temples, and do not wear hats or sunglasses. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the halls. Prayer wheels and temple circumambulation should both be done clockwise.
• Getting around the city: Taxis are convenient in Lhasa’s urban area, and it usually takes 10–20 minutes to reach major attractions. For shorter distances, you can also ride a shared bicycle and explore slowly.