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Lhasa, located in the southeastern part of the Tibet Autonomous Region, on the north bank of the Lhasa River, a tributary of the Yarlung Zangbo River, is an ancient plateau city with a 1,300-year history and the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region. As one of the first national historical and cultural cities, Lhasa is renowned for its beautiful scenery, rich history, unique customs and folkways, and strong religious influence.
Lhasa is a hub for travel to Tibet, one of Tibet's most captivating cities and one of the world's highest. It's a mysterious plateau that captivates travelers from around the world. Regardless of your destination in Tibet, Lhasa serves as a hub for visitors entering. In other words, Lhasa is every visitor's destination or starting point.
Summer and autumn are the rainy seasons for Lhasa, but the rain usually doesn't arrive until late at night, so the weather will be clear by morning, which shouldn't affect your trip. If you happen to be celebrating the Shoton Festival in Lhasa, which falls on July 1st of the Tibetan calendar (August in the Gregorian calendar), you can not only enjoy Tibetan opera performances but also witness the magnificent spectacle of the Buddha statues being exposed at Drepung Monastery.
Visiting Lhasa in winter and spring offers off-season ticket discounts. Spring is the transition period between the windy and rainy seasons in Lhasa, making it a great time to try climbing the snow-capped mountains. Soaking in high-altitude hot springs in winter offers not only distant views of the snow-capped mountains, but also the chance to witness the stunning sight of falling snow.
Lhasa boasts numerous tourist attractions, encompassing both natural and cultural attractions, with temples being particularly prominent. Two to three days is sufficient for exploring only the city's highlights, while a full visit would require at least a week. Lhasa, an ancient city with 1,300 years of history, boasts numerous historical sites, including the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Norbulingka, which are designated World Heritage Sites.
If you like historical buildings, you can’t miss the Potala Palace, Norbulingka, Tibet Museum, etc.
Those interested in religious temples should not miss the Jokhang Temple, Ramoche Temple, Drepung Monastery, Sera Tsurphu Monastery, Ganden Monastery, etc. The debates at Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery are particularly exciting and should not be missed by those who love religion.
If you want to appreciate the natural scenery of Lhasa, you can focus on visiting the Lower Lhasa River and the surrounding areas such as Yangbajing and Namtso.
Lhasa is the administrative capital of Tibet and a key cultural, spiritual, and historical center. It has been the seat of Tibetan Buddhism and the Dalai Lamas for centuries, with many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, monasteries, and temples reflecting Tibet’s rich religious heritage.
Advance booking is strongly recommended for Potala Palace, especially during peak season. 1–2 weeks in advance is ideal.
3–5 days to cover main sites in Lhasa, including monasteries, palaces, and cultural streets. Additional days needed for day trips outside the city.
Guided tours are widely available in English, Chinese, and sometimes Tibetan. Audio guides are offered in several languages at Potala Palace and other major sites.
Night visits are generally not available inside monasteries and palaces. Some cultural performances or evening markets are open for tourists.
Major attractions have toilets, rest areas, and small shops. Food stalls are available on Barkhor Street and near Norbulingka.
Potala Palace and monasteries involve steep stairs; accessibility is limited. Elderly or disabled visitors may need assistance. Other sites like Norbulingka are more accessible.
Cash is useful in local markets; major hotels and attractions accept cards and mobile payments (WeChat, Alipay).
Vegetarian Tibetan dishes are widely available; some vegan options exist. Halal options are limited but can be found in select restaurants catering to local Muslims.
