First time visiting Lhasa, how to play?

📍 **[Destination Guide] Must-know Tips for Lhasa**

**Peak Season (May-October)**: Warm climate, sufficient oxygen, suitable for first-time Tibet visitors.
- **Off-season (November-April)**: Fewer tourists, cheaper flights and hotels, but watch out for altitude sickness and cold weather.

**🚗 Transportation Guide**
- **Airplane**: Direct flight to Lhasa Gonggar Airport, recommended to choose a window seat on the left side for a bird’s-eye view of the snow-capped mountains!
- **Train**: Take the Qinghai-Tibet Railway to Lhasa (Xining-Lhasa section), helps alleviate altitude sickness, with stunning scenery along the way.
- **City Transport**: Taxi starting fare is 10 RMB, bus fare is 1 RMB, recommended to rent Tibetan costumes and ride around Barkhor Street!

**Day 1: Adapt to the Plateau**
- Morning: Arrive in Lhasa, check into an oxygen-supplied hotel for rest (recommended near Barkhor Street).
- Afternoon: Stroll around Barkhor Street’s kora path, drink sweet tea and sunbathe to acclimate to the altitude.
- Evening: Avoid bathing, go to bed early to conserve energy.

**Day 2: Pilgrimage Journey**
- Morning: Potala Palace (book 1 week in advance!) + Yowang Mountain Viewing Platform (50 RMB for the same photo spot).
- Afternoon: Jokhang Temple (feel the devotion of the believers) + Tibetan costume photo shoot (about 300 RMB/set on Barkhor Street).

**Day 3: Around Lhasa**
- Private car tour: Yamdrok Lake + Karola Glacier, capture stunning lake and mountain scenery effortlessly!

**Day 4-5: Namtso Holy Elephant Gate**
- Two-day tour: Stay in lakeside tents to stargaze, check in at the Holy Elephant Gate cliff photo spot (advance booking required).

**Day 6: Off-the-beaten-path Secret Spots**
- Zhayeba Monastery (cliff cave temple) + Ganden Monastery, avoid crowds and experience Tibetan Buddhism culture.

**Day 7: Return and Shopping**
- Buy Tibetan incense and thangka at Chongsaikang Market, pick up yak jerky and highland barley wine at the airport.

📸 **[Attraction Guide] Top 5 Must-visit Spots**
1. **Potala Palace**
- Ticket: 200 RMB in peak season + reservation fee, free in off-season!
- Hidden tip: Night tour of Potala Square to see the light reflections!

2. **Jokhang Temple**
- Ticket: 85 RMB, hire a guide (50 RMB) to learn about Tibetan culture.
- Taboo: Circumambulate clockwise, do not point at Buddha statues.

3. **Yamdrok Lake**
- Ticket: 120 RMB, drones must be registered, 10 RMB to take photos with yaks by the lake.

4. **Debate at Sera Monastery**
- Starts at 3 PM, monks’ intense debates are incredibly impressive!

5. **Norbulingka**
- Tibetan summer palace, flowers bloom in summer, perfect for forest-style photos.

🏨 **[Hotel Guide] High Cost-Performance Recommendations**
- **Light Luxury Choice**: St. Regis Lhasa Resort (diffused oxygen supply, Potala Palace view from the window).
- **Tibetan Style**: Guzang Shuhua Guesthouse (next to Barkhor Street, Tibetan decor + popular photo stairway).
- **Best Value**: Pingcuo Kangsang Youth Hostel (backpacker hub, convenient for carpooling and making travel companions).

🍜 **[Food Guide] Must-try Tibetan Dishes**
- **Tibetan noodles + sweet tea**: Guangming Port Qiong Sweet Tea House (1 RMB per cup, popular with locals).
- **Yak meat hotpot**: Tian Village Stone Pot Tibetan Fragrant Chicken (fresh soup and tender meat, about 80 RMB per person).
- **Yogurt shop**: Qianzhan Yak Yogurt Shop (near Potala Palace, with special highland barley powder).
- **Butter tea & tsampa**: Experience Tibetan daily life, but be cautious as butter tea is salty!

⚠️ **[Important Tips] Life-saving Essentials!**
1. **Altitude Sickness Prevention**:
- Take Rhodiola 7 days in advance, avoid strenuous exercise after arrival.
- Do not bathe (don’t ask how I know, tried it for you [Cry][Cry][Cry]).

2. **Sun Protection and Warmth**:
- UV rays are very strong! Sunglasses, SPF50+ sunscreen, and hats are must-haves.
- Large temperature difference between day and night, bring a windbreaker even in summer.

3. **Cultural Respect**:
- No short skirts, hats, or photography inside temples; circumambulate clockwise.
- Do not touch children’s heads, avoid discussing sensitive political or religious topics.

4. **Safety Tips**:
- Carry your ID card and border pass (apply in advance before going to Tibet); permits needed for Everest/Ngari.
- Be cautious when buying dzi beads and amber, only buy from reputable shops.