Tibet Travel Guide: Lhasa, Shannan, Shigatse, and Namtso in 8 Days

Explore the unique charms of Lhasa, Shannan, Shigatse, and Namtso with this 8-day, 7-night itinerary for an in-depth Tibetan experience ✨ Save this guide now!

⛰️Day 1: Arrive in Lhasa
📍Accommodation: Downtown Lhasa hotel (near Barkhor Street)
- Rest upon arrival to acclimatize to the altitude—avoid strenuous activities! 🚫
- Must-visit Barkhor Street in the evening to soak up the local vibe. Try the sweet tea at Guangming Lane Qiong Sweet Tea House (¥5/cup) to ease altitude sickness 🍵

🏯Day 2: Classic Lhasa Day Tour
📍Potala Palace: ¥200 entry + ¥30 audio guide in peak season (book 7 days in advance!)
📍Jokhang Temple: ¥85/person to see the 12-year-old life-sized statue of Sakyamuni
🎯Tips:
- Arrive at Yaowang Mountain by 7:30 AM for sunrise photos 📸
- Bring small bills (¥1 notes work best) for offering butter lamps

💎Day 3: Sacred Lake & Glacier Day Trip
🚗Private car route: Lhasa → Yamdrok Lake → Karola Glacier → Lhasa
- Yamdrok Lake viewpoint ticket: ¥60 (bargain down to ¥40!)
- Walk slowly at Karola Glacier (4,998m altitude) 💨
⚠️Note: Carry enough oxygen cans & glucose

🕍Day 4: Lhasa → Shigatse
🚞Recommended train: Z8801 (09:00-11:17)
- Tashilhunpo Monastery: ¥80 entry to see the 26m-tall Maitreya Buddha
- Stay at nearby Qomolangma Hotel for authentic Tibetan decor 🏨

🏰Day 5: Shigatse → Gyantse → Shannan
📍Gyantse highlights:
✔️Gyantse Dzong (free)
✔️Palcho Monastery (¥60, see the 100,000 Buddha Pagoda)
- Pack snacks—the drive takes ~5 hours ⏳

🏔️Day 6: Shannan Highlights
⛩️Yumbulagang: Tibet's first palace (¥60 entry)
🛕Samye Monastery: "Tibet's first monastery" (¥40 entry)
📸Outfit tip: Rent Tibetan costumes (¥50/set) for stunning photos

🌊Day 7: Ultimate Namtso Experience
📍Namtso's "Heavenly Gate" is closed—visit Tashi Peninsula instead
💡Tips:
- Bring a thick down jacket—lakeside winds are fierce 💨
- Best photo times: before 9:00 AM or after 6:00 PM
- Oxygen stations available in Damxung town

🛫Day 8: Departure Day
🛍️Souvenir recommendations:
▪️Tibetan incense (from "Tibetan Incense Family" on Barkhor Street)
▪️Mini thangka paintings (handmade near Jokhang Temple)
▪️Yak jerky (Qisheng brand is most authentic)

❄️【Must-Read Tips】❄️
1️⃣Altitude prep: Drink Rhodiola tea 10 days early; pack ibuprofen & glucose
2️⃣Border permits: Required for parts of Shannan/Shigatse (apply in hometown or Lhasa)
3️⃣Dressing guide: Layer up! Daily temperature swings reach 20℃🌡️
4️⃣Taboos:
× Point at Buddha statues in temples
× Step on prayer flags/Mani stones
× Discuss politics/religion

📣Golden rules for Tibet:
Walk SLOWLY❗ Talk SLOWLY❗ Eat SLOWLY❗