Lhasa Travel Tips for Foreign Visitors

As a year-round destination, Lhasa welcomes travelers throughout the year, each season offering a unique charm.

Essential Documents to Travel in Lhasa

Foreign visitors need three key documents to travel to Lhasa. First, a valid passport is required for identification. Second, a Chinese visa must be obtained before arrival, which can be applied for at Chinese embassies or consulates. Most importantly, the Tibet Travel Permit is mandatory. This permit can only be arranged through a licensed Chinese travel agency, usually as part of a pre-booked tour package. Without it, entry to Lhasa by air or train is not permitted.

Getting to Lhasa: Air and Rail Options

Travelers can reach Lhasa by air or train. Flights land at Lhasa Gonggar Airport, located about 70 kilometers from the city center. The journey to downtown takes around an hour by car or shuttle bus. Chengdu offers the most frequent daily flights, providing convenient connections for international travelers. Trains arrive at Lhasa Railway Station, roughly 20 kilometers from the city, with a 30-minute drive to the center. Xining serves as the gateway for rail travel, boasting the highest number of trains to Lhasa, ensuring ample options for tourists.

Culinary Delights in Lhasa

Barkhor Street, one of Lhasa's oldest and busiest areas, is a food lover's paradise. Along this iconic pilgrim route, visitors can savor traditional Tibetan beverages like sweet tea and butter tea, often paired with tsampa. Street stalls offer local snacks such as momos and Tibetan noodles. For diverse tastes, the area also features Nepalese restaurants, Western cafes, and Chinese eateries serving hotpot, and hand-pulled noodles.

Accommodation Guide in Lhasa Tour

For first-time visitors to high-altitude regions, choosing a hotel with an oxygen supply system is highly recommended to ease acclimatization. Staying near the city center, such as in the Songtsam Linka Lhasa Hotel or the St. Regis Lhasa Resort, offers convenience for exploring local attractions and shopping. These hotels combine modern amenities with Tibetan-style decor, ensuring both comfort and cultural immersion while keeping key sights within easy reach.

Ideal Itinerary Duration

Allocate 3 to 5 days to fully experience Lhasa. With an altitude of 3,650 meters, spending the first 2 days acclimatizing is crucial to avoid altitude sickness. The city houses numerous Tibetan Buddhist landmarks, including the Potala Palace, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, and Jokhang Temple. Devoting half a day to each site allows for in-depth exploration. Additionally, the high-altitude environment requires a relaxed pace, preventing exhaustion and ensuring a more enjoyable, meaningful visit.

Shopping in Lhasa

As Tibet's most vibrant city, Lhasa is the prime destination for shopping. Here, tourists can find everything from daily necessities to unique souvenirs. Handmade Tibetan carpets, traditional Tibetan clothing, and yak meat jerky make excellent gifts or mementos. Bargaining is common in local markets, so embrace the opportunity to haggle for the best prices. Whether browsing bustling bazaars or upscale boutiques, Lhasa's shopping scene caters to all budgets and tastes.

Altitude Sickness: Prevention and Response

To prevent altitude sickness, avoid showering or washing hair for the first 2 to 3 days upon arrival. Instead, use a towel to stay clean. Refrain from strenuous activities, drink plenty of warm water, and avoid excessive alcohol and overeating. Local foods like barley bread and butter tea can help boost energy. In the first two days, avoid areas above 4,000 meters, such as Namtso Lake. For mild symptoms like headaches or shortness of breath, take ibuprofen or use an oxygen cylinder. In case of severe symptoms (vomiting, confusion), seek immediate medical help.

Conclusion

Safe travels and enjoy your journey to the "Roof of the World!"