Lhasa Travel Guide 🏔️
Everything you need to know before visiting Lhasa — permits, altitude, culture & itinerary
🌤 Live Weather — Lhasa
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📌 Quick Facts
Region Tibet Autonomous Region
Country China
Altitude 3,656 m
Currency Chinese Yuan (CNY)
Language Tibetan & Mandarin
Nickname City of Gods
Lhasa is a high-altitude destination — acclimatization is essential.
🛂 Visa & Tibet Permit
Chinese Visa Tibet Travel Permit Mandatory Tour Guide- Indian citizens need a Chinese tourist visa
- Tibet Travel Permit is mandatory
- Independent travel not allowed — must book via authorized agency
Permits are arranged by tour operators only.
🗓 Best Time to Visit
May–Oct Best season
Jul–Aug Mild monsoon
Nov–Mar Extremely cold
Apr Fewer tourists
💰 Average Trip Budget (Per Day)
- 🎒 Budget Tour: CNY 450–600 | ₹5,200–7,000 | $60–85
- 🏨 Mid-range: CNY 800–1,200 | ₹9,200–13,800 | $110–165
- 👑 Luxury: CNY 1,800+ | ₹20,700+ | $250+
Costs include guide & permits — independent travel is not possible.
🗺 Top Places to Visit
Potala Palace Jokhang Temple Barkhor Street Sera Monastery Drepung Monastery Norbulingka Palace🚐 Transport & Getting Around
- Private tour vehicles only
- No public transport for tourists
- Lhasa Gonggar Airport connections
📶 Mobile SIM & Internet
- China Mobile / China Unicom
- VPN required for Google, WhatsApp, Instagram
- Internet speed varies
💵 Money & Payments
- Cash widely used
- WeChat Pay & Alipay common
- Limited ATMs outside city center
🍜 Food & Local Cuisine
- Momos (Tibetan dumplings)
- Tsampa
- Yak meat dishes
- Butter tea
🎊 Festivals & Events
- Losar (Tibetan New Year)
- Shoton Festival
- Saga Dawa Festival
🛡 Safety & Travel Tips
- Very safe for tourists
- Avoid political discussions
- Follow guide instructions strictly
🙏 Local Etiquette
- Walk clockwise around religious sites
- No photography inside temples
- Respect monks & pilgrims
🎒 What to Pack
- Warm layers (even in summer)
- Sunscreen & sunglasses
- Altitude sickness medication
- Power bank
🌡 Weather & Climate
- Cold nights year-round
- Strong UV radiation
- Thin air & dry climate
🧳 Suggested 4-Day Itinerary
- Day 1 – Arrival & acclimatization
- Day 2 – Potala Palace & Jokhang Temple
- Day 3 – Monasteries & Barkhor Street
- Day 4 – Norbulingka & cultural walk
❓ Lhasa Travel FAQs
Can Indians travel independently in Lhasa?
No, travel must be through authorized tour agencies.
Is altitude sickness common in Lhasa?
Yes, most travelers feel it. Rest & hydration are essential.
Is Lhasa safe for tourists?
Yes, it is extremely safe with strict regulations.
Do Indians need special permits for Lhasa?
Yes, a Chinese visa and Tibet Travel Permit are mandatory.