Ming Yang
I've been leading groups to Lhasa for over a decade. And trust me – the biggest mistake travelers make is rushing. Five days is just enough to soak in the magic without ending up in a hospital oxygen tent. Here's exactly how to do it right.
Why 5 Days in Lhasa Is the Sweet Spot
Most people think 3 days enough. They land, rush to Potala, then feel like a truck hit them. Altitude sickness peaks on day 2. With 5 days, you have breathing room – literally. You can acclimatize slowly, see the main sights, and even take a side trip to a stunning turquoise lake. Plus, permits for foreigners require a guided tour, and 5-day packages are the most common and affordable.
Day-by-Day Itinerary for 5 Days in Lhasa
Day 1: Acclimatize – Don't Skip This
Arrive at Lhasa Gonggar Airport (3,600m) or train station. Go directly to your hotel. No sightseeing. Even walking to the lobby counts. Drink water, eat light, nap if needed. In the evening, a short gentle stroll around Barkhor Street (near Jokhang Temple) is okay. But no climbing stairs.
Day 2: Potala Palace & Jokhang Temple
Start early (8:30 AM). Potala Palace requires a timed ticket – your guide must book it at least a day ahead via the official WeChat mini-program. Foreigners need passport copies. Adult ticket: 200 RMB (peak season May–Oct), 100 RMB off-season. No student or senior discounts for foreigners. The climb up the 108 steps is brutal. Take your time. Inside, you can't take photos in most chapels. Visit time: ~2.5 hours.
After lunch, head to Jokhang Temple (2 km walk or 10 min taxi). Ticket: 85 RMB. The rooftop is great for photos. Surrounding Barkhor Street is where you'll find endless prayer wheels and vendors. Try to walk the kora (circumambulation) with locals, but keep right to avoid blocking.
Day 3: Drepung & Sera Monasteries
These two are about 8 km apart. Start with Drepung (west of city, 30 min taxi, ~50 RMB). Ticket: 60 RMB. Explore the white buildings – the Ganden Palace is impressive. Then head to Sera Monastery (north, taxi 40 min, ~40 RMB). Ticket: 50 RMB. Don't miss the monks' debating at 3–5 PM. It's loud and theatrical. Absolutely unique.
Day 4: Yamdrok Lake Day Trip
This is the highlight for many. Depart around 7 AM, drive 2.5 hours (100 km) through the Gampa La pass (4,799m). The lake color at sunrise is unreal – photos don't do it justice. Bring warm clothes: wind is fierce. No entrance fee to the lake, but you'll pass a checkpoint where your guide shows your Tibet permit. You can walk along the shore for an hour. Return to Lhasa by 2 PM. Rest of day is free – perfect to buy souvenirs.
Day 5: Last Morning & Departure
If your flight/train is after noon, visit Norbulingka (Tibetan summer palace). Open 9 AM, ticket 60 RMB. It's a peaceful garden – less crowded than Potala. Then pack and head to airport (1 hour from city, taxi ~150–200 RMB) or train station (30 min, taxi ~50 RMB).
Where to Stay in Lhasa (My Picks)
| Hotel | Area | Price/Night (RMB) | Best For | Wi-Fi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Regis Lhasa | Chengguan (city center) | 1,200–1,800 | Luxury, oxygen supply in room | Stable |
| Holiday Inn Lhasa | North of Potala | 400–600 | Families, English-speaking staff | Good |
| Yak Hotel | Near Barkhor Street | 80–150 (dorm) / 250–400 (private) | Budget, backpackers, social vibe | Decent in lobby |
Pro tip: Ask your hotel if they have a humidifier – Lhasa is dry, and it helps with altitude adjustment.
What to Eat in Lhasa
- Tsampa – Roasted barley dough. Go to Lhasa Kitchen (near Barkhor Street). Average price: 15 RMB. It's an acquired taste – bland and dry.
- Momos (dumplings) – At Snowland Restaurant (Jokhang area). Beef momos 30 RMB. I always dip them in spicy chili oil.
- Butter tea – Salty and oily. Some love it, some hate it. Try at any local tea house.
- Yak meat – Dried yak jerky is a good snack. But fresh yak steak? Only at higher-end places like Makye-ame (around 150 RMB per dish).
Crucial Tips from a Guide
- Permits: Foreigners must join a tour. Your agency arranges the Tibet Travel Permit. Carry passport and a copy. Random checks happen.
- Altitude meds: Start Diamox 24h before arrival. Side effect: tingling fingers. Not fun but better than headache.
- Hydration: Drink 3 liters of water daily. Your pee should be pale yellow.
- Sun protection: SPF 50+ and lip balm. The UV index at 3,600m is insane.
- Money: Cash is king. Small shops don't accept cards. ATMs work but charge fees.
- Respect: No pointing at Buddhas with one finger. Use an open hand. Don't touch monks or their belongings.
Frequently Asked Questions About 5 Days in Lhasa
That's the blueprint. Five days in Lhasa, done right. I've walked these steps countless times – and every group that follows this pacing leaves with memories, not headaches. Safe travels.
Used this guide in April 2024 and it was spot-on. The timing suggestions for Drepung Monastery helped me avoid the tourist crowds. Also, the advice on taking it easy during the first two days really works—I saw several people who ignored it and ended up with altitude sickness. The only minor letdown was that one restaurant listed was closed for renovations, but that's likely outdated info. Still, a fantastic resource that made my Lhasa experience unforgettable.
I can't recommend this enough! The three-day slow acclimatization plan worked perfectly. I loved the hidden gem they pointed out—a small rooftop café near Barkhor Street with stunning views of the Potala at sunset. The pre-trip checklists (like bringing electrolyte powders and lip balm) seem basic but saved me from real discomfort. My friends were jealous of how smoothly my trip went. 5 stars!
Honestly, this guide was a disappointment. It promised 'altitude-proof' but I still got severe headaches by the afternoon of Day 1. The recommended tea house for lunch was overpriced and the menu didn't match the description. Worse, the map attached to the guide was blurry and hard to read on my phone. I ended up relying on a fellow traveler’s advice more than this guide. Would not purchase again.
Solid itinerary overall, but I wish it included more alternative options for meals or side trips. The altitude advice was sound—I used the oxygen tank suggestion on Day 2 and felt fine. However, the pace felt a bit rushed on Day 4 when visiting the Potala Palace; I would have liked more free time to explore the surrounding alleys. Still, a reliable guide that got me through Lhasa without major issues. Good value for the money.
Followed this guide to the letter and it saved my trip. The gradual ascent strategy and the tips on hydration made a huge difference—I had zero altitude sickness while others on my tour were struggling. The detailed day-by-day plan helped me pace myself, and the recommendation for the morning visit to Jokhang Temple was spot-on. Absolutely worth every penny of the guide. Highly recommend for first-timers!