The most popular first-time route in Tibet: the three essential sights of Lhasa plus the holy lake Namtso, with a gradual altitude profile and an easy pace.
Day 1 — Arrive in Lhasa
Meet your driver on arrival and check in to the hotel for acclimatisation. Take it easy on the first day: drink plenty of water, rest early, and let your body adjust to 3,650 m.
Day 2 — Potala Palace · Jokhang Temple · Barkhor Street
Visit the Potala Palace in the morning (advance reservation required; entry with your Tibet permit and passport), then the Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street in the afternoon, where you can join the kora or shop for handicrafts.
Day 3 — Namtso day trip
Cross the Khangla Pass (5,190 m) to Namtso, spend time by the lake, and return to Lhasa. It is a long driving day, so bring warm clothing and snacks.
Day 4 — Departure from Lhasa
Free time in the morning, then transfer to the airport or railway station according to your flight or train.
The Potala Palace requires a named reservation; the visiting slot follows the reservation result and may be adjusted at short notice for conservation reasons.
Please assess your own health before travelling at altitude; this route is not recommended for people with serious heart or lung conditions.
Itineraries and prices are subject to the current published rates; order and timing may change in case of force majeure such as weather or road closures.
What discounts are available at the Potala Palace?
Students in school, people with disabilities, serving military personnel, teachers in post and senior citizens with valid certificates normally pay half of the seasonal price, and children under 1.2 m enter free. Confirm the eligible groups and required documents on site.
How should I spend my first day in Lhasa?
Take it easy: no strenuous activity on arrival, avoid a chill after bathing, skip alcohol, drink plenty of water and eat lightly. Save gentle city sightseeing for the second day and increase activity gradually.
When is the best time to visit Lhasa?
July, August and September are usually the most comfortable months; most rain falls then but days are often clear. Winter brings plenty of sunshine, fewer visitors and lower prices, though the temperature swing is large and some sites shorten their hours.
How do I get from Lhasa to Shigatse and what is along the way?
The usual route runs Lhasa–Yamdrok Lake–Karola Glacier–Gyantse–Shigatse, about a day of driving. Along the way you see the lake, the glacier, Gyantse Dzong and Pelkor Chode Monastery, and Tashilhunpo Monastery once in Shigatse. Road conditions are average, so a hired vehicle or small group works best.