See the essentials of Lhasa even on a short stay: two of the great monasteries plus the holy lake Yamdrok, well suited to business trips or a stopover.
Day 1 — Arrive in Lhasa
Airport or station transfer and hotel check-in, then rest to acclimatise.
Day 2 — Potala Palace · Sera Monastery · Drepung Monastery
Potala Palace in the morning, then Sera Monastery in the afternoon for the monk debates (usually held except Sundays), followed by Drepung Monastery.
Day 3 — Yamdrok Lake · Departure
Drive to Yamdrok Lake in the morning, return to Lhasa around midday, then transfer to the airport or railway station according to your flight or train.
The Sera debates are a daily monastic activity and may be suspended during festivals or special events.
This route is compact; rest properly on the day you arrive.
Itineraries and prices are subject to the current published rates.
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.
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.