When to go
Lhasa sits north of the Himalayas, so it sees a lot of sunshine and little rain. Winters are not severe and summers are not hot; July, August and September are usually considered the best months, while the winter months are quiet, sunny and cheaper.
What to see in the city
The Potala Palace, the Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery and Gandan Monastery are the classic stops. Norbulingka, the old summer palace, is a good place for a slow half day.
Food and drink
Sichuan food is common in Lhasa restaurants, along with Tibetan dishes such as butter tea, tsampa and yak meat. Eat lightly on the first days at altitude and go easy on alcohol.
Practical notes
Sunlight is strong and the air is dry all year: sunglasses, a hat and lip balm are worth carrying. Distances inside the city are short, but walk slowly for the first day or two and allow time to acclimatise.
