If you have just two days in Lhasa, you should explore the main sights. You can visit the Jokhang Temple, Drepung Monastery, and Potala Palace. You should also take time to explore the area’s many Buddhist temples.
Jokhang Temple
If you’re wondering how to spend two days in Lhasa, you may want to start by visiting the Jokhang Temple, the most sacred temple in all of Tibet. It is an impressive complex of countless individual temples, dedicated to high lamas, enlightened beings, and saints. While you’re here, you’ll also want to spend some time exploring Barkhor Street, which is surrounded by the temple. This street is a lively place to watch locals playing kora, as well as to browse the many shops selling local handicrafts.
Another place to visit in Lhasa is the Potala Palace, the former seat of the Tibetan government. It’s a giant whitewashed stone building with a lot to see inside. After visiting Potala Palace, you’ll want to take a tour of the Jokhang Temple, the holiest Buddhist temple in Tibet. Located in the old town, this temple is full of Buddhist statues and mandalas. It also has some amazing views of the city.
If you’re staying in Lhasa, you’ll want to book accommodation in the old town. The area is filled with temples, restaurants, and narrow alleys. Stay at a hotel that offers a view of the Jokhang Temple while also offering excellent service.
When to visit Tibet, make sure to travel during the best months of the year. The best months to visit Lhasa are mid-April to mid-September, but you can also go in September and October if you want the weather to be temperate. However, be aware that these months can be rainy. The wettest month is July. Whether you decide to visit Lhasa in summer or winter, consider a couple of extra days before your trip to prevent altitude sickness.
You can also visit the Namco Peninsula, a beautiful peninsula that offers panoramic views of the lake. This area is home to several monasteries and other religious sights. While you’re here, don’t forget to take plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated and avoid dehydration!
If you are visiting Tibet for the first time, make sure to spend at least one day in Lhasa getting used to the high altitude. As a result, you should avoid doing any strenuous activities on the first day as this can result in high altitude sickness. Instead, take a few leisurely walks around the city to acclimatise. Be sure to avoid alcohol on day one, and instead drink plenty of water and eat plenty of fruits to keep yourself hydrated.
If you’re planning to visit Lhasa during the winter, consider traveling in October or November. Although the temperatures are colder, the atmosphere is more pleasant during this time. During these months, the Tibetan Autonomous Region is closed to non-Chinese visitors for the entirety of February and March. However, if you can, try to avoid traveling during the first week of April.
While in Lhasa, you may want to have a meal or two in one of the many Tibetan restaurants. Lhasa is also home to some international hotels. These hotels offer beautiful accommodations, but speaking English in these places may be a little difficult. You should also consider bringing pre-packaged food to avoid going hungry.
Drepung Monastery
If you’re wondering how to spend two days in Lhasa, consider visiting the Drepung Monastery and the Norbulingka Summer Palace. Both are stunning sights, and you can also add a day trip to one of the holy lakes nearby.
You may be surprised to learn that the Drepung Monastery houses one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in the world. It’s located in the foothills of the Gambo Utse mountain, and is home to over a thousand monks. The monastery is considered the political center of Tibet, and was once home to tens of thousands of monks.
You should plan to spend your first day in Lhasa taking it easy and visiting the Drepung Monastery. It’s the largest monastery in Tibet, and is situated just outside of the city. The complex has countless paintings, and you’ll have awe-inspiring experience just walking through the doors.
After you’ve visited Drepung Monastery, head to Barkhor Street for some Tibetan cuisine. The Jokhang Temple is another popular destination in Lhasa. Don’t miss the Sera Monastery, either. You’ll also be able to browse the Barkhor Street for Tibetan art, carpets, and fresco paintings.
If you have time, visit the Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lama. It’s huge and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Until 1959, it was the Dalai Lama’s residence, and it now houses over 2,000 statues and shrines. Admission is restricted to two thousand people a day, so you’ll want to make reservations ahead of time.
Accommodation in Lhasa is basic, but comfortable. You’ll find plenty of restaurants, banks, and shops within walking distance of your hotel. Most hotels are located in the old city center, so you can easily reach the main attractions. You’ll also find local hotels and guesthouses, which are inexpensive and offer good service. However, keep in mind that they aren’t as luxurious as their counterparts.
After your Lhasa sightseeing, you’ll be greeted by your guide and driver at the airport. You’ll have a private English-speaking guide, private vehicle, and an English-speaking driver. Your guide will be there to meet your every need, including accommodation. If you’re looking for a private English-speaking guide, be sure to make your booking through Lhasa Tibet Tours.
It’s best to travel to Lhasa in autumn or spring, as it is less humid and more pleasant. However, you should be prepared for the rigors of the high altitude. During these months, you’ll find that fewer tourists are visiting and temperatures are comfortable. However, if you’re a first-time visitor, you’ll need to be aware of the altitude.
Potala Palace
A 7th century palace once used as the home of the Dalai Lamas is a must-see in Lhasa. The palace is a massive, whitewashed stone building with a lot to see inside. Also worth a visit is the Jokhang Temple, the holiest temple in Tibet. It is famous for its Buddhist statues and mandalas, and offers a spectacular view of Lhasa.
The Potala Palace is an iconic structure in Lhasa, and is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. It contains over 1000 rooms, 10,000 shrines, and approximately 200,000 statues. It is the center of Tibet’s religion, and is home to the Dalai Lama, the 33rd and current spiritual leader.
Lhasa is the most sacred city in Tibet, and is a must-see for any traveler interested in Buddhism. It is home to the Potala Palace, the former seat of Tibetan government, and the Jokhang Temple, the most popular pilgrimage site in the country. You can also visit the Drepung Monastery, which houses over ten thousand monks. The monks here are famous for their kora, the path that pilgrims follow to reach the Jokhang Temple. Lhasa is also home to Barkhor Street, the most bustling and picturesque market in Lhasa.
It is a good idea to plan your itinerary so you can visit the Potala Palace. This architectural marvel was built in 641 AD and was declared a world heritage site in 1994. It is a huge structure that covers 36 million square meters. It is divided into two main parts, the white palace and the red palace. The former was used for political purposes, while the latter was used for religious purposes. Today, the red palace is only open and technically considered a museum.
When in Lhasa, you should make sure you book a tour of the Potala Palace, as this visit can take a half day. A tour guide is required to take you inside, and it is prohibited to take photos inside. In addition, drones are not allowed in Tibet, so you should be aware of these rules before booking your tour.
Another great place to spend a couple of days in Lhasa is to visit the Drepung and Sera monasteries. Many tours skip these places, but the kora paths will give you a different perspective and put you in the footsteps of the local Tibetans. It is also an excellent way to get a feel for the culture and traditions of the Tibetans.
Visiting Lhasa is a must-see for any visitor to Tibetan Buddhism, which is centered in this city. This city is home to a number of monasteries, temples, and bustling markets. When traveling to Lhasa, it is essential to use sun protection, drink plenty of water, and eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.