Lhasa and Tibet's Sacred Lakes: A Tour Itinerary Guide
Golden Tropics Travel · Updated
Most Tibet tours follow a similar shape: a few gentle days in Lhasa, then road trips to the high lakes and monasteries. Knowing the rhythm helps you pack, pace yourself and enjoy each day. For permits and altitude basics, read our Tibet travel guide first.
Days 1–2: arriving in Lhasa slowly
Your first day is for rest. Lhasa is at about 3,650 metres, and the best thing you can do is walk slowly, drink plenty of water and sleep early. Most itineraries keep the first afternoon free, or offer only a short stroll.
By the second day many travellers feel steadier, and the sightseeing begins with places close to the hotel.
The heart of Lhasa
- The Potala Palace: visits run on timed tickets with a set length inside, and there are many steps, so take them slowly
- Jokhang Temple: Tibet's most sacred temple, at the centre of the old town
- The Barkhor: walk the pilgrim circuit around the Jokhang clockwise with local pilgrims
- Sera Monastery: in the afternoons, monks debate in the courtyard, a lively sight to watch quietly
Yamdrok Lake and the road to Shigatse
The drive south-west of Lhasa climbs to a pass above Yamdrok Lake, a long turquoise lake that is one of Tibet's three sacred lakes. Many routes continue past glaciers beside the road to Gyantse and Shigatse.
In Shigatse, Tashilhunpo Monastery is the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama and one of the great monasteries of Tibet.
Namtso: the highest point of many trips
Namtso lies north of Lhasa at about 4,700 metres, higher than Lhasa by around 1,000 metres. It is usually visited as a long day trip once you have adjusted. The lake shore is cold and windy even in summer, so bring a warm jacket, a hat and sunglasses.
Food on a Tibet tour
- Try yak butter tea and tsampa (roasted barley flour), the everyday food of the plateau.
- Sichuan and other Chinese dishes are easy to find in Lhasa.
- Halal restaurants run by Hui Muslims can be found in Lhasa; tell us your needs when you book so meals can be arranged.
- Eat lightly in the first days, as rich meals and alcohol make altitude harder.