3 Days Lhasa Travel Itinerary

3 Days Lhasa Travel Itinerary

Lhasa, the City of Sunlight, located in the central part of the Tibetan Plateau, is one of China’s most renowned tourist destinations. With a long and rich history, Lhasa is a sacred center of Tibetan Buddhism. Here, you can not only enjoy the beautiful high-plateau sights but also experience the unique culture, customs, and way of life of the Tibetan people. If you only have three days to explore Lhasa, how can you make the most of your time and fully experience its allure? This guide will provide you with a detailed itinerary for an unforgettable three-day trip, ensuring that you can explore Lhasa to the fullest without missing out on its wonders.

3 Days Lhasa Itinerary for Family with Kids

Potala Palace

Day 1: Encounter with Charming Lhasa

Acclimatize to the altitude environment in Lhasa. You can take a walk at Potala Palace Square, admire the palace’s grand silhouette from afar, and listen to the story of Songtsen Gampo and Princess Wencheng. You may also interact with pigeons, feed them corn kernels, and soak in the everyday atmosphere of Tibetan life.

Day 2: Experience the Humanity of Lhasa

Stroll along Barkhor Street, dress in traditional Tibetan attire and transform into a Drolma or Tashi, circumambulating the prayer route clockwise with pilgrims toward Jokhang Temple. After the visit, you can experience intangible cultural heritage handicrafts—paint a Thangka by hand, make Tibetan incense, or churn butter tea, brew Butter tea, or prepare Tibetan sweet tea to feel the charm of Tibetan culture.

Day 3: Pilgrimage to the Sacred Lake

Head to Namtso, the largest lake in Lhasa and the highest-altitude saltwater lake in the world, as well as a sacred destination in the hearts of Tibetan pilgrims. Namtso’s turquoise-blue waters shine like jade, and simply standing by the lakeshore brings a sense of peace. Along the way, you will pass the Nyainqêntanglha Mountains and Nagenla Pass, where you can stop for photos as well.

3 Days Lhasa Itinerary for Seniors with Slow Pace

Barkhor Street

Day 1: Adapt to High Altitudes in Tibet

On the first day in Lhasa, Tibet, check in to your hotel and rest to acclimate to the plateau climate and prepare for the remarkable journey into Tibet’s mysterious ancient civilization. Avoid any strenuous exercise or outdoor activities on this day. Staying calm and getting ample rest are the best ways to prevent altitude sickness.

Day 2: Experience the Charm of Lhasa

Visit Tibet’s landmark, the Potala Palace, then explore the Lukhang Park behind it. In the afternoon, head to the Jokhang Temple, and the famous circumambulation path surrounding the temple is the Barkhor Street. Stroll slowly along with the crowd to shop and explore, or sit at the Jokhang Temple Square to feel the devotion of Tibetan pilgrims.

Day 3: Enjoy the Parks on the Plateau

Stroll through Norbulingka, appreciate the artistry of Tibetan garden design, and enjoy a picnic on the shaded lawn beneath the trees. Then in the afternoon, head to Lalu Wetlands Park to enjoy the air of the plateau and watch the birds inhabiting there.

3 Days Lhasa Itinerary for Young Travelers

Namtso

Day 1: Enjoy the Exciting Time in Lhasa

Head deep into the Cijueling Valley to the Heavenly Grassland, from where you can see the Potala Palace in the distance. Then visit the Tibet Cultural and Creative Park, where you can take a helicopter ride to enjoy aerial views of the Lhasa River, the golden roof of Jokhang Temple, and other city sights. In the evening, stroll along Barkhor Street to admire the unique nightscape of the City of Sunshine and enjoy the local cuisine.

Day 2: Pilgrimage to the Sacred Lake

After breakfast, drive to Namtso, one of three great sacred lakes in Tibet, known as the Heavenly Lake in Tibetan. Along the way, you can enjoy distant views of the main peak of the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains, and pass through Yangbajain Town, where you may choose to enjoy the hot springs. In the evening, you can head to Dagzê District for camping.

Day 3: Challenge to Cycle along G318

Visit Ganden Monastery first, then rent a bicycle and ride all the way back to Lhasa along National Highway G318. From afar, catch sight of the majestic Potala Palace atop the Marpo Ri Hill, the long-awaited holy city of Lhasa finally comes into view.

3 Days Lhasa cultural Immersion Itinerary

Monk Debating

Day 1: Visit the Most Famous Sites in Lhasa

Spend your first day in Lhasa visiting the majestic Potala Palace, the highest and most magnificent palace in the world. Afterward, explore Lukhang Park behind the palace, where you can also capture its reflection on the water. In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk along Barkhor Street, flowing with local pilgrims and tourists alike toward Jokhang Temple. Sit down at the square in front of the temple to feel the devotion of the Tibetan people.

Day 2: Experience the Traditional Activities

In the morning, visit Drepung Monastery, and when at Sho Dun Festival, you will see the magnificent Buddha Sun-drying ceremony. At lunch time, head to the Nyainre Folk Custom Park for sightseeing and to sample authentic Tibetan cuisine. Before 3:00 p.m., make your way to Sera Monastery to watch the traditional Tibetan-style Buddhist scripture debate (Monk Debating), and continue touring the monastery afterward.

Day 3: Immersing Yourself in Tibetan Life

In the morning, visit the Lhasa Museum to gain insight into and learn about Tibet. In the afternoon, head to the cultural experience hall at Lukhang Park to live a day as a Tibetan—dress in traditional Tibetan attire, try Tibetan food, and dance Guozhuang with the locals, immersing yourself in Tibetan life. You can also stroll through the classical garden of Tibet, Norbulingka.

Customize Your Unique Lhasa Tour

If you are interested in one of the Lhasa itineraries mentioned above, please contact us, and we will be happy to customize it and provide a quote tailored to your preferences.

Alternatively, if you would like to customize your Lhasa Tour, please visit our Lhasa Tour Customized Center. We assure you that you will receive a reply within 24 working hours.

Informative Articles for Your Lhasa Trip

Prayer wheel, Lhasa

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• Weather: the best time and seasons to visit Lhasa
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• Cultural immersions: hands-on activities to spotlight your trip
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• Lhasa Tours: tailor-made Lhasa Tours for your reference