Visit Lhasa, Tibet
Jump to:
Dominating the skyline with immense walls of white and ochre, the famous Potala Palace greets you as you reach the capital of Tibet. In its maze of corridors, chapels and galleries, you will discover the former living quarters of the Dalai Lama and many sacred tombs.
In the old Tibetan Quarter you can walk through the narrow streets and explore nearby Barkhor Square and the spectacular golden-roofed Jokhang, the country’s holiest temple.
Around Lhasa
In Lhasa there are two monasteries of particular interest: Sera is set around a busy courtyard where monks spend heated afternoons debating philosophical questions, whilst Dreprung was once the world’s largest monastery, housing up to 10,000 monks in its heyday.
A day trip into the countryside also reveals the monastic ruins and restorations of Ganden, passing monks on the way to isolated shrines and enjoying fantastic panoramas across the valley.
Speak to someone
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip to Lhasa by contacting one of our Tibet specialists
- 1 800 817 961
- Make an enquiry
Suggested itineraries featuring Lhasa
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Lhasa, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
-
![Potala Palace]()
-
![The Northern Friendship Highway]()
Journey through the Himalayas: Lhasa to Kathmandu along the Friendship Highway
Nepal and TibetView this tour
Places near Lhasa
- Tsetang 78 kilometers away
- Gyantse 170 kilometers away
- Shigatse 222 kilometers away
- Everest Base Camp 450 kilometers away
- Tingri 455 kilometers away
Photos of Lhasa
-
![Lhasa, Tibet]()
Lhasa, Tibet -
![Potala Palace, Lhasa]()
Potala Palace, Lhasa -
![Potala Palace, Lhasa]()
Potala Palace, Lhasa -
![Sunset over Lhasa]()
Sunset over Lhasa -
![Tibetan prayer flags]()
Tibetan prayer flags -
![Deprung Monastery, Lhasa]()
Deprung Monastery, Lhasa -
![Potala Palace from Potala Square]()
Potala Palace from Potala Square -
![Pabonka Monastery]()
Pabonka Monastery
Accommodation choices for Lhasa
We’ve selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Lhasa. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
-
![Spa, St Regis Lhasa Resort, Lhasa]()
St Regis Lhasa Resort
The St Regis occupies a prime position in the city on Jiangsu Road, a short walk from the bustling markets around Bharkor Square, and the timeless lanes and alleys of the Tibetan Quarter.
-
![Dhood Gu Hotel, Lhasa]()
Dhood Gu Hotel
This is undoubtedly Tibet’s most characterful hotel, located in a traditional building with Tibetan décor throughout.
Ideas for experiencing Lhasa
Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Lhasa, and which use the best local guides.
-
Sera Monastery Visit ![Monks at Sera Monastery, Lhasa]()
Sera Monastery Visit
Sera Monastery Visit
Founded in 1419 by one of Tsongkhapa's eight disciples, Sera became famous for its Tantric teachings. The warrior monks of Sera, the ‘Dob-Dobs’, were admired as athletes but also feared.
View details -
The Dalai Lama's former Summer Palace ![Summer Palace, Lhasa]()
The Dalai Lama's former Summer Palace
The Dalai Lama's former Summer Palace
The Norbulingka - the Jewel Park - contains the summer palaces of the 13th and 14th Dalai Lamas and is characterised by its spacious walled garden, the main throne hall, an audience hall, the Dalai Lama's private apartment and his mother's apartment.
View details -
Potala Palace Visit ![Visit to the Potala Palace, Lhasa]()
Potala Palace Visit
Potala Palace Visit
The Potala Palace is an architectural wonder - a spectacular edifice whose gold roofs soar high above the town and rise more than 300 meters above the valley floor - can be seen from all directions for miles around.
View details -
Walking the Ganden Kora ![Ganden Monastery, Lhasa]()
Walking the Ganden Kora
Walking the Ganden Kora
Walking the Kora - one of the circuits round a monastery - is a traditional way for Tibetan Buddhists to worship, and you will see pilgrims making circuit after circuit of major monastery buildings wherever you are in Tibet.
View details
