Despite the rapid development of tourism, Tibet still sticks strongly to its cultural heritage. As capital city since the 7th century, Lhasa is an attracting introduction to Tibet. Lhasa remains its spiritual core, the Jokhang, the Potala and many monasteries around such as Sera and Drepung. These are easily accessible by bus, minibus, or hired vehicle, which is ideal for Lhasa day trips. Here the article will introduce the must-visit Lhasa attractions. Head to have a check.
A brief introduction to the popular Lhasa tourist attractions is offered here, convenient for you to make a travel plan.
Must-visit Lhasa Attractions - Jokhang Temple
1. Jokhang Temple
The Jokhang Temple is considered as the "spiritual heart of the city" in Tibet, enchanting enormous pilgrims, locals and tourists every day. To travel here, follow the Jokhang Temple travel guide to know how.
Must-visit Lhasa Attractions - Potala Palace
2. Potala Palace
The Potala Palace is the greatest monumental structure in Tibet. There are two main sections - the White Palace and the Red Palace. Today, the major political events and religious ceremonies are still held here. For more details, check this page talking about the trip to Potala Palace.
Must-visit Lhasa Attractions - Barkhor Steet
3. Barkhor Street
The Barkhor Street always bustles with pilgrims and tourists from eager to visit the Jokhang Temple. The current Barkhor Street is the famous commercial center in Lhasa, but it still maintain a unique and ancient character. For more info, head to the post about Barkhor Street.
Must-visit Lhasa Attractions - Sera Monastery
4. Sera Monastery
Sera Monastery is 3km north away from Lhasa, which is easily accessible. Many visitors arrive here to witness the monks group debate held in the courtyard. To get there, follow the Sera Monastery travel guide to know how.
Must-visit Lhasa Attractions - Drepung Monastery
5. Drepung Monastery
The Drepung Monastery was the richest monastery, with four colleges and 10000 monks; today there are about 500-600. To know more details, the page talking about route to Drepung Monastery can be helpful.
6. Ganden Monastery
The Ganden Monastery is said to be the one most worth visiting, with its scenic setting high on the Gokpori Ridge. The post share more travel tips about Ganden Monastery, and you can head to have a check.
Must-visit Lhasa Attractions - Namtso
7. Lake Namtso
Namtso is one of the three largest sacred lakes in Tibet. And the “Heavenly Lake” is featured with the power to wash your soul, whether you are a Buddhism believer or not. Read the guide about Namtso tour to know how to get there.
8. Lake Yamdrok
Must-visit Lhasa Attractions - Yamdrok
Lake Yamdrok, another holy lake, is located in Langkazi County, Shannan City. Amazingly, Yamdrok shows different colors according to the changeable light. The turquoise lake and blue sky complement each other, dotted with white clouds, bringing you into the heaven.
9. Norbulingka
It is a palace and surrounding park, about 1km southwest of Potala Palace. Norbulinka served as the traditional summer residence of Dalai Lamas. For more info, check the article about Norbulingka.
10. Drak Yerp Hermitage
Must-visit Lhasa Attractions - Drak Yerpa Hermitage
Drak Yerpa is a cave monastery, which is caved from natural rocks. For those with a particular interest in Tibetan Buddhism, Drak Yerpa hermitage is one of the best destinations. Read the post about Drak Yerpa hermitage to get more details.
11. Chakpori Hill
The Chakpori Hill is also called Yao Wang Shan, and literally means the Hill of Medicine King. It is an ideal location for taking photographs of the Potala Palace. To know the detailed route to Chakpori Hill, read the post.
12. Turpu Monastery
It’s the first monastery of the Gagyu Sect of Tibetan Buddhism and the main monastery of the Black Cap Group of the Garma Sect. The system of succession to grant the living Buddha has been originated here and has become popular among various sects of the Tibetan Buddhism. For more information, this page about Turpu Monastery can be helpful.
13. Reting Monastery
Reting Monastery overlooks the perfectly smooth green and placid valley, a milky snow-fed river running through the bottom. It is a historically important monastery. Read the post to get more details about the Reting Monastery.
14. Drigung Monastery
The 180-degree views from the main courtyard are impressive and a serene stillness pervades the site. The most famous sky burial site in central Tibet is located here. A more detailed introduction to Drigung Monastery is offered here.
The questions raised by our past customers can help you get a more clear picture about tours to Tibet, read them or tell us your own questions via the form on the right side, our specialists will reply you within 24 hours.
Hi, I plan to arrive in Lhasa on the 9th of March in 2020 by train and would like to do a 4 day tour. Unfortunately there are no tours scheduled between January and April, will there be tours added or are there not any planned?
Kind regards
Julian Franz
Hello Mr. Ju***,
Thanks very much for your inquiry. We currently have no group tour in February and March, if you would like to travel Tibet in these months, we are able to arrange a private tour for you. While there are several confirmed departure date for the group tour in January and April, if your time is flexible, you may consider joining a group tour in April. I will send detailed itinerary to your email, please check it. Warm regards.
Email to Helen about any question or tell us your own questions via the form on the right side