7 Days in Lhasa, China: From Potala Palace to Barkhor Street Market

📅 Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Lhasa is during spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) when the weather is mild, skies are clear, and temperatures average between 10-20°C. Summer (June-August) offers warmer temperatures (up to 25°C) but also experiences the most rainfall, usually in short, intense bursts. Winter (November-March) is cold, with temperatures ranging from -10°C to 5°C, but sees fewer tourists and offers a more serene, local experience, especially during Tibetan New Year (Losar) if timing allows.

• Arrive in Lhasa by flight from a lower altitude city like Chengdu or Xining to reduce immediate altitude sickness risk, or take the Qinghai-Tibet Railway from Golmud which gradually ascends.
• Pace yourself on arrival; avoid strenuous activity for the first 2-3 days in Lhasa (3,650m / 12,000ft) and drink plenty of water to acclimatize.
• When visiting the Jokhang Temple or Potala Palace, remove any hats upon entry and ensure knees and shoulders are covered; short trousers/tank tops are not permitted.
• Always carry your passport and Tibet Travel Permit; expect frequent checks by police or military, especially near sensitive areas like Barkhor Street.
• Circumambulate stupas, temples, and the Barkhor Kora route clockwise, following the flow of pilgrims.
• For small shrines or chortens without an entrance fee, leave a small money offering (e.g., ¥1-5) as a customary sign of respect.
• Avoid engaging in political discussions concerning the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan government-in-exile, or the Chinese government with locals or other tourists; surveillance is common.
• Be prepared to use cash (Yuan) at smaller stalls, street vendors, and for offerings; WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted in larger establishments.
• If confronted by aggressive stray dogs, particularly outside the city center or on treks, sturdy boots are useful, and a small rock can be thrown near them as a deterrent if necessary.

• 1
  Altitude sickness medication (Diamox)
• 2
  Warm layered clothing (fleece, down jacket)
• 3
  Long trousers/pants (2-3 pairs)
• 4
  Shoulder-covering tops (3-4)
• 5
  Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes
• 6
  Small cash (Yuan) for offerings
• 7
  High-factor sunscreen + wide-brimmed hat
• 8
  Lip balm + heavy moisturizer
• 9
  Reusable water bottle (stay hydrated)
• 10
  Portable oxygen canister (optional, for severe altitude)
• 11
  Offline VPN subscription (pre-downloaded)
• 12
  Slip-on shoes (for traditional guesthouses)