Lhasa Travel Advice
Lhasa lies in a valley at 3,650 m, surrounded by mountains. It has a mild climate without very cold winters or hot summers. The average temperature over the year is about 8°C, but days and nights can differ by 15°C or more.
1. Best Travel Time to Lhasa
You can visit Lhasa at any time of year when Tibet is open. The most popular months are April to October. In July and August rain falls mainly at night, and days are usually sunny. Spring and autumn are clear and pleasant. Winter is cold at night but sunny, and there are very few tourists.
| Months | What to expect |
|---|---|
| January–February | Cold, clear, very few visitors, many pilgrims |
| March–May | Mild spring weather; Tibet is open, and March is quiet |
| June–September | Warm; rain at night, sunny days; busiest season |
| October–December | Cooler, clear, great light for photos |
2. Dining in Lhasa
You can eat Tibetan, Sichuan, Nepali, Indian, Muslim and Western food in Lhasa, from smart restaurants to small noodle shops in the Barkhor lanes. See our guide to dining in Lhasa for ideas.
3. Shopping in Lhasa
Popular buys are Tibetan carpets, incense, silver jewellery, thangka paintings and prayer beads. The best places to shop are:
- Barkhor Street — the pilgrim circuit around the Jokhang Temple, lined with craft shops and stalls
- Thangka studios — in the old town, where you can watch artists paint
- Shops near the Tibet Museum — crafts and gifts
4. Money & Currency Exchange
Most payments in Lhasa, as in the rest of China, are made by phone with Alipay or WeChat Pay. Both apps now accept many international cards, so set one up before you travel. Bring some cash (Chinese yuan) for small shops, temples and remote areas. The Bank of China and other big banks in Lhasa have ATMs that take international cards, and the Bank of China can exchange major currencies.
5. Medical Service
Lhasa has the best hospitals in Tibet, including the People’s Hospital of the Tibet Autonomous Region and the Lhasa People’s Hospital. Hotels have oxygen, and pharmacies are everywhere. Your guide knows where to go if you feel unwell.
6. Transportation in Lhasa
Most visitors arrive by air or by train. Lhasa Gonggar Airport is about 60 km from the city, about an hour by expressway. The railway station is in the southwest of the city. In the city, taxis are cheap and plentiful, and much of the old town is best seen on foot. If you are on a tour with us, your guide and driver take you to all the sights.
7. Avoiding High Altitude Sickness
Stay calm and take it easy, because worry makes symptoms feel worse. On arrival:
- rest and do nothing tiring on the first day
- don’t smoke or drink alcohol
- drink plenty of water and eat light meals
- keep warm, and don’t get cold after a shower
- only use oxygen if you are really short of breath
8. Safety in Lhasa
Lhasa is a safe city. As in any busy place, watch out for pickpockets in crowded areas such as Barkhor Street, and keep your wallet and phone in a front pocket. Always carry your passport, as there are regular identity checks. Respect local rules about photography: don’t photograph police, soldiers or checkpoints. Ask a travel clinic about recommended vaccinations before you go.
9. Nightlife & Entertainment
Nightlife in Lhasa is simple but fun:
- Tibetan song and dance shows — several theatres and restaurants have evening performances
- Tianhai Night Market — food stalls, snacks and shopping in the west of the city
- Bars and tea houses near Barkhor — meet locals and other travellers
10. Pilgrim Circuits & Day Tours
The Barkhor kora around the Jokhang Temple is Lhasa’s most famous pilgrim walk. Walk it clockwise with the pilgrims early in the morning: it is unforgettable. The Nangkhor (inside the Jokhang) and the Lingkhor (around the old city) are the other two traditional circuits. In one day you can visit the Potala Palace, the Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery and Barkhor Street, but two or three days in Lhasa is better.
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