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Best Things to Do
Top 20 Best Things to Do in Lhasa [2025]
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Potala Palace
4.8
/5
21819 reviews
8.4
Based on 2,517 reviews
Potala Palace/Sun Island | 218m from downtown
Phone +8608916339615
Address: No. 35, Beijing Middle Road, Chengguan District, Lhasa City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2–4 hours
Achieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
Highlights:
A Tibetan Buddhist holy site atop Hongshan Mountain
Dalai Lama's winter palace center
Saved by 502 users12616 positive reviews
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I visited Lhasa in the winter of 2007 for work, touring the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple. I revisited in 2024 with my parents.
Key Reminder: Advance ticket booking is required.
My Experience: Seventeen years have passed, and the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple remain unchanged. Their red and white walls still stand solemnly under the high-altitude sun. What has changed is the surrounding environment, and the people… Of course, I've changed too, transforming from a naive youth to a more mature person… The most worthwhile spots to visit: Besides Potala Palace Square, the Chakpori Hill viewing platform (the location featured on the back of the 50 RMB note) is another must-see.
Transportation: You can stroll through Barkhor Street to get there, or take a taxi directly.
[Potala Palace: A Pilgrimage Guide Amidst the Overlapping Shadows of Time]
First-time visitors should begin their journey like reading an epic poem, looking up from the foot of the mountain. It's recommended to visit at dawn or dusk, when the white walls and golden roofs appear to flow and shift under the light. You'll discover that the palace walls, which you've seen countless times in photographs, are actually formed up close using the traditional Tibetan technique of "splashing white ash," creating irregular textures. During the rainy season, a mixture of milk and honey is added to the paint—this is the secret to its enduring beauty.
The route to the palace holds hidden secrets: first-time visitors should slowly ascend the traditional zigzagging steps, each turn offering a different angle for photography. Upon reaching the ticket office halfway up the mountain, consider pausing at the western platform, where you can see the overlapping shadows of the Jokhang Temple's golden roof and the modern city. To effectively explore the Potala Palace, focus on three key aspects: The Sunlight Hall in the East Hall of the White Palace, once a residence, still displays the exquisite craftsmanship of its window carvings; the sandalwood Avalokiteshvara statue in the Dharma King's Cave of the Red Palace is the oldest symbol of the palace; and the 3,721 kilograms of gold and tens of thousands of jewels in the Fifth Dalai Lama's Stupa Hall, shimmering under the glow of butter lamps, instantly convey the weight of faith.
Returning visitors can become "treasure hunters." Besides the main tour, pay special attention to: ① the "Lamas Debating" wood carving on the south window of the West Sunlight Hall, its details polished smooth by countless hands over twelve years; ② the newly added ochre-red white grass on the exterior walls of the Red Palace, a plant-based wall infused with Tibetan medicine, a testament to traditional wisdom and continuous preservation; ③ after 3 PM, the occasional chanting from the monks' quarters on the east side, as tourists disperse, is the perfect time to experience the palace's atmosphere.
Special Reminders:
① The reservation system is now fully electronic, but a green channel is still available for those over 60 years old.
② Photography is prohibited in most halls inside the Potala Palace, but panoramic city views are permitted on the outdoor platforms.
③ It is recommended to divide your visit into two parts: focus on the architecture and culture in the morning, and enjoy the reflections in Zongjiao Lukang Park at dusk.
For first-time visitors, this is an introductory course to understanding Tibet; for repeat visitors, it's a gentle confrontation with the details of their memories. Those things that remain unchanged over time, and those that have quietly changed, together constitute the Potala Palace's enduring charm.
Visit Tips:
① Walking clockwise around the palace is an unspoken etiquette.
② Speaking softly allows you to hear more stories—such as the sound of prayer flags fluttering in the wind, or the crackling of butter lamp wicks.
③ After leaving the palace, consider strolling along the pilgrimage route behind the mountain with the locals; here you can witness the most vibrant scenes of everyday life.
No matter how many times you visit, take some time to sit quietly in the square in front of the palace and watch the clouds drift across the palace walls. You will find that the Potala Palace is not just a building, but a living entity that is conversing with you every time you gaze at it.
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Namtso
4.5
/5
5294 reviews
7.9
Based on 310 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8608916113602
Address: Namtso National Park, Dangxiong County, Lhasa City
Recommended sightseeing time: 1–2 days
Featured in 2026 China 50 - Cool Water Escapes
Highlights:
Snowy mountains & clear nights
Pilgrims & lakeside views
Saved by 140 users3128 positive reviews
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April 19, 2024, Road Trip to Tibet with Parents
Day 11: Lhasa - Namtso Lake - Nagqu (367 km, 5 hours driving time)
Key Attractions: Namtso Lake, one of the three holy lakes of Tibet, is the highest lake in the world, and the clearest and most beautiful teardrop on Earth.
🌹Trip Itinerary:
Depart from the hotel in the morning, first heading to the Namtso scenic area. Along the way, you'll see the Nyainqêntanglha Mountains. If the weather is good, the highest peak you can see is Nyainqêntanglha Peak, at 7162 meters. If you need to get out of the car to view it, be sure to move slowly. I bent over a little too much and immediately experienced altitude sickness, rushing back to the car for oxygen.
After arriving at the scenic area entrance and buying tickets, you can drive over the Nagqu La Pass. After descending the mountain and arriving at the distribution center, you need to take the scenic area shuttle bus to Tashi Peninsula. There are many seagulls here, not afraid of people at all, and they even eat directly from people's hands.
The Namtso Lake I encountered upon getting off the bus was a vibrant, bright blue, with a touch of icy clarity. As the sightseeing bus ventured deeper into the lake, the blue transformed, becoming a deep, rich, and melancholic hue, breathtakingly beautiful.
The scenic area is at a relatively high altitude, so after taking photos, it was time to return to Damxung County as quickly as possible. From Damxung, the journey to Nagqu is a fast one via highway.
This was a very enjoyable trip. Seven years ago, I visited Tibet but missed seeing the beautiful Namtso Lake due to heavy snow. This time, I finally got to unveil the "Heavenly Lake." The most touching thing was that I benefited from a promotion on Ctrip. Thanks to the platform's collaboration with Tibet's cultural and tourism department, I enjoyed a significant discount, practically getting a free trip to Namtso! Thank you, Ctrip, and thank you, Tibet!
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Jokhang Temple
4.5
/5
4530 reviews
7.2
Based on 1,233 reviews
Barkhor Street/Jokhang Temple | 1.5 km from downtown
Phone +8608916336858
Address: Barkhor Street, Chengguan District, Lhasa City
Recommended sightseeing time: 1–2 hours
Highlights:
Pilgrimage route for Tibetan rituals
Three pilgrimage paths around sanctuary
2216 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
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Standing before the Jokhang Temple, nestled amidst Barkhor Street, the golden dome gleams in the sunlight, the air thick with the fragrance of ghee. The thousand-year-old murals and Buddha statues within the temple are awe-inspiring, and the sight of devotees kneeling in devotion is moving. The guide's detailed explanations leave a profound impression on the sacredness of Tibetan Buddhism. This place is not only an architectural gem, but also a spiritually cleansing sanctuary—a must-visit!
Jokhang Temple, the center of Tibetan Buddhism, attracts a constant stream of pilgrims, leaving visitors filled with awe. The guide patiently recounts the temple and its stories, emphasizing the power of faith. Come here to experience culture, history, and faith.
No.
4
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Tibet Museum
4.5
/5
524 reviews
6.1
Based on 209 reviews
Lobrinka | 1.9 km from downtown
Phone +8608916835244
Address: No. 19, Robinka Road, Chengguan District, Lhasa City
Recommended sightseeing time: 1–2 hours
Highlights:
Tibetan architecture & Potala Palace
Free Tibet cultural exhibit visit
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Last September, I traveled to Tibet and made an advance reservation for a visit to the Tibet Museum. On the third day after arriving in Lhasa, I visited the museum, which is located in downtown Lhasa. From the upper terrace, you can overlook the Potala Palace. The museum has a rich collection, many of which are rich in local characteristics, and many of the pieces are not available elsewhere. It's a truly worthwhile museum to visit.
It should be ranked at the top among provincial museums in China. The quantity and quality of exhibits are second to none, and the staff service is also great. With the help of the guide machine, ordinary people can understand Tibetan culture and traditions, religion and modern history from scratch. The Tibetan Museum is definitely a classic landmark that must be visited in Lhasa, suitable for all ages. I love it so much.
No.
5
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Norbulingka
4.4
/5
706 reviews
6.1
Based on 278 reviews
Lobrinka | 2.5 km from downtown
Phone +8608916822644
Address: Luodui East Road, Chengguan District, Lhasa City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2–3 hours
Highlights:
Exotic flowers at alpine garden
Tibetan & Han architectural fusion
194 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
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While Norbulingka lacked the stunning blue skies and white clouds, the moist air made mainland tourists feel more relaxed. Our Tibetan guide, Jiazhen, provided a very detailed explanation, which was a welcome change from a cursory visit. There's also a small zoo within the park, which was a delight for the children.
Norbulingka, a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Site, is located in the western suburbs of Lhasa. Originally built in the 1740s during the reign of the Seventh Dalai Lama, it served as the summer retreat for successive Dalai Lamas. It is a typical Tibetan-style garden. After over 200 years of expansion, the garden now covers 360,000 square meters and boasts over 100 plant species. These include not only common flowers and trees in Lhasa, but also exotic plants from the southern and northern foothills of the Himalayas, as well as rare flowers transplanted from inland areas or imported from abroad. It is truly a highland botanical garden. Norbulingka means "treasure garden." Designated a People's Park, it is sometimes jokingly described as "a water tower, two rows of handicraft shops, and several palaces surrounding a zoo." Norbulingka has gates on all four sides, with the main entrance on the east. The most striking pavilion on the facade is Kangsong Silun. Originally a small Han-style wooden pavilion, it was later converted into a theater. A spacious venue was added to the east, specifically for the Dalai Lama to watch performances. Next to it is Xiabudian Lakang, a venue for religious ceremonies. Before liberation, Norbulingka was merely a "summer palace" for the Dalai Lama and a few dignitaries to relax and unwind. After liberation, it underwent renovations and a revamped look, now home to 49 species of trees, including pines and cypresses, 62 varieties of rare flowers and plants, including peonies and Chinese peonies, and 15 species of birds and animals. The park boasts beautifully maintained flower beds and lawns, exquisite pavilions and waterside terraces, a stage, and wooden tables and benches.
No.
6
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Sera Monastery
4.4
/5
485 reviews
6.0
Based on 718 reviews
Sera Monastery | 4.9 km from downtown
Phone +8608916383639
Address: No.1, Sela Road, Lhasa Chengguan District, Lhasa City
Recommended sightseeing time: 3–4 hours
Highlights:
Watch monks' lively debates daily
Watch monks debate at 3pm
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Sera Monastery, officially known as "Sera Mahayana Monastery," is located at the foot of Sera Utse Mountain in the northern suburbs of Lhasa. It is one of the six principal monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, and along with Drepung Monastery and Ganden Monastery, is considered one of the three great monasteries of Lhasa. Construction began in the 17th year of the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty by Tsongkhapa's disciple Shakya Yeshe and was completed in 1434. The monastery houses the Tsokchen Hall, three large datsangs, and other buildings, housing tens of thousands of Buddha statues and numerous murals. Its unique Buddhist debates make it a vital venue for understanding Tibetan Buddhist culture.
The Sera Temple was built in 1419 and was presided over by Master Zongkaba's pro-disciple Sakya Yixi. As one of the six main temples of the Gelu school, it carries the mission of rejuvenation of Tibetan Buddhism in the "post-false period". Its complex was built on the top of the Sera Ulu Mountains. Perfectly blending Tibetan-style yulou and Handi Golden Peak style, there are more than 60 buildings such as Cuoqin Palace and Maizakang, of which Cuoqin Palace is supported by 108 giant pillars. The temple is a model of Tibetan wood structure. The temple has preserved more than 2000 square meters of original 15th century murals. And the cinnamon version of "Ganzhuer" given by Emperor Yongle witnessed the cultural exchange between Han and Tibetans. The unique "Kangcun" monk house system is divided by region, forming a hierarchical practice community, with its stone exterior walls and black window frames forming a typical aesthetic of Wei Tibetan architecture.
No.
7
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Chagpori
4.7
/5
389 reviews
5.7
Based on 44 reviews
Potala Palace/Sun Island | 661m from downtown
Address: Near No. 41, Beijing Middle Road, Chengguan District, Lhasa City
Recommended sightseeing time: 1–2 hours
Highlights:
Guan Cha La Lu Pu Cave Temple Rock Carvings
Photographing Potala Palace from The Picture Spot of Jag Pori
108 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
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Yaowang Mountain and its surrounding areas have now been transformed into Tuanjie Park, which is very large with a quiet environment, lush vegetation and beautiful scenery. Visitors can climb the mountain along the wooden plank road and overlook the entire Lhasa city.
Yaowang Mountain in Lhasa is located to the southwest of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet, and is separated from the Red Mountain where the Potala Palace is located by only one Beijing Road. At the end of the 17th century, in order to develop Tibetan medicine, Desi Sangye Gyatso built Menba Zhacang (medical hospital) on the mountain and selected lamas from various temples to learn medical knowledge here. This was once the birthplace of Tibetan medicine. The cliff carvings on Yaowang Mountain are the largest, most numerous and most famous existing ones. On the nearly two-kilometer-long cliff, there are more than 5,000 statues of various Buddhist gods, with a wide range of themes, including Sakyamuni, Tathagata, Thousand-handed Guanyin, etc. The viewing platform halfway up Yaowang Mountain is one of the best places to take pictures of the Potala Palace.
No.
8
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La Ghen La
4.8
/5
211 reviews
5.4
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8608916113602
Address: Within Dangxiong County, Lhasa (near Namutso)
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5–1 hour
Highlights:
Namtso Lake's stunning blue waters
Overlooking the Nyingchi-Tangula mountain
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[Scenery] The Nara Mountain Pass Observation Deck is 5,190 meters above sea level. You can burn incense and pray. The blue sky and white clouds set off the majestic mountain scenery.
[Fun] A popular check-in spot
[Value for money] Free
It is like the scar of the earth, quietly witnessing the flow of time and the grinding of wind and rain. Standing here, people can deeply feel the magic of nature, every stone, every land seems to whisper those ancient and mysterious stories. At a glance, it is an endless field, very shocking
No.
9
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Namtso Tashi Peninsula
4.2
/5
36 reviews
5.4
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8618664825037
Address: In Namco County Scenic Area, Dangxiong County, Lhasa City
Recommended sightseeing time: 3 hours
Highlights:
Wear traditional Tibetan attire for a photo shoot
Welcome Stone and Parents Stone witness the sunrise and sunset
40% positive reviews
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Namtso Lake is also very beautiful in winter. It looks like a huge sapphire from a distance. It is worth the trip. The itinerary is not tight and very relaxing. This is the meaning of going out for a walk, embracing nature, embracing a relaxed mood, and seeing the beautiful mountains and rivers of the motherland. The tour guide is very good at taking pictures! He also brought a folding chair with him, which is thoughtful! The music in the car is also nice! It is worth choosing!
The altitude is 4700 meters, so the physical sense is not so good. It is a bit difficult to visit all the scenic spots, especially when you go up the mountain. Most people probably don't have the physical strength. Most people go to the lake to take a look and then go back. The infrastructure is average. There are beggars, but I don't know if it's real.
No.
10
Dra Shi Monastery
4.3
/5
159 reviews
5.4
Based on 14 reviews
Zhaji Temple | 3.3 km from downtown
Address: East Zaki Road, Chengguan District, Lhasa City
Recommended sightseeing time: 1–2 hours
Highlights:
Worship Jakhilam on Wednesdays
Lively worship & offerings scene
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This temple is where locals pray for wealth and make wishes. Every Wednesday, lines form early in the morning, stretching out into the street.
Hours: Every Wednesday. (It's also open on weekdays, but less crowded.)
Tips: 1. Bring two bottles of wine from the small shop near the temple. 2. Bring some one-yuan coins; if you don't have any, you can exchange them at the entrance for a small difference.
Zaki Temple, a place full of mystery and tranquility. Here you can feel a peaceful force, let people relax involuntarily. The architectural style here is unique, full of historical atmosphere. Whether it is to worship the Buddha here or just to feel the unique atmosphere here, Zaki Temple is a place worth visiting.
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