Major city · China
Lhasa拉萨
Go only as a permit tour: 4–5 nights, May–Jun or Sep–Oct, based in Barkhor old town; allow 1–2 days to acclimatise at 3,650 m before the Potala.
Lhasa is the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region, 3,650 m up in a valley on the Lhasa River, and the only way in for non-Chinese passport holders is a guided, permitted tour booked through a licensed agency. The old town around the Jokhang and Barkhor is the atmospheric half; the western half is modern Han Chinese Lhasa with banks and malls. Budget 4–5 nights: two of them are acclimatisation, not sightseeing.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CNY
- Best months
- May–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Dec–Feb (cold, thin air), Jul–Aug (rain and peak domestic crowds)
- Airport
- LXA
- Nights
- 4–5
Rules in force · 7
- East Asia ↗Every border in East Asia is a full international border, Hong Kong and Macau included: an entry permission for one never covers the next.
- East Asia ↗Ferries between Korea, Japan and China cancel in rough seas and typhoons; keep a flight or a spare day behind every sea leg.
- China ↗Most nationalities need a visa, a unilateral visa-free entry (the list and end dates change) or the transit exemption below. Confirm your route on the official sites before you buy a ticket.
- China ↗Transit stay without a visa: up to 240 hours (10 days) for citizens of about 55 listed countries who pass through China to a third country or region, with a confirmed onward ticket and a stay inside the permitted area (Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei count as one area). It replaced the 144-hour rule in December 2024, which some older pages still quote. Use the transit lane at immigration, show the onward ticket, and check the current nationality list. Hong Kong and Macau count as separate regions; check whether your ticket qualifies.
- China ↗Foreign visitors must register their address with the police within 24 hours; hotels do it at check-in with your passport. Carry the original passport at all times: hotels, trains, museums, Tiananmen Square and police checks ask for it.
- China ↗Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with a foreign card before you fly. QR payment is the default in shops, taxis and many stalls, and some places refuse cash or a foreign card. Carry cash as a backup.
- China ↗Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and many news sites are blocked. Use an eSIM with roaming (it routes through your home network) or install and test a VPN before you fly; VPN sites and app stores are hard to reach inside China, and only government-approved VPNs are officially permitted.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Lhasa110 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Lhasa, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Alipay and WeChat Pay accept Visa, Mastercard, JCB and Amex cards; single payments over ¥200 (≈ US$30) carry a fee of about 3% on a foreign card (smaller ones…China-wide
- SIM or eSIMA roaming eSIM from outside China routes traffic through its home network, so Google, WhatsApp and Instagram work without a VPN — the simplest setup.China-wide
- Tap waterNot for drinking from the tap; bottled water ¥2–5 (≈ under US$1), and kettles and free bottles in hotel rooms.China-wide
- TippingRestaurants: No tip; upmarket hotels add 10–15% service.China-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/C/I. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.China-wide
- SafetyLhasa is low-crime, but altitude is the hazard: acclimatise before the Potala, keep the first day empty, and carry your passport and permit…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPublic toilets are frequent and free; squat toilets outside hotels and malls.China-wide
- Emergency numbers110 police · 119 fire · 120 ambulance (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany museums and palaces close on Mondays; the Forbidden City too (outside holidays).China-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportLXA Lhasa Gonggar Airport (About 61 km (38 mi) southwest of the city; 40–60 min by road.LXA Lhasa Gonggar Airport (About 38 mi (61 km) southwest of the city; 40–60 min by road.
- Getting aroundThe core sights — Potala, Jokhang, Barkhor, Ramoche — are walkable.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Sit-down mealRestaurant meal with a drink¥40–120 (≈ US$6–17)
- Street or quick mealPlate of momos or a noodle bowl¥20–40 (≈ US$3–6)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)City taxi anywhere in townFlat fare; expect sharing.¥10 (≈ US$2)
- Metro or bus ridePublic bus ride¥1 (≈ under US$1)
- Museum or sight ticketPotala Palace admission¥100 (≈ US$14) (check)
- Budget bedHostel or guesthouse bed, a night, per personCN¥80 (≈ US$12)
- Mid-range bedMid-range double room, a night, per roomCN¥450 (≈ US$65)
- High-end bedMid-range double room, a night, per roomCN¥900 (≈ US$130)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget CN¥400 (≈ US$60) · Mid CN¥800 (≈ US$120) · High CN¥1,800 (≈ US$300)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- LXA Lhasa Gonggar Airport (About 61 km (38 mi) southwest of the city; 40–60 min by road. Non-Chinese nationals are met at the airport by their tour guide.)LXA Lhasa Gonggar Airport (About 38 mi (61 km) southwest of the city; 40–60 min by road. Non-Chinese nationals are met at the airport by their tour guide.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Feb
Avoid
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Mar
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Apr
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
May
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Jun
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Jul
Avoid
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Aug
Avoid
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Sep
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Oct
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Nov
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Dec
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Best: May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug, Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jun (23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)), coolest Jan (−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C) low), wettest Jul (16 rain days), driest Jan (1). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Lhasa: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
1 rd
Feb
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
1 rd
Mar
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
2 rd
Apr
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
3 rd
May
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
6 rd
Jun
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
12 rd
Jul
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
16 rd
Aug
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
16 rd
Sep
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
11 rd
Oct
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
4 rd
Nov
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
1 rd
Dec
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
1 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The core sights — Potala, Jokhang, Barkhor, Ramoche — are walkable. City taxis run about ¥10 flat anywhere in town and drivers often pick up extra passengers; Didi works. Public buses cost ¥1 and non-Chinese nationals may ride them. Your tour normally supplies a private vehicle for monastery days.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Drepung Monastery
goDoor to door: About 1 h each way
Private vehicle or minibus from the city, about 8 km (5 mi) westPrivate vehicle or minibus from the city, about 5 mi (8 km) west
Once Tibet's largest monastery; go in the morning and take the stairs slowly.
Sera Monastery
goDoor to door: About 30 min each way
Taxi or tour vehicle, about 5 km (3.1 mi) north of the centreTaxi or tour vehicle, about 3.1 mi (5 km) north of the centre
Monk debates in the afternoon courtyard are the draw.
Ganden Monastery
cautionDoor to door: 1.5–2 h each way
Private vehicle, about 47 km (29 mi) east on Wangbur MountainPrivate vehicle, about 29 mi (47 km) east on Wangbur Mountain
A long half-day at higher altitude; only if you are already acclimatised.
Yamdrok Lake
overnightDoor to door: 3–4 h each way
Guided vehicle south over the Kamba La pass
Too far for a comfortable return day; most tours sleep near Shigatse.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Barkhor old town
Walk to Jokhang, Ramoche and the kora; the most atmospheric area to stay and where most tour hotels sit.
West Lhasa (Beijing Middle Road)
Modern hotels, banks and malls; 10–15 min by taxi to the old town.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ¥350–600 (≈ US$50–85) excl. bed
- Mid
- ¥600–1,200 (≈ US$85–170) excl. bed
- High
- ¥1,200 (≈ US$170)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range double room1 × 4 nights × CN¥450 | CN¥1,800 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 4 days × CN¥800 | CN¥6,400 |
| Airport shuttle, one way2 × CN¥25 · check | CN¥50 |
| City taxi, typical hop1 × CN¥10 · check | CN¥10 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × CN¥150 | CN¥300 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | CN¥856 |
| Trip total≈ CN¥1,177 per person per day, bed included | CN¥9,416≈ US$1,400 |
2026 estimate in yuan; flights, the permit tour and guide fees are separate. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Sweet tea or butter tea in a teahouse | ¥5–20 (≈ US$1–3) |
| Plate of momos or a noodle bowl | ¥20–40 (≈ US$3–6) |
| Restaurant meal with a drink | ¥40–120 (≈ US$6–17) |
| City taxi anywhere in townFlat fare; expect sharing. | ¥10 (≈ US$2) |
| Public bus ride | ¥1 (≈ under US$1) |
| Potala Palace admission | ¥100 (≈ US$14) (check) |
| Norbulingka admission | ¥50 (≈ US$7) (check) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Non-Chinese passport holders need a Tibet Travel Permit arranged through a licensed agency, plus a guide for the whole stay; you cannot book flights or trains into Lhasa without it.
- Altitude is the real risk: 3,650 m. Fly in, rest day one, no alcohol, no stairs on arrival, and treat headache plus breathlessness as a signal to stop.
- The Potala is a climb of many stairs; do it after you are acclimatised, not on day one.
- Many ATMs reject foreign cards; Bank of China machines generally work.
- Some monasteries and the Potala cap daily visitor numbers and require timed entry through your guide.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 110
- Fire
- 119
- Ambulance
- 120
Pocket card
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Lhasa拉萨
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
请到这个地址To this address, please
Emergency
- Police110
- Fire119
- Ambulance120
Embassy
Most countries have embassies in Beijing and consulates in Chengdu; check your own government's advice before booking a Tibet tour.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Gonggar Airport → Lhasa, shuttle: about ¥25 (≈ US$4), 40–60 min (check)
- Taxi anywhere in the city: about ¥10 (≈ US$2) flat
- Train station → city centre, taxi: about ¥30 (≈ US$5) flat; agree the price first
Say or show
- བཀྲ་ཤིས་བདེ་ལེགས། — Hello (tashi delek)
- ཐུགས་རྗེ་ཆེ། — Thank you (thuk je che)
- 多少钱？ — How much is it? (duōshao qián)
- 洗手间在哪里？ — Where is the toilet? (xǐshǒujiān zài nǎlǐ)
- 我有高原反应 — I have altitude sickness (wǒ yǒu gāoyuán fǎnyìng)
- 请慢一点 — Please go slower (qǐng màn yīdiǎn)
Carry your passport and Tibet permit at all times; they are checked at sites and on the road.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Lhasa. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Dec–Feb (cold, thin air), Jul–Aug (rain and peak domestic crowds) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Permit and guide logistics page: agency, documents, lead time, what the permit does and does not cover.
- Altitude plan: arrival day, sleep, hydration, when to descend.
- Place pages for Potala, Jokhang, Sera, Drepung and Norbulingka with timed-entry rules.
- Eat pages for Barkhor and Beijing Middle Road with last orders.
Sources
- officialLhasa municipal government
- officialPotala Palace official site
- officialTibet Museum
- secondaryWikivoyage: Lhasa, revision 5298324 (CC BY-SA 4.0)