A trip to Lhasa is truly unforgettable! Visiting a city because of a song
Hey guys 👋, is there a song that, like a beam of plateau light piercing through the clouds, shines directly into your heart and makes you long for the mysterious Tibetan land? For me, it was the song "Back to Lhasa" that inspired me to visit Lhasa. The bold, unrestrained, and powerful lyrics made me long for Lhasa, the City of Sunlight, and I couldn't wait to experience its sacredness and charm. In February, I embarked on a journey to Lhasa with great anticipation. Check out my travel guide!
🌆Lhasa is located in the middle of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and is the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region. Here, you can find the majestic Potala Palace, with its red and white buildings shining in the sunlight, carrying a thousand years of history and faith; the solemn Jokhang Temple, where pilgrims come and go, exuding a pious religious atmosphere; and the bustling Barkhor Street, with its dazzling array of Tibetan-style goods, showcasing unique folk customs. In February, the sun in Lhasa is particularly dazzling. Although the temperature is low, the sky is clear, and the city looks even more sacred.
🚗Transportation Guide
✈️Plane: After arriving at Lhasa Gonggar International Airport, you can take the airport bus to the city center, which is economical and affordable. You can also take a taxi, which takes about 1 hour to reach the city center. Since Lhasa is at a high altitude, try to avoid strenuous exercise when you first arrive on the plateau and give your body time to adjust.
🚄Currently, Lhasa is connected to the mainland by the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. The train journey offers stunning scenery but takes a long time. The transportation around Lhasa Station is convenient, with buses and taxis available, making it easy to reach various attractions. Most city buses operate from 7:00 to 20:00. You can ask locals for bus information before traveling, and some routes accept mobile payments.
🗺Recommended Itinerary
Day1️⃣: Potala Palace - Zongjiao Lukang Park (Potala Palace Back Lake Park, enjoy the reflection of the Potala Palace)
Day2️⃣: Jokhang Temple - Barkhor Street - Ramoche Temple
Day3️⃣: Drepung Monastery - Sera Monastery (watch the debate and experience the charm of Tibetan Buddhism)
🌟Must-Visit Attractions
📍Potala Palace: This is the highest palace complex in the world, built on a mountain, and is magnificent. Climbing up the steps feels like traveling through history. The interior is filled with treasures, and the murals are exquisite. Every corner tells a story of the past. Standing at the top, you can overlook the entire city of Lhasa📷
📍Jokhang Temple: A holy place of Tibetan Buddhism, with its golden roof shining in the sunlight. In the square in front of the temple, pilgrims prostrate themselves day after day, year after year, and their piety is touching. Inside the temple, the rich aroma of butter tea fills the air, and the exquisite Buddha statues and thangkas are dazzling.
📌Practical Tips
1. Potala Palace tickets need to be booked in advance, and you must visit at the designated time. Follow the visiting rules and do not touch the relics. The lake in Zongjiao Lukang Park may freeze in winter, so be careful and take beautiful photos.
2. Jokhang Temple tickets can be purchased on-site. Respect religious customs and walk clockwise during your visit. You can find many unique souvenirs on Barkhor Street, but remember to bargain and do not disturb the pilgrims. Ramoche Temple is smaller but has its own charm. Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery are a bit far, but you can take a bus or taxi. The debate at Sera Monastery is usually held at a specific time in the afternoon and is very exciting, so learn more about it in advance.
🍜Local Food Recommendations
🥘Tibetan Noodles: This is a traditional breakfast in Lhasa. The noodles are chewy, and the soup is made from yak bones, which is rich and flavorful. Add some beef cubes and green onions, and a bowl will warm you up and fill you up, starting your day with energy👍
🍵Sweet Tea: In a sweet tea house in Lhasa, order a pot of sweet tea and sit with the locals to slowly savor it. Sweet tea has a sweet taste, similar to milk tea, and is a great way to relieve altitude sickness and replenish energy. It is also a great way to experience the slow life in Lhasa.
🏨Hotel Accommodation
📍Near Barkhor Street: Lhasa Pingcuo Kangsan Youth Hostel (Potala Palace Branch) has a great location, close to Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street, making it convenient to travel. Some rooms offer views of the Potala Palace, and the prices are affordable. You can also meet travelers from all over the world and experience a collision of diverse cultures.
📍City Center: Shangri-La Hotel, Lhasa, offers complete facilities, attentive service, and comfortable rooms. It has oxygen supply equipment, allowing you to rest more comfortably and relieve altitude sickness when you first arrive on the plateau.
💖Travel Experience
During these three days in Lhasa in February, I felt like I was immersed in a sacred, solemn, mysterious, and profound world. The grandeur of the Potala Palace, the piety of Jokhang Temple, and the delicious food all intoxicated me. Humming "Back to Lhasa" while strolling through the streets of Lhasa, I truly felt the charm of this city. Everything here is like an endless scripture, and I look forward to coming back next time to continue exploring this holy city of sunlight💕