1 Day in Lhasa: Palaces, Temples & Heritage

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by Sarah

May 7, 2024 · 1 min read

Lhasa 1 Day Itinerary

Embark on a one-day spiritual and cultural journey through Lhasa, a city steeped in history and Tibetan Buddhism. Begin your exploration at Norbulingka, the exquisite landscape garden that once served as the traditional summer residence of the Dalai Lamas. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of this horticultural masterpiece for two hours, absorbing the peaceful ambiance and intricate designs. Next, marvel at the architectural grandeur of the Potala Palace, a historic edifice that dominates the city's skyline. Spend two hours exploring the temple's rich tapestry of Tibetan history and spirituality. Just a short walk away, Potala Palace Square offers a perfect vantage point for panoramic photos of the palace and a moment to reflect on the square's significance. Conclude your day with a visit to the sacred Jokhang Temple, a revered site for pilgrims and a testament to Tibetan Buddhist architecture. Spend an hour here, mingling with locals and experiencing the deep-rooted religious culture that pulsates through the streets of Barkhor. This compact itinerary is designed to give you a profound glimpse into Lhasa's soul, all within the span of a single day.

Top 6 Hotels in Lhasa
TOP 1
Dangxiong dangxiu oxygen enriched Hotel
Dangxiong dangxiu oxygen enriched Hotel
hotelStar
3/5
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Maple Du Hotel, Potala Palace, Lhasa
Maple Du Hotel, Potala Palace, Lhasa
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Verona International Hotel
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如家精选酒店(拉萨布达拉宫店)
如家精选酒店(拉萨布达拉宫店)
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248 reviews
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Tibet Hostel (Potala Palace)
Tibet Hostel (Potala Palace)
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Meet Tibetan Youth Hostel (Lhasa Jokhang Temple Potala Palace Viewing Store)
Meet Tibetan Youth Hostel (Lhasa Jokhang Temple Potala Palace Viewing Store)
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3507 reviews
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1 Day in Lhasa Itinerary: Day 1

1

Norbulingka

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Begin your Lhasa adventure amidst the serene beauty of Norbulingka, the cherished landscape garden once the summer residence of the Dalai Lamas. Spend a tranquil two hours wandering through the well-preserved gardens, admiring the intricate artistry of the pavilions and the vibrant flora that adorns this historic oasis, nestled at Luodui East Road.

Attraction Info

  • Luodui East Road, Chengguan District, Lhasa City
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
  • Open from 05/01-10/15,9:30am-7:00pm,18:30 All halls close

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

田村·石鍋藏香雞(布達拉宮店)
田村·石鍋藏香雞(布達拉宮店)
4.9/5 · 59 reviews
3.1 km from attraction
峯瑞石鍋雞·氂牛肉(CCTV專訪 太陽島店)
峯瑞石鍋雞·氂牛肉(CCTV專訪 太陽島店)
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Tibet Hostel (Potala Palace)·He Niu Buffet·Scenic Restaurant (Potala Palace Branch)
Tibet Hostel (Potala Palace)·He Niu Buffet·Scenic Restaurant (Potala Palace Branch)
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namasede Restaurant(yutalu)
namasede Restaurant(yutalu)
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老光明崗瓊甜茶館
老光明崗瓊甜茶館
4.5/5 · 389 reviews
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Yitouniumaoniuroutiyanguan(De Ji Bei Lu Dian)
Yitouniumaoniuroutiyanguan(De Ji Bei Lu Dian)
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11 min,3.17 km
2

Potala Palace

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Next, ascend to the majestic Potala Palace, a harmonious blend of temple and historic fortress that dominates the Lhasa skyline. Allocate two hours to explore the grandeur of this architectural marvel, with its awe-inspiring halls and chambers that whisper tales of Tibet's rich past. Located at No. 35, Beijing Middle Road, this iconic structure is a testament to Tibetan culture and spirituality.

Attraction Info

  • No. 35, Beijing Middle Road, Chengguan District, Lhasa City
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-4 hour
  • Open from 05/01-11/14,9:00am-5:00pm;Open from 03/16-04/30,9:30am-5:30pm;Open from 11/15-03/15,9:30am-2:00pm

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

前站氂牛酸奶坊
前站氂牛酸奶坊
4.5/5 · 100 reviews
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田村·石鍋藏香雞(布達拉宮店)
田村·石鍋藏香雞(布達拉宮店)
4.9/5 · 59 reviews
0.7 km from attraction
峯瑞石鍋雞·氂牛肉(CCTV專訪 太陽島店)
峯瑞石鍋雞·氂牛肉(CCTV專訪 太陽島店)
4.4/5 · 35 reviews
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Tibet Hostel (Potala Palace)·He Niu Buffet·Scenic Restaurant (Potala Palace Branch)
Tibet Hostel (Potala Palace)·He Niu Buffet·Scenic Restaurant (Potala Palace Branch)
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namasede Restaurant(yutalu)
namasede Restaurant(yutalu)
4.4/5 · 235 reviews
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老光明崗瓊甜茶館
老光明崗瓊甜茶館
4.5/5 · 389 reviews
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19 min,1.41 km
3

Potala Palace Square

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After delving into the depths of the Potala Palace, step out to the expansive Potala Palace Square. A brief, half-hour stroll across this vast square provides a moment to reflect on the grandeur you've witnessed, set against the backdrop of the palace's imposing facade. This public space, directly in front of the palace, is a cultural hub that pulses with the heartbeat of Lhasa.

Attraction Info

  • (in front of the Potala Palace) Lhasa City Chengguan District
  • Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 hour
  • Open 24 hours
4 min,1.36 km
4

Jokhang Temple

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Conclude your day's journey with an hour at the sacred Jokhang Temple, a cornerstone of Tibetan Buddhism. Located on Barkhor Street, this temple is a spiritual epicenter where pilgrims and visitors alike are drawn to its golden roofs and revered statues. Immerse yourself in the devotional atmosphere and observe the timeless rituals that unfold within its ancient walls.

Attraction Info

  • Barkhor Street, Chengguan District, Lhasa City
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open from 12:00pm-6:30pm

Where to Stay Tonight

3/51 Reviews
3/51 Reviews
Barkhor Street/Jokhang Temple
Lhasa
|0.14km from city center
4.7/5132 Reviews
4.7/5Outstanding132 Reviews
Barkhor Street/Jokhang Temple
Lhasa
|0.19km from city center

Top Things to Do in Lhasa-2024

TOP 1
Potala Palace
Potala Palace
4.8/5 · 20,008 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 2,508 review
Highlights:
Potala Palace is a transliteration of and is also translated as Putuo. It originally refers to the residence of Guanyin Bodhisattva. The main buildings of the Palace are the White House and the Red Palace. The White House is the place where the Lama lives and conducts political activities. The Red Palace is the spiritual tower and temple of various Lamas. It is praised as one of ten greatest buildings in the world. The Potala Palace is a symbol of Tibet. It is the residence of the Lama’s Winter Palace and is also the center of Tibet’s political and religious unity.
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TOP 2
Namtso
Namtso
4.6/5 · 4,244 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 310 review
Highlights:
Namtso is 240 kilometers from Lhasa. It is one of the three largest holy lakes in Tibet and is also a famous holy site for Tibetan Buddhism. The endless snow-capped mountain beside the lake is the Nyainqentanglha Mountain. On a beautiful day, the snow-capped mountains are reflected in the lake, giving a sense of peace and tranquility. There are numerous secular believers who come to Namtso every year on April 15 of the Tibetan calendar to celebrate the Saga Dawa Festival.
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Namtso Lake National Park
Namtso Lake National Park
4.3/5 · 512 review
Highlights:
Namtso National Park is located between Damxung County of Lhasa City and Bange County of Nagqu Prefecture, on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau known as the "roof of the world". Scenic spots include Nian Namtso, the main peak of Nyainqentanglha Mountain, Lake Bird Island, petroglyphs and stone carvings, Yangbajing and other scenic spots. Namtso, the core scenic spot of the park, is one of the three holy lakes and the highest saltwater lake in the world. Under the sunlight, the lake surface of Namtso is azure blue, like emeralds falling from the sky. It is known as the "Heavenly Lake" and is a famous pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhism. There are three larger islands in the lake. These islands are rarely disturbed by the outside world, and there are many birds inhabiting them. They are called Bird Island. To the south of Namtso lies Nyainqentanglha Mountain, which is covered with snow all the year round, and to the north and west there are plateau hills and a vast lakeside. In the folk songs and legends of local shepherds and hunters, Nyainqentanglha and Namtso are not only eye-catching sacred mountains and holy lakes, but also lovers and couples who depend on life and death. Nyainqentanglha Mountain looks more handsome and upright because of the background of Namtso, and Namtso is more beautiful and moving because of the reflection of Nyainqentanglha Mountain.
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TOP 4
Jokhang Temple
Jokhang Temple
4.6/5 · 4,018 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 1,229 review
Highlights:
The Jokhang Temple is the end of the pilgrimage for Tibetan Buddhists. Regardless of its geographical location or status, the Jokhang Temple is a Tibetan Buddhist shrine and center in the hearts of Tibetan Buddhists. It is extremely important in the history of Tibetan Buddhism. The Jokhang Temple has a long history. It was first built by the Tibetan king Songtsan Gambo. The treasure of the temple is the figure of a 12-year-old Sakyamuni brought by Princess Wencheng when she entered Tibet.
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TOP 5
Barkhor Street
Barkhor Street
4.7/5 · 1,267 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 626 review
Highlights:
Barkhor Street, also known as Bajiao Street located in Lhasa, Tibet. The street is a well known ancient street representing the culture and folk customs of Tibet. While walking on the street, you can experience what life was like in the past, and experience the food and culture of natives to Lhasa. You can view and learn things from traditional dress, and dances, to traditional meals, to the architecture of the town itself, which has been well preserved throughout the years. Barkhor Street is a must-visit location to experience in Lhasa.
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* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

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Lhasa 1 Day Itinerary