Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
At the time of research you had to visit the main monasteries of Drepung, Sera, Ganden
and the Jokhang and Potala in the company of your guide, but other parts of the city were
fine to explore by yourself.
LHASA IN…
TWO DAYS
On arrival in Lhasa you need at least two days to adjust to the altitude and you can expect
to be tired and headachey most of the time. We recommend adding an extra day and tak-
ing the first day very easy.
Start off at Barkhor Square , finding your legs on a relaxed stroll around the Barkhor cir-
cuit before visiting the Jokhang . Grab lunch at nearby New Mandala Restaurant , Snow-
land or Lhasa Kitchen , while your guide books a time to visit the Potala the next day. In
the afternoon head to Sera Monastery to catch the monk-debating. If your headache's
gone, round off the day with a cold Lhasa Beer at Dunya or the roof of Shambhala Palace .
On day two visit the Potala at your allotted time and then spend the afternoon losing
yourself in the fascinating old town on our walking tour .
FOUR DAYS
With four days you could leave the Potala until day three, and add on a stroll around the
Potala kora , popping into the charming Lukhang Temple en route. On day four leave the
city on a day trip out to Ganden Monastery , visiting the hermitage caves of Drak Yerpa on
the way back. Try to budget some time for handicraft shopping at Dropenling and to ex-
plore an off-the-beaten-path chapel such as the Lho Rigsum Lhakhang .
Dangers & Annoyances
If you fly straight into Lhasa, remember to take things easy for your first day or two: it's
not uncommon to feel breathless, suffer from headaches and sleep poorly because of the
altitude. Don't attempt the steps up to the Potala for the first few days and drink lots of flu-
ids. See ( Click here ) for details on acute mountain sickness (AMS).
Take care also when reopening things such as tubes of sunscreen after a flight in to
Lhasa or even jars of Coffee-mate from a local shop, as the change in pressure can cause
messy explosions of volcanic proportions.
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