Visiting Lhasa requires more advance planning than most destinations: you need a Tibet Travel Permit (separate from your Chinese visa), the altitude demands acclimatisation time, and the city operates on its own rhythm shaped by geography and politics. This guide covers essential practical information: airport transfers, permits, health, money, and common questions. For seasonal weather data, see our Lhasa weather by month guide.
Lhasa Travel Tips: Permits and Visas
Every foreign visitor to Lhasa needs a Tibet Travel Permit (TTP), also called a Tibet Entry Permit, in addition to a valid Chinese visa. You cannot obtain the TTP independently: you must book a tour through a registered Tibetan travel agency, which applies for the permit on your behalf using your passport and Chinese visa copies. The process takes 7-15 days. The permit is checked when you board your flight or train to Lhasa; without it, you will be denied boarding. Note that the TTP only covers Lhasa city and nearby areas; visiting places like Namtso Lake or areas outside Lhasa prefecture requires additional permits (Alien Travel Permit, Military Permit). Plan at least 3-4 weeks ahead. For a list of registered agencies, check the Tibet Tourism Bureau website or ask your hotel for recommendations.
Lhasa Travel Tips: Getting There and Airport Transfers
Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA) is 62km southwest of the city, about a 60-75 minute drive. Direct flights operate from Chengdu (2h), Beijing (4h), Shanghai (5h), Chongqing (2.5h), Xi’an (3h), and Kunming (2.5h), plus Kathmandu (1.5h). The airport bus departs from the Civil Aviation Bureau office on Niangre Road near the Potala Palace, costs CNY 25, and runs roughly hourly from 5:30am. A taxi from the airport costs CNY 200-300; agree on the price before departing. Ride-hailing apps (Didi) work in Lhasa but may not serve the airport reliably.
Lhasa Railway Station sits 8km southwest of the city centre (CNY 30 taxi, 20 minutes). The Qinghai-Tibet Railway connects Lhasa to Xining (21h), Chengdu (36h), Beijing (41h), Shanghai (47h), and Guangzhou (54h). Soft-sleeper berths (four-bunk compartments) cost CNY 1,200-1,800 depending on origin. Book tickets 30 days ahead through ctrip.com or a travel agent; summer tickets sell out within hours of release. The railway climbs to 5,072m at Tanggula Pass, the world’s highest railway point; each carriage has oxygen outlets.
Lhasa Travel Tips: Altitude and Health
Lhasa sits at 3,656m and the oxygen level is roughly 68% of sea level. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) affects most visitors to some degree: common symptoms include headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, and poor sleep. Symptoms typically start 6-12 hours after arrival and resolve within 1-3 days as your body acclimatises. Key precautions: (a) rest completely for the first 24 hours, avoiding stairs and heavy bags; (b) drink 3-4 litres of water daily; (c) avoid alcohol and sleeping pills; (d) ascend gradually (flying directly from sea level to Lhasa is harder on the body than taking the train up). Acetazolamide (Diamox), started 1-2 days before arrival, helps prevent AMS (consult your doctor). Most Lhasa hotels offer oxygen canisters (CNY 30-50) and some have in-room oxygen outlets. If symptoms worsen (severe headache unresponsive to painkillers, vomiting, confusion), descend immediately. Lhasa People’s Hospital on Lin Kuo East Road has English-speaking staff and altitude sickness expertise.
Lhasa Travel Tips: Getting Around the City
Taxis are plentiful in central Lhasa and cost CNY 10 for most trips within the city (no meters on short trips; confirm before getting in). For longer rides, insist on the meter (starting fare CNY 10, then CNY 2/km). Public buses (routes 1-28) cover the city for CNY 1 per ride but have Chinese-only signage. The most useful routes for visitors: bus 6 (Potala to Sera Monastery), bus 24 (city centre to Drepung Monastery), and buses 13/25 (Barkhor to Potala). The Lhasa riverfront and Barkhor circuit are best explored on foot. Bicycle rental is available from shops on Beijing East Road (CNY 30-50/day) but the altitude makes cycling more strenuous than at sea level. For more on navigating different areas, see our Lhasa neighborhoods guide.
Lhasa Travel Tips: Money and Payments
The currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY/RMB). ATMs accepting international cards are available at Bank of China branches on Beijing Middle Road and near the Potala Palace. Cash is essential: small restaurants, tea houses, monastery entrance gates, and market stalls do not accept cards. WeChat Pay and Alipay are near-universal in shops and restaurants but require a Chinese bank account. Bring sufficient cash (CNY 500-1,000 per day as a buffer) and withdraw more at major bank ATMs. Tipping is not customary in mainland China, but tour guides and drivers in Tibet increasingly expect tips of CNY 50-100 per day for guides, CNY 30-50 for drivers.
Lhasa Travel Tips: Safety and Etiquette
Lhasa is generally safe for tourists with very low violent crime rates. Pickpocketing can occur in the crowded Barkhor market; keep valuables in front pockets or a money belt. The main safety concern is altitude sickness, not crime. Key etiquette points: (a) always walk clockwise around temples, stupas, and prayer wheels; (b) do not point at religious statues or monks with a single finger (use an open palm); (c) ask permission before photographing people, especially monks and pilgrims; (d) dress modestly at monasteries (cover shoulders and knees); (e) do not touch anyone’s head; (f) political discussions about Tibet’s status are illegal and can result in detention, monitoring, or deportation. Avoid any conversation about the Dalai Lama, Tibetan independence, or self-immolations. Police checkpoints are common; always carry your passport and Tibet Travel Permit.
Lhasa Travel Tips: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I travel to Lhasa independently? No. All foreign visitors must be part of an organised tour. However, many agencies offer a “minimum service” package: they handle your permit, airport pickup, and hotel booking, then leave you to explore the city independently. This is the closest you will get to independent travel in Tibet.
Can I drink the tap water? No. Tap water in Lhasa is not potable. Buy bottled water (CNY 2-5 for 1.5L) or boil tap water for 3-plus minutes at this altitude. Hotels provide complimentary bottled water or electric kettles.
Does WiFi work in Lhasa? Yes, most hotels and cafes offer free WiFi. However, many international websites including Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Twitter are blocked in China. Install a VPN on your phone and laptop before arriving (VPN websites are also blocked once inside China). ExpressVPN and Astrill have historically worked, but this changes frequently.
What is the best way to acclimatise? Take the train rather than flying directly to Lhasa. Spend your first 24 hours resting in your hotel. Walk slowly. Drink 3-4 litres of water daily. Avoid alcohol. Climb stairs only when necessary. Ganden Monastery and Namtso Lake (both above 4,300m) should wait until day 3 or later.
What should I pack? Sunscreen (SPF 50+), sunglasses, lip balm (the dry air chaps lips fast), a wide-brimmed hat, layers (thermal base, fleece, windproof jacket), comfortable walking shoes, a reusable water bottle, altitude sickness medication, and any prescription medicines. Even in summer, a warm jacket is essential for evenings.
Suggested Hotels in Lhasa
The St. Regis Lhasa Resort
Lhasa’s premier luxury hotel with Potala Palace views, an indoor pool, and the Iridium Spa. Rooms feature Tibetan design with modern bathrooms and oxygen outlets. Best for travellers seeking the highest standard of comfort and service in Tibet. Check rates and availability
Shangri-La Lhasa
A luxury hotel near Norbulingka with 289 mountain-view rooms, an oxygen lounge, four restaurants, and extensive gardens. The design draws from the mythical Shangri-La of literature. Best for those who want five-star amenities with Tibetan cultural touches. Check rates and availability
InterContinental Lhasa Paradise
A resort-style property in western Lhasa with spacious grounds, multiple dining options, and a quieter setting away from the city centre. Rooms include bathtubs and minibars. Best for families, resort lovers, and those arriving by train. Check rates and availability
