Lhasa Old Town In-Depth and Yamdrok Lake
Explore the old town's temples, Norbulingka and the Tibet Museum at a relaxed pace, with a day trip to Yamdrok Lake.
Beyond the classic sights, this route leaves more time for old-town temples such as Ramoche and Chongsekang, as well as Norbulingka and the Tibet Museum, and includes a day trip to Yamdrok Lake. The high-altitude sights are scheduled for day four, by which point you should be well acclimatized. Best for travelers who are not in a hurry and want to understand Lhasa's daily life and religious culture.
In winter, snow may cover Kampa La pass on the way to Yamdrok Lake, so check road conditions before setting out.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrival and a Leisurely Stroll Through Barkhor Street
Lhasa（Jokhang Temple & Barkhor Street、Makye Ame）
About 1 hour from the airport to the city; stroll Barkhor Street on foot in the evening.
Keep the first day for rest and avoid drinking alcohol.
Stay: Barkhor Street, Jokhang Temple
Day 2 · Potala Palace and Tsongkhang Park
Lhasa（Potala Palace、Lukhang Park、Chakpori Hill Viewpoint）
About 20 minutes on foot from the old town to the Potala Palace; after the visit, walk around to Tsongkhang Park behind the palace for a kora.
The Potala Palace requires advance booking. In the late afternoon, photograph the full view of the palace from Medicine King Hill.
Stay: Barkhor Street, Jokhang Temple
Day 3 · Drepung Monastery and Norbulingka
Lhasa（Drepung Monastery、Nechung Monastery、Norbulingka、Tibet Museum）
About 30 minutes by taxi to Drepung Monastery; walk down the hill to Nechung Monastery, then take a taxi back to Norbulingka and the Tibet Museum in the western suburbs.
The Tibet Museum is closed on Mondays; free entry is available with an advance reservation using your ID.
Stay: Barkhor Street, Jokhang Temple
Day 4 · Yamdrok Lake Day Trip
Charter a car or share a ride via Kampa La pass; about 2.5 hours one way, roughly 200 km round trip.
The lakeshore is at about 4,400 m; dress warmly and protect yourself from the sun.
Stay: Barkhor Street, Jokhang Temple
Day 5 · Jokhang Temple and Old Town Shrines
Lhasa（Ramoche Temple、Tromsikhang Market、Ani Tsankhung Nunnery、Sera Monastery）
Spend the whole day on foot in the old town; Jokhang is open to visitors in the afternoon, and Sera Monastery is about 20 minutes by taxi.
Debates at Sera begin around 3 p.m.; they are usually not held on Sundays.
Stay: Barkhor Street, Jokhang Temple
Day 6 · Sweet Tea House and Departure
Lhasa（Guangming Sweet Tea House）
Visit a Sweet Tea House in the old town in the morning, then take about 1 hour by car to the airport.
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