Lhasa Travel Guide 2023

Lhasa has a typical highland temperate semi-arid monsoon climate. Located about 3700 meters above sea level, Lhasa is featured in having clean sky, thin air, plenty of sunshine each day. The average temperature in Lhasa is 8.3 °C (47 °F). The lowest temperature is about -10 °C (14 °F) in January, the highest temperature of 24 °C (75 °F) in June

Lhasa city region is suitable for travel all year around, but from March to October is the best time. Spring days is dry but with comfortable warm sunshine. The weather is usually mid and with some waterfalls during summer days. You’d better bring sunglasses and sunblocking cream to protect from strong ultraviolet rays. Autumn is the best season to visit Lhasa when the daytime is cool, scenery is fascinating. Winter is a bit windy and cold. But the sunshine can warm you in the daytime.

Learn more about Lhasa weather >>

So far, train and flight are major transfer to/off Lhasa. Most of travelers travel to Lhasa from major cities in China, such as Chengdu, Xian, Beijing, etc. Some travelers travel to Lhasa from Kathmandu of Nepal.

Train to/off Lhasa

Taking train to Lhasa is very popular with travelers because one can not only experience the highest railway above sea level, but also explore the stunning landscape of the Qinghai Tibet plateau. So far, travelers can take train to Lhasa from cities including Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xining, Lanzhou. The tickets are usually in intense especially in peak season (June to October), so you’d better book as early as possible.

Flight to/off Tibet

Flight is the most convenient transportation to Lhasa. Travelers can take flights from major cities to Lhasa, such as Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, etc. Lhasa Gongga International Airport is the largest airport in Tibet operating daily flights to other destinations in China. So far, there is only one international flight schedule between Lhasa and Kathmandu.

Transfer around Lhasa

So far, highway is the major transportation for travel around Lhasa. Many destinations can be reached by vehicles from Lhasa, such as Namtso, Gyantse, Nyingchi, Shigatse, etc. There is only one prefectural railway in Tibet operating daily trains between Lhasa and Shigatse.

Learn more about Lhasa transportation>>

Lhasa doesn’t offer as much top-class luxury accommodation as top destinations in China, such as Beijing and Shanghai, but travelers can also easily get a comfortable and cozy stay in Lhasa. If you favor on some international deluxe hotel brands, you can choose Sheraton, Continental, St. Regis, etc. If you prefer to stay at some unique Tibetan style hotels, you can make choice between a large numbers of local hotels, such as Brahmaputra Grand Hotel, Lhasa Gang-Gyan Hotel, Tashi Choe Ta Hotel, etc. These hotels are usually budget, while offering pleasant service.

Most hotels of Lhasa gathering in tourist area of old Lhasa city region where travelers can easily get to famous attractions, such as Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, etc. Around the hotels, one can find restaurants, banks, shop markets easily.

Learn more about Lhasa hotels >>