If you are a traveler in search of a simple guide on how to spend 2 days in Lhasa, you’ve come to the right place. This article will explain where to go, what to see, and how to get a travel permit. There’s also information about getting acclimatized to the high altitude, which is a big consideration for traveling in Tibet.
Guide to two days in Lhasa
There are many things to see and do in Lhasa, but there’s also a lot of culture to soak up. The city is also home to the largest monastery in Tibet, the Drepung Monastery. It dates back to the 7th century, and its paintings are adorned with deep red and gold hues. It’s an important pilgrimage site for Tibetans and is definitely worth a visit.
If you’re traveling from abroad, you should consider taking a train to Lhasa. It’s the highest railway in the world, and you’ll enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Qinghai plateau along the way. There are many cities around Lhasa that offer train service, but you should plan ahead, because trains to Lhasa are in high demand. The peak travel season is June to October.
While visiting Lhasa, you’ll want to visit the Jokhang Temple, a seventh-century geometric structure. This temple is the most sacred temple in Tibet, and is called the “Power Place” by the locals. It was founded by the Nepalese princess, Bhrikuti, after she had been married to King Songtsen Gampo. The temple contains a large collection of Buddhist sculptures. Its main gate faces west toward Nepal, and there are chapels throughout the exterior.
If you’re travelling on your own, make sure you have a permit for Tibet travel. While the government doesn’t prohibit foreigners from traveling on public transport, you’ll need a permit to enter some of the most sensitive regions. Make sure to get a permit for this before you visit Lhasa.
While Lhasa is a relatively cheap destination, you’ll want to book a hotel that is centrally located. Most of the city’s hotels are located in the old town, which is filled with temples, shops, and restaurants. You’ll want to stay in one of these locations so that you can walk to the city’s main attractions.
Places to visit
During your stay in Lhasa, it’s important to see the famous Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lamas. You can walk through this large, whitewashed palace to get a sense of Tibetan history, and there are plenty of things to see inside. Another must-see is the Jokhang Temple, the holiest temple in Tibet. Situated in the old town, this temple features beautiful statues of Buddha and mandalas. It also boasts a spectacular view of the city, and is well worth a visit.
The city itself is high enough, at 11,990 feet (3,656 meters) above sea level, that it is important to get acclimatized before making any further explorations. You should spend day one relaxing, and then spend the rest of your visit to the Drepung Monastery, which is just outside of Lhasa. It’s a large complex with a colorful collection of paintings.
Lhasa is the home of Tibetan Buddhism and is a holy city. Its most important sites are the Jokhang Temple, which was built in the 7th century. The Potala Palace, Norbulingka Summer Palace, Drepung Monastery, and the Tibet Museum are also noteworthy attractions. While in Lhasa, you should also explore the Barkhor Street market, which encircles the city and features a large number of Tibetan vendors.
There are a number of hotels in Lhasa, ranging from 3-star accommodations to luxury five-star hotels. While in Lhasa, it’s important to keep in mind that the city has few signs in English. Although most people speak Chinese, you should not have any difficulty ordering food. Some popular restaurants will offer English menus.
Getting a Tibet travel permit
Getting a Tibet travel permit is a must if you want to visit this mystical and enchanting country. A travel permit is not a visa or stamp in your passport, but a separate document that is required for entry into Tibet. This permit is issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau and is valid for the entire duration of your trip. The permit is also required to visit certain places in Tibet, such as the Mt. Kailash and Everest, and the Mansarovar Lake.
Before you get your permit, it is important to understand what it entails. For example, if you’re planning on climbing Mount Everest, you’ll need a Mountaineering License from the Tibet Mountaineering Association and a professional climbing coordinator. In addition, travel to Tibet is highly regulated, so you should always plan your trip accordingly. For instance, you won’t be allowed to use public transportation outside of Lhasa.
A travel agency can help you with all of these details. They can also help you with the paperwork involved with the permit. The agency will take care of the permit application process, and wait for a certain period of time before it is delivered to you. Some agencies even offer express service to get your permit right at your hotel, train station, or airport in China.
When you get your Tibet travel permit, you should make sure you have the right travel documents and a Chinese visa. You can apply for your Chinese visa in your home country, but you must remember to include all the members of your group in your application. The visa must match the itinerary on your documents.
Getting acclimatized to the high altitude
When travelling to Lhasa, it is important to spend at least 2 days acclimatizing to the high altitude. There are a number of ways to do this. One option is to take the train from Golmud to Lhasa, but this does not acclimate you quickly enough. A better way is to spend a day or two in Lhasa acclimating before traveling to other parts of the country.
The first day should be spent resting. It is also important to take medicine, which will help acclimatize your body to the high altitude. A local pharmacy can provide free oxygen bottles for tourists to use. It is also important to get medical advice if you begin to feel too much discomfort. If you experience too much pain or nausea, you should go back to a lower altitude location and avoid strenuous exercise for at least one day.
High-altitude cerebral edema and pulmonary edema are life-threatening conditions that occur at elevations of 4,000 meters and above. Because these diseases affect both the brain and muscles, it is vital to get acclimatized to the higher elevation before attempting to climb Everest Base Camp.
The risk of AMS is high in Lhasa, so it is essential to take proper precautions to prevent it from affecting your trip. The first 12 hours after arriving in Lhasa should be a rest day, with fewer activities. In addition, tourists should limit their activity level and avoid high-altitude exposure if possible.
Visiting Tibet’s four sacred lakes
Spending two days in Lhasa visiting Tibet’s sacred lakes is a great way to experience the city’s many cultural highlights. The town’s main street, Barkhor Square, is filled with pilgrims and street vendors. It’s an eclectic mix of people from all over Tibet. Some are monks performing body-long kowtows, while others are ordinary people from Kham. Even the monks themselves are quite different.
One of the most beautiful and well-known monasteries in Tibet, Ganden Monastery is about 50km from Lhasa. Founded in 1417, the monastery is the home of the Gelugpa sect. The monastery is home to 400 monks and offers stunning views of the braided Kyi-chu Valley. Be sure to bring plenty of water for your walk through the monastery.
Aside from the monastery complexes, visit the Potala Palace, the former home of the Dalai Lamas. The colossal white building is filled with a rich and historic history, and there are plenty of things to see inside. Another fascinating place to visit is the Jokhang Temple, one of the holiest temples in the country. It’s located in the old town area and is full of beautiful Buddhist statues and mandalas. This temple also provides amazing views of the city.
The second Sacred Lake in Tibet is Namtso, located 112 kilometers north of Lhasa. This lake is the second largest in China and is Tibet’s highest saltwater lake. It’s a popular excursion for tourists visiting Tibet in the summer. It’s located at an elevation of 4,718 meters and is surrounded by a number of monasteries and prayer flags.
Public restrooms are not available everywhere in Tibet. Some have been refurbished by the government, but they are often dirty and lack flush toilets. Outside of Lhasa, bathrooms are even worse. You may need a mask to combat the stench. Hotels are generally basic, but can be found in more remote areas.