Tibet route: Lhasa, Jokhang Temple to Yamdrok Lake

Explore Tibet's spiritual and historical landmarks across Lhasa, Shigatse, and Gyantse. This route connects major sites including Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, Tashilhunpo Monastery, and Kumbum Monastery, along with natural attractions like Yamdrok Lake and views of Mount Everest on the Tibetan Plateau.

Distance
4615.4 km
Mode
Places
Start
Lhasa
End
Mount Everest
Stops
14
Video author
travmap
Updated

Stops on this route

  1. Lhasa — Capital city of Tibet, main entry point for travelers.
  2. Jokhang Temple — One of the most sacred temples in Tibet.
  3. Potala Palace — Historic royal palace and UNESCO World Heritage site.
  4. Barkhor Street — Sacred pilgrimage circuit around Jokhang Temple.
  5. Drepung Monastery — One of the largest monasteries in Tibet.
  6. Sera Monastery — Important Tibetan Buddhist monastery known for monk debates.
  7. Yamdrok Lake — Stunning turquoise glacial lake on the Tibetan plateau.
  8. Samye Monastery — First Buddhist monastery built in Tibet.
  9. Tsangpo River — Major river valley traversed during the journey.
  10. Gyantse — Historic trading town along the journey route.
  11. Kumbum Monastery — Famous for its distinctive pagoda architecture.
  12. Shigatse — Second largest city in Tibet.
  13. Tashilhunpo Monastery — Seat of the Panchen Lama, important religious site.
  14. Mount Everest — World's highest peak, visible from the Tibetan plateau.

Useful for your trip

Transport
Take the train instead of flying to Tibet to let your body gradually adjust to elevation. The Beijing to Lhasa train journey is 40 hours.
Tip
A guide is required at all times when traveling in Tibet. You cannot be far from your guide—it's a travel requirement.
Avoid
Don't shower on your first day at high altitude. Also avoid alcohol at high elevation.
Timing
Altitude sickness typically peaks around midnight on arrival. Plan to sleep through the worst effects.
Tip
Bring oxygen cylinders or ask your accommodation to provide them. You'll need oxygen if you experience difficulty breathing at high altitude.
Food
Try local momos (dumplings) at small restaurants catering to locals. Butter tea is common—it's oily and helps with lips at high altitude due to salt content.
Food
Drink lots of water and electrolyte drinks at high altitude to avoid dehydration, which causes muscle cramps.
Transport
Use Tibet Vista travel agency for logistics, permits, and tour guides. They handle all permitting required for foreigners to enter Tibet.
Timing
Plan 10 days minimum for a Tibet trip to explore multiple locations including Lhasa, eastern regions with forests and glaciers.
Tip
Oxygen is supplied on the train starting at 7:30 PM. Expect oxygen tubes to be provided when climbing above 12,000 feet.
Tip
When crossing mountain passes, locals say 'So, so, so!' loudly to worship and release sorrows. You can participate in this tradition.
Food
Try Droma Dresi—an ancient high-altitude food made with herbs, butter, sugar, and ginseng traditionally eaten by important people.

Video on this route

What Is TIBET Really Like?

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