Tibet Travel Guide: Lhasa, Shannan, Shigatse, and Namtso in 8 Days

Explore the unique charms of Lhasa, Shannan, Shigatse, and Namtso with this 8-day, 7-night itinerary for an in-depth Tibetan experience ✨ Save this guide now! ⛰️Day 1: Arrive in Lhasa 📍Accommodation: Downtown Lhasa hotel (near Barkhor Street) - Rest upon arrival to acclimatize to the altitude—avoid strenuous activities! 🚫 - Must-visit Barkhor Street in the evening to soak up the local vibe. Try the sweet tea at Guangming Lane Qiong Sweet Tea House (¥5/cup) to ease altitude sickness 🍵 🏯Day 2: Classic Lhasa Day Tour 📍Potala Palace: ¥200 entry + ¥30 audio guide in peak season (book 7 days in advance!) 📍Jokhang Temple: ¥85/person to see the 12-year-old life-sized statue of Sakyamuni 🎯Tips: - Arrive at Yaowang Mountain by 7:30 AM for sunrise photos 📸 - Bring small bills (¥1 notes work best) for offering butter lamps 💎Day 3: Sacred Lake & Glacier Day Trip 🚗Private car route: Lhasa → Yamdrok Lake → Karola Glacier → Lhasa - Yamdrok Lake viewpoint ticket: ¥60 (bargain down to ¥40!) - Walk slowly at Karola Glacier (4,998m altitude) 💨 ⚠️Note: Carry enough oxygen cans & glucose 🕍Day 4: Lhasa → Shigatse 🚞Recommended train: Z8801 (09:00-11:17) - Tashilhunpo Monastery: ¥80 entry to see the 26m-tall Maitreya Buddha - Stay at nearby Qomolangma Hotel for authentic Tibetan decor 🏨 🏰Day 5: Shigatse → Gyantse → Shannan 📍Gyantse highlights: ✔️Gyantse Dzong (free) ✔️Palcho Monastery (¥60, see the 100,000 Buddha Pagoda) - Pack snacks—the drive takes ~5 hours ⏳ 🏔️Day 6: Shannan Highlights ⛩️Yumbulagang: Tibet's first palace (¥60 entry) 🛕Samye Monastery: "Tibet's first monastery" (¥40 entry) 📸Outfit tip: Rent Tibetan costumes (¥50/set) for stunning photos 🌊Day 7: Ultimate Namtso Experience 📍Namtso's "Heavenly Gate" is closed—visit Tashi Peninsula instead 💡Tips: - Bring a thick down jacket—lakeside winds are fierce 💨 - Best photo times: before 9:00 AM or after 6:00 PM - Oxygen stations available in Damxung town 🛫Day 8: Departure Day 🛍️Souvenir recommendations: ▪️Tibetan incense (from "Tibetan Incense Family" on Barkhor Street) ▪️Mini thangka paintings (handmade near Jokhang Temple) ▪️Yak jerky (Qisheng brand is most authentic) ❄️【Must-Read Tips】❄️ 1️⃣Altitude prep: Drink Rhodiola tea 10 days early; pack ibuprofen & glucose 2️⃣Border permits: Required for parts of Shannan/Shigatse (apply in hometown or Lhasa) 3️⃣Dressing guide: Layer up! Daily temperature swings reach 20℃🌡️ 4️⃣Taboos: × Point at Buddha statues in temples × Step on prayer flags/Mani stones × Discuss politics/religion 📣Golden rules for Tibet: Walk SLOWLY❗ Talk SLOWLY❗ Eat SLOWLY❗