Southwest China
The spiritual capital of Tibet is now reachable by rail or flight, and the reward is the strongest visual culture in China: the Potala above the city, the Barkhor circuit of pilgrims, and the monasteries holding the light. Lhasa pairs naturally with the road west to Everest.
The case for going
The palace above the city — timed entry, and the daily ticket must be planned.
The heart of the pilgrim circuit, best in the morning light.
The afternoon monk debates, open to watch from the courtyard.
The former seat above the city, quieter than the centre.
The summer palace and its garden.
Gyantse, Shigatse and the 5,200 m tents below the north face.
Practical
Plateau. Intense sun, cold nights, thin air at 3,650 m.
Lhasa Gonggar (LXA) flies from Chengdu, Xi'an, Chongqing and Beijing. The Qinghai–Tibet railway from Xining takes 22 hours and is an acclimatisation tool in itself.
Airport. Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA)
Rail. The Z-train from Xining (or through from Beijing/Shanghai) crosses the plateau by daylight — book the soft sleeper and the right-hand window seats.
In pictures
Questions travellers ask
Three days in the city — Potala, Jokhang and the Barkhor, and Sera's debating monks — before continuing toward Everest. The first day should be slow: you land at 3,650 metres.
The old town around the Barkhor for the walking quarter and the monastery mornings. It is 30 to 60 minutes from Gonggar airport (LXA) depending on traffic.
Fly into Gonggar (LXA) from Chengdu, Xi'an or Chongqing, or take the Qinghai-Tibet railway — 20-plus hours from Xining and one of the great rail journeys on earth. Tibet requires a permit and a guide; we arrange both.
Yes — the Potala at first light and the pilgrim circuit at Jokhang are two of the most powerful sights in Asia. Build the route with acclimatisation days and the permit timeline in mind.
Routes through here
Southwest China
8days
The plateau done at the right pace: two slow days in Lhasa while the altitude settles, the Friendship Highway through Gyantse and Shigatse, and a night in the tent camp under the north face of Everest. Eight days, one permit, one horizon.
From US$2,800per person
Where to stay
St. Regis · Ultra Luxury
The reference address in Lhasa: Tibetan craft in every surface, an oxygen-enriched floor for the first nights, and the Potala in view from the courtyard. Butler service as standard.
From US$260 per night
Valid to 2026-12-31
Shangri-La · Luxury
A calm, high-standard hotel on the west side of town with Potala views from the upper floors, a garden courtyard, and the most restful first nights at 3,650 metres.
From US$210 per night
Valid to 2026-12-31
