4 days around Lhasa

Question

Hi guys,

we are four people travelling from Kathmandu to Lhasa this summer.

We'll spend three days in KAT, then 8 days for the trip to Lhasa (including main attractions in the road and in Lhasa), and we have 4 days left before our departure back home.

How do you suggest we spend these four days around Lhasa? Making day trips from Lhasa or doing a four days trip from Lhasa to reach some far attraction?

Thanks in advance for the responses

Best regards

Massimo

Answer

With four extra days around Lhasa, you have a few options depending on your interest in day trips versus a longer multi-day excursion. Since altitude is a consideration and travel times can be long, it’s important to balance sightseeing with acclimatization and comfort.

Option 1: Day Trips from Lhasa

If you prefer to stay based in Lhasa and avoid packing/unpacking multiple times, you can take day trips to nearby attractions:

Yamdrok Lake: Approximately 3–4 hours from Lhasa, this turquoise lake offers spectacular views. You can visit on a day trip with stops at small villages along the way.
Namtso Lake: A longer day trip (5–6 hours each way). Famous for its high-altitude scenery, you may consider staying overnight nearby if you want to see the sunrise.
Ganden Monastery: Around 1.5–2 hours from Lhasa, this is one of the “great three” Gelug monasteries and a beautiful spot for a half-day excursion.
Drak Yerpa Caves: Historical meditation caves about 30–40 minutes from Lhasa, suitable for a half-day visit combined with nearby villages.

Option 2: Multi-Day Excursion from Lhasa

If you prefer to explore further afield and don’t mind a more intensive itinerary, you can consider a 3–4 day round trip from Lhasa:

Gyantse and Shigatse: Classic 2–3 day route visiting Pelkor Chode Monastery in Gyantse and Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse. This trip provides a glimpse of traditional Tibetan towns and landscapes.
Mount Everest Base Camp (North Side, Tibet): 3–4 days including overnight stops in Shigatse and Rongbuk. Suitable for adventurous travelers but requires careful planning and acclimatization.
Lake Manasarovar / Mount Kailash region: 4-day trip is very ambitious and often part of a longer itinerary. Only recommended if you are acclimatized and prepared for remote travel conditions.

Practical Tips:

Altitude can be challenging; avoid strenuous activity on the first day of your extra four days.
Travel times in Tibet are often longer than maps suggest due to road conditions; plan accordingly.
Hiring a private car with a local driver or joining a guided tour is often the easiest way to organize day trips or multi-day trips.
Check permits and entry requirements if you plan to visit border regions or restricted areas.

In summary, for a relaxed pace, you can focus on day trips to Yamdrok Lake, Ganden Monastery, and Drak Yerpa. If you want to explore further and are comfortable with long drives, a 3–4 day excursion to Gyantse, Shigatse, and possibly Everest Base Camp can be a memorable adventure before returning to Lhasa for your departure.

4 days around Lhasa

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