Lhasa is the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region and the spiritual center of Tibetan Buddhism. It sits at 3,663 meters in a valley ringed by mountains, and it has more than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, which is why it’s nicknamed the Sunlight City. Most visitors come for the Potala Palace and the Jokhang Temple, and stay for the pilgrims who walk around them every day.
| Elevation | 3,663.5 m |
|---|---|
| Potala Palace | 117.2 m high, looks 13 storeys but has 9, UNESCO 1994 |
| Jokhang | UNESCO 2000 |
| Norbulingka | built from the 1740s, 374 rooms, UNESCO 2001 |
| Barkhor circuit | about 1 km, walked clockwise |
Potala Palace
The Potala Palace stands on Marpo Ri, the Red Hill, in the northwest of the city. It was first built in the 7th century under the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo, and it was largely destroyed and left in ruins until the Fifth Dalai Lama began rebuilding it in 1645. The White Palace was finished in three years, and he moved in in 1653. From then on it was the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas and the seat of government.
The main building is 117.2 meters high, 360 meters long and 140 meters wide. It looks as though it has 13 stories, but it has only nine; the lower four are stone foundation walls. It has nearly 10,000 rooms, and its granite outer walls are 2 to 5 meters thick. UNESCO listed it in 1994. The climb inside is steep and at altitude, so go slowly. Visits are normally timed and capped, so book ahead.
Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street
The Jokhang, in the old city, is the holiest temple in Tibetan Buddhism. It covers about 25,100 square meters and was added to the UNESCO listing in 2000. The most prized object inside is a statue of the Buddha as a 12-year-old boy, which is said to have been brought from Chang’an by Princess Wencheng. The air inside is full of butter-lamp smoke, and pilgrims queue to pray.
Barkhor Street circles the Jokhang. It’s about a kilometer around and dates from the 7th century, when pilgrims first began walking around the temple. It’s one of three pilgrim circuits in Lhasa, and it’s a one-way street in effect: people walk clockwise, in the direction the prayer wheels turn. Join them, and don’t walk against the flow. Some pilgrims prostrate themselves along the way, so leave them space.
Norbulingka
The Norbulingka, “Jewel Park,” is the Dalai Lamas’ summer palace, about two kilometers west of the Potala. Construction began in the 1740s, and the park covers 360,000 square meters, with 374 rooms. It’s the largest man-made garden in Tibet, and UNESCO added it to the Potala listing in 2001. It’s a calm place to spend an afternoon, and a good first outing while you adjust to the altitude.
Altitude and acclimatizing
At 3,663 meters, Lhasa has noticeably thin air. Most visitors feel it on the first day, with headaches, breathlessness or poor sleep. Plan a slow first 24 to 48 hours, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and tell your guide if symptoms get worse. If you have a heart or lung condition, talk to your doctor before booking.
Before you book: entry rules
Foreign visitors have generally needed a Tibet Travel Permit, arranged through a licensed agency, in addition to a Chinese visa, and have had to travel with a guide. Rules change, so check the current requirements as early as possible, and expect to give passport details several weeks before travel. See our Tibet travel guide and our places to visit in Tibet.
Planning Lhasa with Absolute Asia Tours
Absolute Asia Tours has planned private trips in Asia since 1989. For Lhasa that means permits handled in advance, a private guide who can explain what you’re seeing, a gentle first two days for altitude, and bookings for the Potala made early. We’re rated 4.8 out of 5 across about 900 traveler reviews. Tell us your dates and we’ll plan from there.
Sources (read in Chinese, Chinese Wikipedia): 城关区 (拉萨市), 布达拉宫, 大昭寺, 罗布林卡. Last checked November 2026.
Lhasa: FAQ
How high is Lhasa?
3,663.5 meters above sea level.
How many floors does the Potala Palace have?
It looks like 13 stories but has only nine. The main building is 117.2 meters high.
What is Barkhor Street?
The pilgrim circuit around the Jokhang Temple, about a kilometer long, walked clockwise.
Do foreigners need a permit to visit Lhasa?
Generally yes: a Tibet Travel Permit arranged through an agency, with a guide. Check the current rules before you book.
How many days do you need in Lhasa?
Three days, with the first kept light for altitude.
Which Lhasa sights are World Heritage Sites?
The Potala Palace (1994), the Jokhang Temple (2000) and the Norbulingka (2001).
Photo: Jan Kranendonk, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
