[2025 Lhasa Stay] Travel Guide for Intercontinental Lhasa Paradise (Updated Mar)

🚗 Transportation Guide: Plane/Train/Self-drive Options 1️⃣ By Air: - Fly directly to Lhasa Gonggar Airport. The airport shuttle bus costs CNY 30 per person to the city center, while a taxi costs around CNY 150. - Altitude Sickness Warning: Portable oxygen tanks are available at the airport (CNY 30/tank). Move slowly and avoid strenuous activity. 2️⃣ By Train: - The Qinghai-Tibet Railway is the best choice! Take the Z165/Z6811 train. The Xining-Lhasa section offers stunning scenery. Hard sleeper tickets start from CNY 700. - Taxi from Lhasa Railway Station to the Potala Palace: CNY 15. Drivers may try to overcharge or take detours. Consider using a ride-hailing app like DiDi. 3️⃣ By Car: - Take the Sichuan-Tibet Highway/G318 to the Potala Palace. Navigate to the square. Parking is CNY 10/day, but spaces are hard to come by during peak season. --- 🏯 Must-See Attractions: Movie Scenes + Tibetan Cultural Essence ❗️ Core Itinerary: 1️⃣ Inside the Potala Palace: - White Palace & Red Palace: The White Palace is the Dalai Lama's living quarters, while the Red Palace houses the stupas of past Dalai Lamas. Photography is prohibited! Follow your guide closely to hear historical secrets. - The Inscriptionless Stele: Check in at the entrance. This is where Tibetans circumambulate and pray. Feel the power of faith. 2️⃣ Best Photo Spots: - Yaowang Mountain Observation Deck: The same view as on the back of the CNY 50 banknote. Arrive before 7:30 am for sunrise, fewer crowds, and soft lighting. - Potala Palace Reflection: Pour mineral water near the square fountain to create a "sky mirror" effect for stunning photos. Using someone else's water is even more convenient. 3️⃣ Nearby Activities: - Barkhor Street: A pilgrimage circuit and Tibetan shopping street. CNY 299 for Tibetan clothing rental, makeup, and photography. We recommend the Yunzang Tibetan Culture Experience Center. - Jokhang Temple: The center of Tibetan Buddhism, housing a life-sized statue of the 12-year-old Buddha. Tickets are CNY 85. 🏨 Accommodation: Stay Near the Scenic Area or Save Money 🏠 Luxury Option: - InterContinental Lhasa Paradise: Tibetan style with diffused oxygen supply. Average price: CNY 1500+/night. 10-minute walk to the Potala Palace. 💰 Budget-Friendly Option: - Barkhor Street Guesthouses: "Gu Zang Shu Hua" is a Tibetan-style guesthouse. Prices start from CNY 300+/night. Enjoy views of the Potala Palace at night from the rooftop terrace. --- 🍵 Food Guide: Enjoy Tibetan Flavors for CNY 30 per person 1️⃣ Tibetan Breakfast: - Guangming Gangqiong Sweet Tea House: CNY 1/cup of sweet tea + CNY 6 for Tibetan noodles. Popular with locals. The environment is noisy but lively. 2️⃣ Recommended Restaurants: - Snowland Restaurant: Tibetan yak hot pot + butter tea. Average price: CNY 80 per person. Window seats offer views of Barkhor Street. 3️⃣ Snacks to Avoid: - ❌ Yogurt stalls inside the scenic area (CNY 15/bowl) are extremely sour! Add sugar or honey if you must try. -- ⚠️ Tips to Avoid Pitfalls: Lessons Learned 1️⃣ Ticket Scams: - Book tickets 10 days in advance on the "Potala Palace Ticket Reservation System". Exchange for physical tickets on-site. Tickets expire if not collected on time. - ❌ Scalper tickets are 3 times the price! Official channels are the most reliable. 2️⃣ Dress Code Taboos: Shorts, slippers, and sunglasses are prohibited inside! Long pants, sneakers, and a sun-protective jacket are recommended. 3️⃣ Dealing with Altitude Sickness: - Don't wash your hair on the first day! Choose a hotel room with oxygen supply. Start taking Rhodiola seven days in advance. There are no restrooms inside the Potala Palace, so drink less water. --- 📸 One-Day Itinerary: Morning: 7:30 am Sunrise at Yaowang Mountain → 8:30 am Potala Palace visit (2 hours) → 10:30 am Photos of the red walls at the Inscriptionless Stele Afternoon: Tibetan clothing photoshoot on Barkhor Street → Jokhang Temple visit → Sweet tea at Guangming Tea House Evening: 9:00 pm Potala Palace Square night view + musical fountain 🔥 Bonus Tip: Combine your trip with a one-day tour to Yamdrok Lake. Photos of the blue lake, snow-capped mountains, and Tibetan mastiffs will make you an instant social media star!

The first time I experienced the highest InterContinental Hotel, one word - great! ️ 🗺️Location: The hotel is located on the easternmost side of Lhasa city, about 7-8 kilometers from the city center. The surrounding area is relatively desolate, with only residential areas and mountains ⛰️. 🚕Transportation: It takes about 15-20 minutes to take a taxi from the city center, depending on whether there is traffic jam, and the price ranges from 20-30. There are also bus stops nearby (you can actually see a lot of different scenery by taking the bus across the entire city of Lhasa). It takes about 15 minutes to walk to the bus station. If you just arrived in Lhasa, it is recommended to take a taxi directly to reduce unnecessary physical activity. 🏘️Room type/layout: Basic deluxe room ➡️Exclusive room Booked a basic room type. The hotel contacted the guest before check-in to ask about their needs. After identifying the card, the room was upgraded, but the upgrade was a bit stingy. 🧹Soundproofing/sanitation: The soundproofing in the room is average, and you can hear people passing by in the corridor and talking next door. 🎯Entertainment facilities: The hotel lobby is very large and has a glass ceiling. It is very suitable to rest in the lobby and bask in the sun on the first day🌞. 🍽️Restaurant Features/Executive Lounge: The breakfast in the executive lounge is not very rich, but it has everything you need. Due to altitude sickness, I don’t feel like eating the greasy sugar and oil mixture. Fortunately, there are choices such as yogurt, sweet tea, and fruit. There is also a take-out service at the door, so you can take it away if you don’t have time to eat. ☕️Afternoon tea is in the lobby bar. Maybe it’s because of altitude sickness and rhinitis that I can’t taste the food, but I feel very comfortable after eating too much dessert. For mild altitude sickness, I think high-sugar desserts or cola, rich VC drinks and fruits will make people more comfortable than oxygen. 💗Other tips: The room provides diffused oxygen. If you feel uncomfortable, please contact the front desk in time. There is a small oxygen concentrator available.

Explore the stunning landscapes of Lhasa and Nyingchi, Tibet, on an 8-day adventure! This detailed guide will help you navigate the highland paradise with ease. -- 🎉Itinerary: Discover the Mysteries and Majesty of Tibet🏔️ Day 1: 🛬Arrive in Lhasa Upon arrival in Lhasa, enjoy 24-hour airport transfer service and check in to the InterContinental Lhasa Paradise. No attractions are scheduled for today, so you can rest at the hotel and acclimate to the high altitude. Day 2: Lhasa City Tour Visit the Potala Palace, Potala Palace Square, and Potala Palace Yaowang Mountain Viewing Platform to admire the grandeur and sanctity of the Potala Palace. Then, head to Jokhang Temple Square and Jokhang Temple to experience the rich heritage of Tibetan Buddhism. Finally, stroll along Barkhor Street to experience the local Tibetan lifestyle. Day 3: Basum Lake Tour Head to Basum Lake to explore the beautiful island in the middle of the lake and immerse yourself in the stunning scenery. Day 4: Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon Tour Visit the Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon to marvel at the majestic Namcha Barwa Peak and experience the wonders of nature. Day 5: Lhoka and Gala Peach Blossom Village Visit the Lhoka Scenic Area and Lhoka Tianfo Waterfall to admire the grandeur and beauty of the waterfall. Then, head to Gala Peach Blossom Village to enjoy the spring scenery and the beautiful Niyang River. Day 6: Yamdrok Lake and Karola Glacier Cross the Gangbala Mountain to overlook the beautiful scenery of Yamdrok Lake. Then, head to the Karola Glacier to experience the awe and mystery of the glacier. Day 7: Northern Tibet Grassland Tour Cross the Northern Tibet Grassland to admire the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains, stop at the Nagenla Mountain Pass, and finally arrive at Namtso Lake to enjoy the stunning scenery of the lake and mountains. Day 8: 🛫Farewell to Lhasa End your wonderful trip to Tibet with airport transfer service. Return home with fond memories and blessings. Tashi Delek! 🙌 -- Tips: - Photo Spots: Potala Palace Square is a great place to take panoramic photos of the palace📸. Don't miss it! - Customs: In Tibet, do not take photos of local residents or religious sites without permission to show respect🙏. - Airport Transportation: There are convenient airport buses from Lhasa Airport to the city center🚌. - Altitude Sickness: If you're visiting the highlands for the first time, rest well, avoid strenuous exercise🏃‍♂️, and let your body gradually acclimate. - Sun Protection and Moisturizing: The sun is strong and the climate is dry in Tibet, so be sure to protect your skin from the sun and keep it moisturized🧴. -- Visit Lhasa and Nyingchi, Tibet, to experience the majestic beauty of the snowy plateau and purify and expand your mind and vision!

Perfect for reunions, InterContinental Lhasa Paradise A return visit. I stayed here three years ago, but I wasn't an IHG member at the time, so I had to pay extra to upgrade to an executive room. This time, I had a diamond card and annual lounge access, which made for a much better experience. Not only did I get a suite upgrade for just 12,000 points, but I also got a free buffet dinner because the lounge was closed for the low season. So, for frequent travelers, it's definitely worth getting a high-level hotel membership. The hotel's full name is InterContinental Lhasa Paradise, which has a luxurious old-money feel to it. The interior is a mix of European classical and Tibetan styles. Crystal chandeliers, velvet sofas, marble floors, fireplaces, oil paintings, and jacuzzis all come together to create a unique atmosphere. Although the hotel has been in operation for over ten years, it is well-maintained and has a charming retro feel. The hotel's biggest drawback is its location, which is about 10 km from the Potala Palace. The surrounding area is a new development, with little to do except for a Wanda Plaza. So, if you're visiting Lhasa for the first time or have a busy itinerary, this hotel may not be the best choice. But if you're like me and just want to relax for a few days, it's perfect. The rooms have oxygen, electric heaters, and humidifiers, which help with altitude sickness. The hotel has a large public area, with a giant glass dome that is a signature feature of InterContinental hotels. Under the dome, there is a traditional Tibetan village with restaurants and shops. Breakfast, afternoon tea, and dinner are all served in this area. So, if you really want to relax, you can spend a few days without leaving the hotel.

Planning a trip to Lhasa and worried about arranging your itinerary? Don't worry, let me plan it for you! Day 1 Yao Wang Mountain - Potala Palace - Zongjiao Lukang Park - Jokhang Temple - Barkhor Street 📍Transportation: Walking or bus 🌟Travel Tips: The Potala Palace is very large, and besides the palace itself, there is also a treasure museum inside, which takes more than an hour to visit. No photography is allowed inside the Potala Palace, but the square is quite photogenic. Day 2 Nyainqentanglha Mountain Range - Nagenla Pass - Namtso 📍Transportation: Self-driving or join a day tour 🌟Travel Tips: It is said that Nyainqentanglha and Namtso were once a loving couple, and the mountain range looks quite picturesque against the blue sky. It is recommended to visit Namtso in May, as the lake is still frozen if you go too early. Day 3 Yamdrok Lake - Karola Glacier 📍Transportation: Self-driving or join a day tour 🌟Travel Tips: When the weather is clear, Yamdrok Lake shines like a gem (but the 🚽 is too dirty ah ah ah)! The Karola Glacier is 5000 meters above sea level, and climbing the glacier on a rainy day feels like walking on a heavenly road, very feel~ 🏫Accommodation Recommendation: We stayed at the Lhasa Paradise Intercontinental Hotel, which is not only luxurious, but the oxygen lounge in the lobby is simply a lifesaver for those suffering from altitude sickness.

A GL8 self-driving on the Sichuan-Tibet line for sixteen days 🚗🚗🚗Travel route: Day1: Four Girls Mountain Day2: Jiaju Tibetan Village→Yala Snow Mountain Viewing Platform→Moxi Park Scenic Area→Xinduqiao Praise Linca Hotel Day3: Litang County Thousand House Tibetan Village·Letong Ancient Town→Rabbit Mountain→Daocheng Yading Holiday Inn Express Suite Hotel Day4: Daocheng Yading→Daocheng Yading Holiday Inn Express Suite Hotel Day5: Batang Coupugou Scenic Area→Mangkang Rumei Town Yunshan River Impression Hotel (Zhuka Bridge Store) Day6: Nujiang Seventy-two Bends Day7: Ranwu Lake→Laigu Glacier→Midui Glacier→Bomi Songzan Linca Hotel Day8: Tongmai Peril→Bomi Peach Blossom Gully→Linzhi Poly Yatu Hotel Day9: Basong Tso→Lhasa Holy Land Paradise Intercontinental Hotel Day10: Jokhang Temple→'Princess Wencheng' Large-scale Epic Drama→Lhasa Holy Land Paradise Intercontinental Hotel Day11: Potala Palace→Heavenly Tibet Themed Post Office Coffee→Zaki Temple→Tibetan Banquet (Tuanjie New Village Store)→Maji Ami·Restaurant Bar→Lhasa Holy Land Paradise Intercontinental Hotel Day12: Tibet Museum→Norbulingka→Sera Monastery Day13: Namtso National Park Day14: Hoh Xil Nature Reserve→Hoh Xil Tibetan Antelope Viewing Platform→Hoh Xil Nature Reserve Unfrozen Spring→Qinghai Ge'ermu Kunlun Mountain National Geological Park→Yuzhu Peak Glacier Viewing Point→Qinghai Lake Erlang Sword Scenic Area→Chaka Salt Lake→Lanzhou Crown Holiday Hotel Day15: Gansu Provincial Museum→Chengdu East District Holiday Inn Express Hotel Day16: Sanxingdui Museum

Lhasa is the ultimate destination in the hearts of many travelers, and the first stop for most people arriving in Tibet! Here, it is sunny all year round, known as the 'City of Sunlight', and it is also a holy place for Tibetan Buddhism. The rich and unique cultural atmosphere makes countless people linger, but the altitude of 3650 meters inevitably brings some people the trouble of altitude sickness. However, there is a comfortable and luxurious five-star hotel specially equipped with 'oxygen production, workshop', and it has been rated as 'one of the safest hotels in Lhasa' in CCTV programs! This Lhasa Holy Land Intercontinental Hotel should be your first stop in Lhasa! Design Different from the Tibetan space under the glass dome, the design of the lobby, corridor, and rooms is a perfect fusion of traditional Tibetan and European classic styles. Columns, domes, chandeliers, fireplaces, bed canopies, everywhere reveals the gorgeous and elegant European style, the snow mountain on the background oil painting of the front desk hints, this is in Tibet, in Lhasa. The patterns on the carpet, wallpaper, and door frame are very Tibetan, and some black backgrounds highlight the nobility. Room The rooms of the Holy Land Intercontinental Hotel use diffused oxygen supply, which is the first in Lhasa. Humidifiers alleviate the dry air in winter, and there is a 24-hour oxygen bar in the lobby. My room faces the Convention and Exhibition Center Square, and the fountain in summer should be more beautiful. Every early morning, the distant sunrise over the golden mountain will wake me up. The room design continues the low-key, luxury, and restrained temperament of the Intercontinental brand. In Lhasa Intercontinental, it is mixed with a strong Tibetan style. The British style and Tibetan houses are perfectly combined to bring a unique accommodation experience! Food How can you not eat authentic Tibetan food when you come to Lhasa? Lhasa Intercontinental can satisfy your wish! In addition, in the Longxuan Chinese Restaurant, Sunshine All-day Dining Restaurant, etc., you can also taste Cantonese cuisine, Sichuan cuisine and other Chinese dishes, as well as common Western dishes. For breakfast, you can try Tibetan sweet tea, which has a miraculous effect on relieving altitude sickness. The yak set meal is recommended for Tibetan lunch. I personally like yak meat the most, which is fragrant, crispy and soft. The buffet dinner can actively unlock the small hot pot (ask the waiter), which may be more appetizing for people who just arrived on the plateau. Sunshine Lobby The most incredible place for me is the hotel's Sunshine Ecological Lobby. The tension-filled glass dome brings excellent lighting, and a piece of local-style watchtower is presented in front of you. The white, red, and black main color decorative elements set off a strong Tibetan atmosphere, instantly making people feel like they are in the old streets of Lhasa. The front desk is on the right side of the lobby, a space full of European style. The lobby has seasonal decorations, such as Christmas trees made of barley. The details are also beautiful, such as lamps in the shape of prayer wheels, and passages like Tibetan doors and windows. From 12 to 15 o'clock every day is the most beautiful time in the lobby, the sufficient light makes here holy and beautiful. The lobby has many commercial facilities, and the supermarket on the left side of the entrance is well received, with many goods and affordable prices. Experience Even if it's your first time to Lhasa, don't miss the Tibet Natural Science Museum not far from the Intercontinental Hotel, which answers all questions, from houses to temples, Tibetan incense, Tibetan paper, Tibetan medicine, to barley, yaks, and then to geography, distribution of animals and plants, the entire astronomy, geography, and customs of Tibet are all included.

Lhasa has more traffic jams than I imagined! 🚗 The small disadvantage of living in the city is that it often takes 20 minutes to jam at an intersection, but in fact, the city of Lhasa is not big, and you don't need to live in the central area 😏 to visit conveniently~ . In Lhasa, I found a treasure hotel that is convenient to go anywhere✨Lhasa Sacred Land Paradise Intercontinental Hotel✨ - 🗺️Location🗺️ 📍No. 1 Jiangsu Avenue, Chengguan District, Lhasa City 🔭6.5 kilometers from the Potala Palace . 🚞About 20 minutes drive from the train station🚞 ✈️About 60 minutes drive from the airport✈️ . There is also a Wanda Plaza next to it🛍️ It should be the best shopping mall for locals! Eating and drinking are very convenient, unlike the traffic jams near the Potala Palace - ✨Lobby✨ I really love the appearance and lobby of the Lhasa Intercontinental! It looks like a crystal pyramid from a distance, it's very spectacular👍🏻The architectural style is also unique~ . Walking into this "pyramid" can instantly feel the perfect fusion of modern fashion and Tibetan traditional elements🤩The entire lobby area is like Barkhor Street, with many Tibetan-style shops to visit, and there is a shop that rents portable oxygen as soon as you enter the door🛒Basically, you can visit the lobby for a while. . There is also a photography exhibition area on both sides of the lobby📸It's all the scenery of Tibet, both human and nature, and many rare scenes can be seen here~ . Like the executive lounge, the Sunshine All-day Restaurant, etc. are all here in the lobby. The restaurant is my love🥩But one article can't be written, I'll write it for you next time! . Because there is a glass roof, the overall temperature of the lobby is very comfortable, not too cold or too hot☕There are also places in the lobby like the Haoyue Lobby Bar where you can order a cup of coffee and sit down and relax. I really love it here, sitting and drinking coffee is very comfortable. - 🏨Guest room🏨 The room is really too big!!! At least 60 square meters😍The crystal lamp is installed and it's very gorgeous💎The cloakroom is all walk-in, there is a sense of deja vu of a mansion! The bed is also wrapped in curtains, combining the traditional Tibetan furniture style with modern fashion~ I really like the design of the room! . The room uses diffused oxygen supply🍃You don't need to stand still holding the oxygen machine, you won't feel breathless no matter how you rest in the room. The room is also equipped with a humidifier💧Remember to turn it on!!! Lhasa is really dry, and it's easy to feel dry throat when sleeping at night, but in the two nights at the Intercontinental, I feel like I'm in the mainland, without dry mouth or breathlessness.

Located on the banks of the beautiful Lhasa River and blending with the surrounding river valley scenery and the plateau landscape, the Lhasa Holy Land Paradise Intercontinental Hotel is super cool and the abstract snowy style is very impressive. All rooms in this hotel have diffused oxygen facilities, which will make peace of mind for those who are new to Lhasa but are afraid of altitude sickness. The rooms are luxurious and comfortable, with an oversized, modern and stylish decor, with a separate bathtub and walk-in closet design. Standing by the window, the beautiful Lhasa city view and the Potala Palace have a panoramic view. The only shortcoming is that it is a little far from the urban area. There are no supporting facilities in the surrounding area, but it is also acceptable. If the self-driving is completely unaffected, it is also convenient to take a taxi if it is not self-driving. In short, the price is very high in the off-season.