Creating My Own Story in Lhasa – A Five-Day Trip to Lhasa

I believe for every traveler, Lhasa is a must-visit destination. I remember someone said that everyone who travels to Lhasa has a story. But I don't know what my story is, or rather, about Lhasa, I will create my own story.

I flew from Chengdu to Xining. In the evening, I arrived at Xining Station and finally boarded the Qinghai-Tibet train I had been longing for, heading to the Roof of the World!

DAY1: Super 8 Select Hotel Lhasa Railway Station Plaza

DAY1: Chengdu–Xining–Lhasa

DAY2: Potala Palace

Day3: Jokhang Temple

Day4: Rituo Monastery

Day5: Super 8 Select Hotel Lhasa Railway Station Plaza

Lhasa has many snack stalls, offering cold noodles, lamb offal, and more, dazzling to the eyes. I ordered a bowl of cold noodles. The noodles were tender and crisp, the chili mixed with a tangy sauce was very appetizing.

Next to me, an uncle was mainly selling stir-fried lamb offal. A portion with lamb tripe cost 18 yuan, and it smelled incredibly delicious. I bought one to try. The lamb liver was a bit tough, but the tripe was very tender; overall, it was very tasty!

For lunch, I had Tibetan yak meat hotpot. It was chewier than regular beef, and the broth was a bit spicy for me, but it was still very savory and delicious.

I stayed at Super 8 Select Hotel Lhasa Railway Station Plaza. I had read reviews saying the hotel's environment and service were good, so I booked a room online in advance. The hotel is located in Liuwu New District, opposite Lhasa Railway Station, just about 200 meters away. The receptionist said all rooms have windows, and from October to April of the following year, you can even see snow-capped mountains. Although I arrived after the best snow-viewing period, the room was very comfortable, well-equipped, and clean. Overall, it was a great stay.

On my first day in Lhasa, immense fatigue hit me. I headed straight to Super 8 Select Hotel Lhasa Railway Station Plaza. After putting away my luggage, I started planning my itinerary. In the evening, I went out to see the street scenery. Lhasa at night was especially beautiful. On the road, some older men and women were turning prayer wheels in one hand and fingering prayer beads in the other, chanting as they walked. This is truly a place of deep faith!

The next day, I visited the Potala Palace. Photography is not allowed inside the palace, so I had to quietly listen to the guide's explanation as I walked through the entire Potala Palace. The main structures of the Potala Palace are the 'Red Palace' and the 'White Palace.' The Red Palace was built in the 7th century by King Songtsen Gampo of the Tibetan Empire to welcome Princess Wencheng and Princess Bhrikuti. After the 9th century, successive Dalai Lamas and Panchen Lamas gradually added the White Palace, forming the complex we see today. Walking on this celestial path and gazing at the distant snow mountains, I felt as if I were in a dream.

In the evening, I happened to catch the fountain show, and the Potala Palace looked extraordinarily beautiful with the lights, which was a stroke of luck.

I went to Jokhang Temple near the Potala Palace. In Tibetan, Jokhang Temple is called 'Jokhang,' and it is the ultimate pilgrimage destination for Tibetan Buddhist devotees, as well as the second most popular attraction in Lhasa. It's 8.4 kilometers from my hotel, Super 8 Select Hotel Lhasa Railway Station Plaza, about a 20-minute drive.

When visiting, you cannot wear shorts, short skirts, skirts, or revealing clothes. No hats or sunglasses are allowed, and you must wear a mask. Also, bring your ID card as it's required for identity verification. Prepare some small change, like 5 jiao or 1 yuan bills, about ten notes, and insert them one by one. For worship, put your palms together, bow your head, and that's sufficient. Before worshipping, be sure to look at the face and gestures of the Buddha statue as a sign of respect. If you're doing kora (circumambulation), odd numbers are preferred: one, three, five, or seven circuits, with seven considered the best.

By the way, casual photography is not allowed inside the temple. If you want to take photos, you can buy a photography permit from the temple management office for 90 yuan. Also, when visiting Jokhang Temple, you must follow the Tibetan Buddhist custom and walk clockwise. This is a place full of faith, so be respectful and mindful when visiting.

Below is a beautiful picture of Jokhang Temple from the internet. The actual place is even more stunning, so I highly recommend everyone to check it out~

I still decided to visit the Rituo Monastery that I had been longing for. I rented a car and set off from Lhasa. The drive took about two hours to reach the destination, though I didn't note the exact time. The first glimpse of Rituo Monastery was breathtaking – how could it be so beautiful! The waters of Yamdrok Lake by Rituo Monastery were like a fairyland, no filter needed, far surpassing those boastful blue seas overseas.

Special note: In the past, you only needed to pay 20 yuan to the lama if you wanted to climb up to the monastery. Now, there is a fee right at the entrance intersection, so remember to bring cash.

By the fifth day, I was completely worn out. Over these days, we had been driving, climbing, and making pilgrimages, and our energy was finally exhausted from all the joy. I returned to Super 8 Select Hotel Lhasa Railway Station Plaza to rest and recharge, then got ready to head back.

My dream of Lhasa ends here for now. Until we meet again if fate allows.