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

For every traveler, Lhasa is a must-visit destination. I remember someone saying that everyone who goes to Lhasa leaves with a story. But I don’t know what my story is, or rather, regarding Lhasa, I’m going to create one of my own.

I flew from Chengdu to Xining. In the evening I arrived at Xining Station and finally boarded the Qinghai-Tibet railway train I’d been dreaming of, heading to the Roof of the World!

DAY1: Super 8 Selected Hotel Lhasa Railway Station Square Branch

DAY1: Chengdu - Xining - Lhasa

DAY2: Potala Palace

Day3: Jokhang Temple

Day4: Ritod Monastery

Day5: Super 8 Selected Hotel Lhasa Railway Station Square Branch

Lhasa has many snack stalls, with cold noodles, lamb offal, and more that dazzle the eyes. I ordered a serving of cold noodles. The noodles had a tender, crisp bite, and the chili mixed with tangy sauce was really appetizing.

A man nearby specialized in stir-fried lamb offal. A portion with lamb tripe cost 18 yuan and smelled incredibly good. I bought one to try. The lamb liver was a bit tough, but the tripe was very tender. Overall, it was delicious!

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

I stayed at the Super 8 Selected Hotel Lhasa Railway Station Square Branch. I had read good reviews about its environment and service, so I booked a room online in advance. The hotel is in Lhasa’s Liuwu New District, right opposite Lhasa Railway Station, only about 200 meters away. The receptionist told me that all rooms have windows, and from October to April you can see snowy mountains. Although when I checked in it was already past the best snow-viewing season, the room was comfortable, well-equipped, and clean. Overall, it was a great stay.

On my first day in Lhasa, immense fatigue washed over me. I headed straight to the Super 8 Selected Hotel Lhasa Railway Station Square Branch, dropped off my luggage, and started planning my itinerary. In the evening I went out to see the street views. Lhasa at night is extraordinarily beautiful. Some older locals walked by, turning prayer wheels in one hand and fingering prayer beads in the other, chanting as they went. This truly is a place of deep faith!

The next day, I visited the Potala Palace. Photography is not allowed inside the palace, so I just listened quietly to the guide’s commentary as we toured the whole complex. The Potala Palace’s main structures include the Red Palace and the White Palace. The Red Palace was built in the 7th century by King Songtsen Gampo of the Tubo dynasty to welcome Princess Wencheng and Princess Bhrikuti. From the 9th century onward, the Dalai Lamas and Panchen Lamas gradually added the White Palace, forming the present architectural ensemble. Walking along this heavenly path and gazing at the distant snow mountains, I felt as if I were in a dream.

That evening I was lucky to catch the fountain show; the Potala Palace looked especially beautiful against the lights.

I also visited the Jokhang Temple near the Potala Palace. Jokhang is known as ‘Jokhang’ in Tibetan and is the ultimate pilgrimage destination for Tibetan Buddhists, as well as Lhasa’s No. 2 attraction. It’s 8.4 km from my hotel, about a 20-minute drive.

When visiting, you cannot wear shorts, skirts, or revealing clothes, and you must take off your hat, remove sunglasses, and wear a mask. You also need your ID card for identity verification. Have some small change ready – 0.5 or 1 yuan bills, about ten of them, to drop into donation boxes one by one. To pay homage, simply put your palms together and bow. Before praying, be sure to look clearly at the Buddha statue’s face and posture as a sign of respect. If you are circumambulating, an odd number of rounds is best – one, three, five, or seven, with seven considered ideal.

One more thing: random photography inside the temple is not allowed. If you want to take pictures, you can buy a photography permit from the temple management for 90 yuan. Also, when visiting Jokhang Temple, follow the Tibetan Buddhist custom of moving clockwise. This is a place filled with faith, so please be a respectful traveler.

Here are some beautiful Jokhang Temple pictures I found online. The real thing is even more stunning – I highly recommend you check it out!

I still decided to go see the Ritod Monastery I’d been longing for. I rented a car and set off from Lhasa. The drive took more than two hours – I didn’t note the exact time. When I first saw Ritod Monastery, I was utterly amazed. How could it be so beautiful! The waters of Yamdrok Lake by the monastery were like a fairyland. Without any filter, they easily outshine those over-hyped blue seas abroad.

Special tip: It used to be that you only had to pay the lamas 20 yuan if you wanted to climb up to the monastery, but now there’s a toll right at the road entrance. Have cash ready.

By the fifth day, I was completely worn out. These past few days of driving, hiking, and pilgrimages had drained all my energy, but in the midst of endless joy. I returned to the Super 8 Selected Hotel Lhasa Railway Station Square Branch to rest and recharge before heading home.

My Lhasa dream stops here for now. Until we meet again.