I used Nomax to find a group to visit the Potala Palace with, and we ended up spending the whole week exploring hidden teahouses in the Barkhor together.
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Lhasa is a destination that transcends the ordinary, offering a spiritual journey through the high-altitude clouds of the Himalayas. Whether you are circling the sacred Barkhor Street or marveling at the Potala Palace, the experience is even more profound when shared. Nomax connects you with fellow adventurers ready to explore this ancient city together.
Nomax is available in Lhasa, China. Solo travelers can find companions, join activities like food tours, hiking, nightlife, and sightseeing, and chat with other travelers in Lhasa in real time. The app is free with verified profiles.
Know before you go
City at a Glance
Population 560,000
Languages Tibetan, Mandarin Chinese
Daily Budget 500-800 CNY
Best For Travelers Barkhor Street, Chengguan District, Beijing East Road
Best Seasons May to October
Vibe Spiritual, Ancient, Majestic
Public Transport Reliable buses and metered taxis
Safety Rating 9/10
Popular Meeting Spots in Lhasa
Top-rated places to explore and meet fellow travelers
Attraction
Jokhang Temple
Constructed in the 7th century AD to house the statues of Buddha that princesses Bhrikuti from Nepal and Wen Cheng from Tang Dynasty China brought as gifts for their future husband, King Songtsan Gampo. The temple has been enlarged many times over the centuries and now also houses statues of King Songtsan Gambo and his two famous foreign brides. However, the original statue of Jowo Sakyamuni Buddha that Princess Wen Cheng brought from Chang’an over 1300 years ago is definitely its most sacred and famous possession, and is perhaps the most venerated religious artifact in all of Tibet. The temple, a splendid four-floor building facing west under a guilded rooftop, is on Barkhor Square in the center of the old section of Lhasa.
Attraction
Potala Palace
A stronghold probably existed on Red Hill as early as the 7th century AD when King Songtsen Gampo built a fortress on it for his two foreign wives. The palace was rebuilt by the Fifth Dalai Lama in three years, while the Thirteenth Dalai Lama extended and repaired it into what it is now. It became winter palace in 1755 when the Seventh Dalai Lama made the Norbulinka into a summer residence. With over 1 000 rooms, the Potala contained the living quarters of the Dalai Lamas while they lived, and their sumptuous golden tombs when they died. As the religious and political centre of old Tibet and the winter residence of Dalai Lamas, the palace witnessed the life of the Dalai Lamas and the important political and religious activities in the past centuries. Potala Palace also houses great amounts of rare cultural relics including the gold hand-written Buddhist scriptures, valuable gifts from the Chinese emperors and a lot of priceless antiques. Guided palace tours generally include one hour inside the palace; allow at least that much time to walk up and down the many steps leading up to and from the palace. The palace is 14 stories tall and any visit involves climbing a lot of stairs up/down. Make sure you are fully acclimated before visiting. The Potala Palace was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994, the Jokhang Temple Monastery in 2000 and the Norbulingka Summer Palace in 2001.
Attraction
Norbulingka Summer Palace
Located about 1 km south of the Potala Palace - The Seventh Dalai Lama constructed the first summer palace in 1755 and each successive ruler added his own buildings. Norbulingka is now undergoing complete restoration. Presently, the complex contains a small zoo, botanical gardens, and a mansion from the 14th Dalai Lhama built in 1956~8.
Attraction
Drepung Monastery
Founded in 1416 by a disciple of Tsong Khapa, was the biggest and richest monastery in Tibet and its lamas helped to train each new young Dalai Lama. Drepung was also home to the Nechung, the state oracle. At its height, Drepung had over 10 000 monks, and governed 700 subsidiary monasteries and owned vast estates. Drepung belongs to the Gelupa sect.
Attraction
Sera Monastery
Founded in 1419 by one of Tsong Khapa’s (the founder of the Gelupa sect) eight disciples. It became famous for its tantric teachings, while Drepung drew fame from its governing role. Sera was smaller than Drepung, with 7,000 monks, but was very rich and comparable in power. The monks of Sera were considered clever and dangerous.
Attraction
Tibet Museum
Elaborate museum with artifacts reflecting the entire history of Tibet. Ask for a free audio tour in your language at the entrance. Predictably, the museum presents a very Chinese view of the "Peaceful Liberation" of Tibet, but the museum is worth a visit.
Attraction
Ganden Monastery
Located on Wangbur Mountain, 47 kilometers (29 miles) from Lhasa City. It is built in 15th century and comprised of over 50 structures. The main halls in the temple are the Main Assembly Hall (or Coqen Hall), Zhacangs, Khangtsens, and Myicuns.
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Find Travel Buddies — FreeWhat Travelers Say
Finding someone to watch the monk debates at Sera Monastery made the experience so much more engaging. We shared our thoughts over yak burgers afterwards!
I was nervous about the altitude, but I met a fellow traveler on Nomax who was on the same pace. We did the Ganden Kora together and it was life-changing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I meet other solo travelers in Lhasa?
The Barkhor Street area is the primary hub, specifically in the many traditional teahouses and rooftop cafes overlooking the Jokhang Temple. Many travelers also congregate at the Shiquanhe and Beijing East Road areas where local guesthouses and western-style cafes are concentrated.
Is Lhasa safe for solo travelers?
Lhasa is exceptionally safe with very low rates of violent crime, though travelers should be mindful of the high altitude and stay hydrated. It is important to carry your permits at all times and be respectful of local religious customs and political sensitivities to ensure a smooth trip.
How can Nomax help me find travel companions in Lhasa?
Nomax allows you to join specific 'Lhasa Culture' or 'Himalayan Trekking' groups to find people with similar interests. You can use the real-time city chat to find someone for a spontaneous visit to the Norbulingka summer palace or a dinner outing.
What day trips can I take from Lhasa?
Popular day trips include visiting the stunning turquoise waters of Lake Namtso or the Ganden Monastery, which offers incredible views of the Lhasa River valley. These trips often require organized transport, making them perfect for splitting costs with companions found on Nomax.
How much does it cost to travel in Lhasa per day?
A mid-range traveler should budget between 500 to 800 CNY per day, including entrance fees for major sites like the Potala Palace (200 CNY in peak season) and meals. Grouping up for transport and shared meals can significantly reduce these daily costs.
What cultural experiences should I not miss in Lhasa?
Do not miss the 'Kora' (pilgrim circuit) around the Jokhang Temple at dawn or dusk alongside local pilgrims. Watching the philosophical debates at Sera Monastery and attending a traditional Tibetan 'Lhamo' opera performance are also essential highlights.
How do I get around Lhasa using public transport?
Lhasa has an efficient and affordable bus network that covers most major landmarks for just 1-2 CNY. Taxis are also plentiful and use meters, but for the Old Town area, walking is the most practical and rewarding way to see the sights.
Do I need to speak the local language to get around Lhasa?
While Tibetan and Mandarin are the primary languages, younger locals and those in the tourism industry often speak some English. Having a translation app and a companion who might know a few phrases can be very helpful for navigating local markets.
What local food should I try in Lhasa?
You must try Tibetan momos (dumplings), Thukpa (noodle soup), and dried yak meat. For a truly local experience, visit a teahouse to try sweet milk tea or the traditional salty butter tea, which helps with altitude acclimatization.
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