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  Home : City Guide : Tibet : Lhasa : Travel Tips

- When to Go -


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Lhasa is definitely many travelers' dream destination. Its deep blue sky, sparkling river, mystery, religion, architecture, and the simple and unsophisticated Tibetan people attract thousands of visitors.

With an altitude of 3650 meters (11,975 feet), Lhasa is one of the highest cities in the world. It has the highland temperate semi-arid monsoon climate. Annual rainfall here is considerable and mainly falls from the June to September Most of the time it rains at night. The air in Lhasa is thin and the temperature is comparatively low. The temperature differences during a single day can be large. Comparatively from March to October, the climate becomes mild and humid: this is the best season to travel in Tibet. The spring and winter in Lhasa are dry and windy. Generally the May Day Holiday is the beginning of the traveling season.

Clothes
Despite the amount of sunlight in Tibet, the daily difference in temperature is still big. It is chilly at night even if the day here is sunny. Most hotels in Tibet have no central heating. Bringing winter clothes is therefore a wise choice. Generally a T-shirt, overcoat and jeans are also indispensable. Sunhats, sunglasses and suntan lotion are necessities. Also, if you intend to watch the sunrise at Mt. Everest or Namtso, then warm clothes are a must. In case to be burnt by the strong ultraviolet lights in this high-altitude area, you are suggested to take sunscreens and sunglasses. What's more, for it is usually windy and dry here, lipstick is also necessary.

Festivals
If you are lucky enough to catch a Tibetan festival during your visit, it will surely make your trip more interesting and memorable.

  • Shoton Festival
    This is one of the largest festivals in Tibet and is held annually from June 30th to July 6th of the Tibetan calendar. During the festival, the Unveiling Ceremony of the giant Thangka of Buddha is held in Drepung Monastery.

  • The best time to Tibet is from March to October.Tibetan New Year
    Tibetan New Year is the grandest festival in Tibet. The celebrations last for ten days from January 1st to 10th of the Tibetan calendar. The main activities are held in the Jokhang Temple. Generally Tibetan New Year coincides with the low season for traveling.

    Note: According to tradition, shops during this period close and flights stop from January 1st to 5th.

  • Saka Dawa Festival
    Saka Dawa Festival is a unique and popular festival in spring. It is held on April 15th of the Tibetan calendar. On this day, the whole of Lhasa is immersed in incense smoke. The people of Lhasa walk around the wall of Jokhang Temple and the Potala Palace as a pilgrimage.

    For more traditional festivals, please click the Tibet Festivals.


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Last updated: May 13, 2008