First time visiting Lhasa, how to play?

📍 **[Destination Guide] Must-know Tips for Lhasa** **Peak Season (May-October)**: Warm climate, sufficient oxygen, suitable for first-time Tibet visitors. - **Off-season (November-April)**: Fewer tourists, cheaper flights and hotels, but watch out for altitude sickness and cold weather. **🚗 Transportation Guide** - **Airplane**: Direct flight to Lhasa Gonggar Airport, recommended to choose a window seat on the left side for a bird’s-eye view of the snow-capped mountains! - **Train**: Take the Qinghai-Tibet Railway to Lhasa (Xining-Lhasa section), helps alleviate altitude sickness, with stunning scenery along the way. - **City Transport**: Taxi starting fare is 10 RMB, bus fare is 1 RMB, recommended to rent Tibetan costumes and ride around Barkhor Street! **Day 1: Adapt to the Plateau** - Morning: Arrive in Lhasa, check into an oxygen-supplied hotel for rest (recommended near Barkhor Street). - Afternoon: Stroll around Barkhor Street’s kora path, drink sweet tea and sunbathe to acclimate to the altitude. - Evening: Avoid bathing, go to bed early to conserve energy. **Day 2: Pilgrimage Journey** - Morning: Potala Palace (book 1 week in advance!) + Yowang Mountain Viewing Platform (50 RMB for the same photo spot). - Afternoon: Jokhang Temple (feel the devotion of the believers) + Tibetan costume photo shoot (about 300 RMB/set on Barkhor Street). **Day 3: Around Lhasa** - Private car tour: Yamdrok Lake + Karola Glacier, capture stunning lake and mountain scenery effortlessly! **Day 4-5: Namtso Holy Elephant Gate** - Two-day tour: Stay in lakeside tents to stargaze, check in at the Holy Elephant Gate cliff photo spot (advance booking required). **Day 6: Off-the-beaten-path Secret Spots** - Zhayeba Monastery (cliff cave temple) + Ganden Monastery, avoid crowds and experience Tibetan Buddhism culture. **Day 7: Return and Shopping** - Buy Tibetan incense and thangka at Chongsaikang Market, pick up yak jerky and highland barley wine at the airport. 📸 **[Attraction Guide] Top 5 Must-visit Spots** 1. **Potala Palace** - Ticket: 200 RMB in peak season + reservation fee, free in off-season! - Hidden tip: Night tour of Potala Square to see the light reflections! 2. **Jokhang Temple** - Ticket: 85 RMB, hire a guide (50 RMB) to learn about Tibetan culture. - Taboo: Circumambulate clockwise, do not point at Buddha statues. 3. **Yamdrok Lake** - Ticket: 120 RMB, drones must be registered, 10 RMB to take photos with yaks by the lake. 4. **Debate at Sera Monastery** - Starts at 3 PM, monks’ intense debates are incredibly impressive! 5. **Norbulingka** - Tibetan summer palace, flowers bloom in summer, perfect for forest-style photos. 🏨 **[Hotel Guide] High Cost-Performance Recommendations** - **Light Luxury Choice**: St. Regis Lhasa Resort (diffused oxygen supply, Potala Palace view from the window). - **Tibetan Style**: Guzang Shuhua Guesthouse (next to Barkhor Street, Tibetan decor + popular photo stairway). - **Best Value**: Pingcuo Kangsang Youth Hostel (backpacker hub, convenient for carpooling and making travel companions). 🍜 **[Food Guide] Must-try Tibetan Dishes** - **Tibetan noodles + sweet tea**: Guangming Port Qiong Sweet Tea House (1 RMB per cup, popular with locals). - **Yak meat hotpot**: Tian Village Stone Pot Tibetan Fragrant Chicken (fresh soup and tender meat, about 80 RMB per person). - **Yogurt shop**: Qianzhan Yak Yogurt Shop (near Potala Palace, with special highland barley powder). - **Butter tea & tsampa**: Experience Tibetan daily life, but be cautious as butter tea is salty! ⚠️ **[Important Tips] Life-saving Essentials!** 1. **Altitude Sickness Prevention**: - Take Rhodiola 7 days in advance, avoid strenuous exercise after arrival. - Do not bathe (don’t ask how I know, tried it for you [Cry][Cry][Cry]). 2. **Sun Protection and Warmth**: - UV rays are very strong! Sunglasses, SPF50+ sunscreen, and hats are must-haves. - Large temperature difference between day and night, bring a windbreaker even in summer. 3. **Cultural Respect**: - No short skirts, hats, or photography inside temples; circumambulate clockwise. - Do not touch children’s heads, avoid discussing sensitive political or religious topics. 4. **Safety Tips**: - Carry your ID card and border pass (apply in advance before going to Tibet); permits needed for Everest/Ngari. - Be cautious when buying dzi beads and amber, only buy from reputable shops.