Half-Day Trips Around Lhasa

Top Three Recommendations! If you've explored the city and don't want to venture too far, here are three must-visit spots near Lhasa that only require half a day: Photos 1 & 2: Drigung Til Monastery Located in Mozhugongka County, about 120 kilometers from Lhasa, this monastery is perched on a cliff at an altitude of 4,300 meters, offering breathtaking views. Drigung Til Monastery is home to one of Tibet's largest and most sacred sky burial sites. Note that sky burial ceremonies are typically not open to tourists, and visitors should respect local customs and religious beliefs. The main structures of the monastery include prayer halls, Buddha halls, and monk quarters, which house ancient murals, thangkas, and statues. Nearby, you'll find sacred sites like meditation caves and holy springs, said to be places where high-ranking monks practiced meditation over the centuries. Opening Hours: Usually during daytime. Tickets are required. You can reach the monastery by hiring a car or driving yourself, which takes about 2.5 hours. Alternatively, take a bus from Lhasa to Mozhugongka and transfer to local transportation. Photos 3 & 4: Yamdrok Lake (Yamdrok Yumtso) One of Tibet's three holy lakes, Yamdrok Lake is located in Langkazi County, Shannan Prefecture, at an altitude of approximately 4,400 meters. A round trip from Lhasa, including sightseeing, takes about six hours. Both group tours and self-driving are convenient options. Yamdrok Lake is considered one of the most stunning lakes in Tibet. Photos 5 & 6: Najin Mountain A sacred site for blessings near Lhasa, Najin Mountain is located in Najin Township, Chengguan District, about 20 kilometers from the city center, at an altitude of 4,200 meters. It is one of the popular spots around Lhasa for hanging prayer flags and seeking blessings. In Tibetan Buddhism, it is believed that each flutter of a prayer flag in the wind is equivalent to chanting a prayer, bringing good fortune, health, and peace. You can pray for blessings for yourself, your family, and your friends here. Yamdrok Lake, Drigung Til Monastery, Najin Mountain