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Road trips are a fun way to explore and travel, and when the destination is Lhasa Adventure, which is situated in Tibet, you are in for a great ride. This journey is filled with spectacular views, and the wind blowing through your hair will make you feel like the main character of a movie.
Going to Lhasa from India via road is one of the most offbeat and adventurous things that you can do. Lhasa is the capital city of Tibet in China and attracts tourists from all around the world due to its beautiful and heartwarming culture, authentic art, iconic spots, history, and much more.
Planning Trip from India to Lhasa by Road
Planning your trip from India to Lhasa by road is going to be a difficult but exciting task, as it will give you a glimpse into how your trip will turn out. Around 22 is the ideal number of days that will be required for your Tibet road trip. You can start your journey from Gorakhpur and head towards Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha.
After exploring Lumbini by visiting nearby attractions like Maya Devi Temple, Lumbini Monastic Site, Ashoka Pillar, etc., your next stop in the Lhasa road trip itinerary would be Kathmandu, which is about 300 km away. You can pay a visit to Pashupatinath Temple and Kathmandu Durbar Square and explore the city on your sightseeing day.
You can go on the Mt. Everest flight tour the next day, which will be an incredible experience as you will get to see the tallest mountain on Earth before heading to Rasuwagadhi. After traversing the Nepal-China border, you will reach your next stop, Gyirong Town which is the main entry point for Tibet Autonomous Region from Nepal.
A 280-kilometer drive will take you to Tingri, where you can rest before starting your long drive the next day. On day 10, your journey will be to Everest Base Camp (EBC) and then to Shigatse to visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, built by the first Dalai Lama in 1447, and Shigatse Dzong. Lhasa is just 280 kilometers away from here. After exploring the city by visiting Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, etc. and having a leisurely day, you can head towards Baingoin and then Nyima, which translates to ‘Sun’ in Tibetan, followed by a drive to Sangsang.
After this, your next stop will be at Gyirong Town. You will reach Bidur after a 90-kilometer drive from Gyirong, after which you can head towards Bharatpur, which is situated in the Chitwan District of Nepal, Followed by another familiar drive to Gorakhpur, which can be the concluding stop of your trip. This itinerary will offer you the best views and adequate time to absorb the culture and also rejuvenate.
Packing essentials for a trip to Lhasa
Like any other trip, you should be prepared, especially with your packing essentials for a trip to Lhasa. While you will be able to buy anything that you might miss out on, it is better to make a list and pack everything that you might need. Some of the things that you should include in your bag are:
1. Travel documents: You are required to get a Chinese visa and a Tibet travel permit before entering Lhasa. In addition to this, don’t forget to keep your original identity-proof documents.
2. Clothing and accessories: Ensure that you keep weather-appropriate clothes and a few extra pairs for emergencies. It is advisable to carry a cap, headscarf, sunglasses, etc., depending on which season you are going to visit Lhasa.
3. Equipment and gear: You should carry a good-quality backpack, sleeping bag, waterproof gear like raincoats, bag covers, etc., and electronics, including power banks, flashlights, etc.
4. Personal hygiene: Make sure to carefully pack your personal hygiene bag properly and include things like toothbrushes, toothpaste, earbuds, sanitary products, tissue papers, toilet rolls, etc.
5. Medical kit: Make yourself a medical kit that includes your prescribed medicines and basic medicines like Diamox, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, etc.
What is the best time to visit Lhasa, Tibet?
You can plan a trip to Lhasa at any time of the year, as each season brings a unique experience for travelers. However, the best and most popular time to visit this picturesque place is during the spring, which is from April to May, and autumn, which includes the months of September and October.
These two particular seasons allow you to flexibly plan your vacation without having to worry about the temperature ruining your Lhasa itinerary. Notably, the peak season runs from April to October, so it is recommended to book your stay well in advance to avoid any last-minute trouble or extremely high prices.
Places in Lhasa that you cannot afford to miss
There are numerous tourist spots in Lhasa that capture the essence of this beautiful city and allow travelers to get a glimpse at the local life and vibrant culture. Following are some of the places that you absolutely cannot afford to miss during your Lhasa tour:
- Potala Palace: This iconic palace is around 1,300 years old and a world heritage site in Lhasa, which is popular among tourists.
- Jokhang Temple: This is also known as the Qoikang Monastery or Zuglagkang and is one of the most spiritual sites in China due to its history.
- Meru Monastery: Situated on Beijing East Road in Lhasa, this monastery was built over 400 years ago and is the only Buddhist scripture printing house in Tibet.
- Barkhor Street: This bustling street encompassing the Jokhang Temple is a must for travelers who want to buy souvenirs and watch pilgrims.
- Tibet Peaceful Liberation Monument: Nestled in Patola Square in Lhasa, this monument stands as a celebration of the peaceful liberation of Tibet.
Conclusion of Lhasa Adventure
Going to Lhasa, Tibet, via a road trip from India is nothing less than a paradise for adventure-seekers. The journey as well as the destination are beautiful and will offer you the perfect balance between thrills and sightseeing. Just pack your bags and get ready for a trip that you won’t be able to stop bragging about.
