Lhasa Altitude/Elevation: How High is Lhasa Above the Sea Level?
Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, is the 7th highest large city in the world. As the center of Tibetan culture and the heart of the Tibetan Buddhist religion, the holy city of Lhasa is a shining gem on the Tibetan Plateau, attracting countless pilgrims and tourists from all over the world. If you’re planning a trip to Lhasa, it’s important to prepare for Lhasa’s high altitude to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.
Here, we’ll provide you with essential information about Lhasa’s altitude to help you better prepare for your trip to Lhasa.
1. How High are Lhasa City and Its Counties above Sea Level?
2. How Does Lhasa’s Elevation Affect its Climate, Lifestyle, and People?
3. How Does Lhasa’s Elevation Impact Tourists All Over the World?
4. How Can Visitors Acclimate to Lhasa’s High Altitude?
5. What Are the Elevations of Lhasa’s Main Attractions? Which One Is the Highest?
6. How Does Lhasa’s Altitude Compare to Other Major Cities/Sites of Tibet?
1. How High are Lhasa City and Its Counties above Sea Level?
At an average altitude of 3,650 meters (11,975 feet) above sea level, Lhasa City is high up in the air on the Tibetan Plateau. Located in the valley plain on the north bank of the Lhasa River, a tributary of the Yarlung Zangbo River, Lhasa is high in the east and low in the west, sloping from east to west.
The Map of Lhasa City and Its Counties with Altitude.
Chengguan District, the main area of Lhasa City, is about 3,650 meters above sea level. It is the most developed cultural and religious area in Tibet. Famous tourist attractions such as the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery, and Drepung Monastery are located in Chengguan District.
Next to the west of Chengguan District is Doilungdeqen District, with an altitude of 4,500 meters. While the Lhasa River and the Doilung River pass through the area, the terrain is high in the northwest and low in the southeast.
Quxu County, located south of Doilungdeqen District at an average altitude of 3,750 meters, lies between the middle and lower reaches of the Lhasa River on the northern bank of the Yarlung Tsangpo River. It is a major grain-producing area for Lhasa. Traveling from Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake, you’ll pass through Quxu and enjoy the pastoral scenery of rivers and Tibetan villages.
Nyemo County, located 141 kilometers from downtown Lhasa, has an elevation range from 3,700 meters to 7,048 meters. The terrain of Nyemo County slopes from west to east, with the highest point at 7,048 meters at the southern end of the Nyainqêntanglha Mountains and the lowest at 3,700 meters, where the Maqu River joins the Yarlung Tsangpo River. The average elevation of Nyemo County is over 4,000 meters, and some villages reach up to 5,500 meters.
North to downtown Lhasa is Lhunzhub County with an elevation of about 4,200 meters. It is situated in the upper reaches of the Lhasa River and is a primary habitat for black-necked cranes, as well as some other birds and wild animals in Tibet. It is one of the best places for winter birdwatching in Tibet.
Damxung County, where the famous Namtso Lake is located, is to the northwest of Doilungdeqen District. The average altitude of Damxung is about 4,200 meters with the highest point at 7,200 meters above sea level.
With an average altitude of 4,100 meters, Dagze District is located east of Chengduan District in Lhasa. There are 14 monasteries in Dagze District, including Ganden Monastery and Drak Yerpa Monastery.
Located east of Dagze County is Maizhokunggar County, with an average altitude of more than 4,000 meters above sea level. Surrounded by river valleys, it is high in the east and low in the west.
2. How Does Lhasa’s Elevation Affect its Climate, Lifestyle, and People?
Lhasa is about 3,650 meters above sea level, which gives it a unique climate with an average annual sunshine time of more than 3,000 hours. That’s why it’s called the “Sunshine City”. The strong UV radiation at this elevation makes everything feel brighter, creating stunning scenery in the holy city. While enjoying the bright sunshine in Lhasa, don’t forget to take sun protection measures.
Lhasa’s high altitude also blocks moisture from the southwest monsoon, resulting in less rainfall compared to cities along the middle and lower Yangtze River at the same latitude. In such dry environment, it is also very important to pay attention to hydration when traveling to Lhasa.
The golden roof of the Jokhang Temple shines under the sunny day.
As the altitude increases, the air becomes thinner and less effective at retaining heat, resulting in big temperature changes between day and night. This makes it essential to stay warm when the sun sets. So, no matter which season you visit Lhasa, it’s wise to bring a coat to keep warm in the evenings.
The traditional Tibetan robe is specially designed for the temperature changes at high altitudes, featuring one long sleeve that can be easily taken off when daytime temperatures rise, and put back on when it gets cooler to stay warm. You can see many Tibetan residents in Lhasa still wear this traditional clothing nowadays.
Local Tibetans have developed unique adaptations, like drinking butter tea or sweet tea and eating high-carb foods to cope with altitude sickness and boost their energy. This has made Tibetan tea houses popular spots for locals to relax and socialize. While visiting Lhasa, you’ll easily find Tibetan tea houses on Barkhor Street and downtown. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy a cup of Tibetan butter tea, just like the locals do.
3. How Does Lhasa’s Elevation Impact Tourists All Over the World?
For tourists who have never been to Lhasa before, the elevation of Lhasa can easily cause altitude sickness. Altitude sickness usually occurs when the human body enters a high altitude area above 2,700 meters. Due to the low temperature, low pressure, and low oxygen at higher places, the body will experience symptoms such as headache, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.
Generally, it takes one to two days for first-time travelers to adapt to the altitude of Lhasa. Therefore, don’t be too nervous about altitude sickness in Lhasa. Just keep relaxing and let your body get used to Lhasa’s altitude naturally.
Considering the healthy and safety to Tibet, people with cardiovascular disease or cardiopulmonary conditions, such as high blood pressure or heart disease, are not recommended to travel to Tibet. The high altitude in Tibet can place a burden on the body's organs and pose health risks. It is advisable to consult a professional doctor before considering a visit to Tibet.
4. How Can Visitors Acclimate to Lhasa’s High Altitude?
In the thin air and high altitude of the plateau, there is a high risk of altitude sickness, if you are not careful. Here are some useful ways to prevent high altitude sickness in Lhasa.
It’s highly recommended to spend 2 to 3 days in Lhasa upon your arrival to give your body enough time to acclimatize to the high altitude. On your arrival day, it’s wise to keep your schedule light and focus on resting at your hotel after your flight or train ride to Tibet. This will help you feel ready to explore the wonders of Tibet in the following days.
Enjoy a few days in Lhasa, exploring the city's highlights and acclimatizing to the high altitude.
Remain hydrated at all times when in Tibet, as dehydration can be a major cause of altitude sickness. Headaches and nausea are the main symptoms of both altitude sickness and dehydration, so it is a good idea to remain hydrated to make sure that altitude sickness is the cause.
Avoid strenuous exercise, smoking, alcohol, high-caffeine drinks, and sedatives, as these can all exacerbate altitude sickness. High-calorie and high-protein foods can help your body adjust to the higher altitude faster, but should be taken in moderation, not in excessive quantities.
5. What Are the Elevations of Lhasa’s Main Attractions? Which One Is the Highest?
Lhasa attractions are mainly concentrated in the Old Town of Lhasa and the hills in the suburbs of Lhasa. The average altitude of downtown Lhasa is 3,650 meters, and the suburban areas are slightly higher than the city with an average altitude of about 3,700 meters.
Attraction | Altitude (meters) | Introduction |
---|---|---|
Potala Palace | 3,700 | The landmark of Tibet that stands on the Red Hill above the city center. |
Jokhang Temple | 3,650 | The spiritual center for Tibetan Buddhists houses a 12-year-old Shakyamuni Buddha statue. |
Barkhor Street | 3,650 | A pilgrimage route around the Jokhang Temple now is also a bustling market street for locals and tourists. |
Norbulingka Palace | 3,650 | The summer residence of successive Dalai Lamas is famous for its beautiful garden and rich cultural history. |
Ramoche Temple | 3,600 | As one of the oldest temples in Lhasa, it is home to an 8-year-old Shakyamuni Buddha statue. |
Sera Monastery | 3,700 | As one of the Great Three Gelup monasteries in Tibet, it is famous for the lively debates among monks and impressive architecture. |
Drepung Monastery | 3,800 | It is the largest monastery in Tibet and one of the Great Three Gelug monasteries to explore the daily life of Tibetan monks. |
Ganden Monastery | 3,800 | The founding monastery of the Gelug School of Tibetan Buddhism is also a good hiking destination near Lhasa. |
Drak Yerpa Monastery | 4,400 | Nestled on a mountain cliff, it is a significant site for spiritual tours and meditation in ancient caves. |
Namtso Lake | 4,718 | It is the most popular holy lake in Tibet and the highest saltwater lake in China, renowned for its stunning waters and breathtaking mountain scenery. |
6. How Does Lhasa’s Altitude Compare to Other Major Cities/Sites of Tibet?
Located in the central part of the Tibet Autonomous Region, Lhasa has a lower altitude compared to southern and western Tibet. For example, Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet, sits at 3,800 meters, while the Everest Base Camp in Tibet exceeds 5,000 meters above sea level. Further to the west is the Ngari area, which has an average altitude of 4,500 meters above sea level.
Conversely, Nyingchi, located in eastern Tibet, sits at a lower altitude of around 3,000 meters. Many Southeast Asian tourists and domestic tourists prefer to enter Tibet through Nyingchi instead of Lhasa, allowing for a smoother transition to the high altitude of Tibet. While traveling from Nyingchi to Lhasa, the gradual approach helps reduce the risk of altitude sickness and enhances the travel experience.
Destination | Altitude (meters) |
---|---|
Lhasa | 3,700 |
Namtso Lake | 4,718 |
Yamdrok Lake | 4,441 |
Gyantse | 3,977 |
Shigatse | 3,860 |
Tingri | 4,300 |
Everest Base Camp | 5,200 |
Saga | 4,640 |
Gyirong | 2,774 |
Darchen | 4,670 |
Mount Kailash | 6,714 |
Lake Manasarovar | 4,590 |
The Ruins of Guge Kingdom | 3,889 |
Nyingchi | 3,000 |
Tsedang | 3,560 |
Chamdo | 3,200 |
7. More Insider Tips
In fact, taking the train to Lhasa doesn’t prevent altitude sickness. While the Tibet train provides an oxygen supply from Golmud, the oxygen levels in the carriages differ from the natural environment outside. After arriving in Lhasa, your body still needs time to adjust to the lower oxygen levels. While the breathtaking scenery of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is a highlight, it’s important to choose your mode of transportation based on your needs, rather than simply opting for a longer train ride in hopes of easing altitude sickness.
All trains to Lhasa have oxygen outlets, providing higher oxygen levels inside the carriage than outside.
Many star-rated hotels in Lhasa provide oxygen cylinders, and some are equipped with in-room oxygen supply systems. You may experience headaches or difficulty sleeping in the first few nights after arriving in Lhasa, but don't be too nervous. These symptoms will disappear when you adapt to the altitude of Lhasa. If you feel seriously unwell, please contact the tour guide and hotel in time.
If you plan to visit Everest Base Camp or Mount Kailash from Lhasa, it’s essential to avoid a tight schedule. You’ll need time to acclimatize not only to Lhasa’s altitude but also to the increasing elevation as you travel to the mountains. A well-paced itinerary will allow you to adapt gradually and fully appreciate the stunning landscapes along the way.
Conclusion
At 3,650 meters above sea level, Lhasa ranks among the highest cities in the world. As the first stop for most Tibet tours, Lhasa serves as an ideal place to acclimatize to the elevation of Tibet while exploring the landmarks of the holy city. By familiarizing yourself with Lhasa's altitude and that of nearby areas, you can better plan your Tibet tour itinerary and prepare for your visit to this extraordinary destination.
With 20+ years of guide experience and tons of great reviews, Sonam Tenphel is one of the top-rated local Tibetan guides in our team. Polite, enthusiastic, and extremely attentive to every traveler’s needs, he is your best travel companion in Tibet and a walking dictionary of Tibetan culture and history.
Additionally, being a great photographer, Sonam helps you capture great Tibet travel moments and maximize your Tibet experiences like no other.
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0 Comment ON "Lhasa Altitude/Elevation: How High is Lhasa Above the Sea Level? "
1. How High are Lhasa City and Its Counties above Sea Level?
2. How Does Lhasa’s Elevation Affect its Climate, Lifestyle, and People?
3. How Does Lhasa’s Elevation Impact Tourists All Over the World?
4. How Can Visitors Acclimate to Lhasa’s High Altitude?
5. What Are the Elevations of Lhasa’s Main Attractions? Which One Is the Highest?
6. How Does Lhasa’s Altitude Compare to Other Major Cities/Sites of Tibet?