Lhasa, Tibet, China - Day 1

Friday October 10, 2025 - Chengdu to Lhasa

We had an 8:20 in the morning flight to Lhasa. It was a 2-hour flight and then an hour drive to Shangri-La Hotel where we would spend 3 nights. We started altitude adjustment pills the day before. We have been at altitude before at Lake Titicaca and Cusco (12,000 feet with no issues but this trip was going to be much higher at Base Camp around 17,000 feet), so we started Acetazolamide (Diamox) which speeds acclimatization. 

views of the Himalayas from the plane

We arrived in Lhasa and were met by our Guide Kelsang and driver Ghuhten, and were greeted with welcome scarves. Lhasa's altitude is around 11,975 feet. We had no tours planned today to relax and adjust to the altitude.

It was lunch time, so Greg and I went to the Asian Restaurant at the hotel. Greg ordered the Salted Fish Fried Rice and I got the Beef Curry Fried Rice. 

our room

in the shower

Asian Restaurant

Salted Fish Fried Rice

Beef Curry Fried Rice

lobby

outside one of the shops

pool

After lunch we went for a walk to find a mini market and found one with Coke Zero and Dove Chocolate bars. 

bottom entry to the hotel

guy that let us through the gate

upper entry to the hotel

area outside the bar

Potala Palace from the area outside the bar

We ordered room service as we weren't very hungry and planned to split a pizza. They were out of pizza, so we ordered chicken wings and onion rings. The regular restaurant was buffet, and we really didn't want that much food. Later we went in search of dessert.

desserts in the lobby

Tomorrow, we visit Norbulingka, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery. 

Photo Album: Lhasa Day 1 https://photos.app.goo.gl/o7eNQJwsH6wTkeV47