Family-Friendly Adventures in Lhasa, China!

Potala Palace

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to Potala Palace, Lhasa

Morning: Arrival and Ascent to Potala Palace

Start your day early by heading to one of Tibet"s most iconic landmarks, the majestic Potala Palace. Located in the heart of Lhasa, it"s easily accessible by taxi or bus from most parts of the city. Purchase your tickets in advance online to avoid long queues and ensure entry, as visits are time-limited to manage the number of visitors. Begin your ascent up the palace steps around 9:00 AM to enjoy the cool morning air. It"s a bit of a climb (over 1,000 steps!), so take it slowly and enjoy the stunning views of Lhasa city as you ascend.

Interesting Fact: The Potala Palace was once the winter residence of the Dalai Lama and houses countless treasures and artifacts.

Midday: Explore the Red and White Palaces

Upon reaching the top, explore the intricate chambers of the Red Palace, dedicated to religious study and Buddhist prayer, and the White Palace, which served as the living quarters of the Dalai Lama. Each room and gallery is filled with ancient Buddhist art, tapestries, and statues. Engage your kids by playing a small game of "find the artifact," where they look for specific items mentioned in your guidebook.

Afternoon: Stroll Around the Potala Palace Square

After descending from the palace, relax at the Potala Palace Square. It"s a perfect spot for photos with the palace in the background. Treat your family to a simple Tibetan meal at a nearby café — momos (dumplings) and thukpa (noodle soup) are must-tries.

Interesting Fact: The site around Potala Palace offers an excellent view of Lhasa and is a popular place for both locals and tourists to gather.

End your day with a leisurely walk back to your accommodation, immersed in the history and culture you"ve experienced at one of Tibet"s most revered and beautiful sites.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Jokhang Temple

Why Visit?

Welcome to a magical family day at the Jokhang Temple, the heart of Tibetan Buddhism, located in the charming old town of Lhasa.

### Morning Arrival

Start your day early by taking a taxi or a bus to Barkhor Street. The temple is a central piece of this bustling area filled with shops and traditional Tibetan houses. Upon arriving, immerse yourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of pilgrims and locals.

### Explore Jokhang Temple

Enter the temple (entry fee: around 85 CNY per person) and join a guided tour available in different languages, which will make the experience more enriching for kids and adults alike. As you wander through this sacred site, built during the reign of King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century, admire the intricate architecture and the golden statues, particularly the revered Jowo Rinpoche, a life-sized statue of Buddha at age twelve.

Fun Fact: Tell your kids to look out for the temple’s rooftop statues, which are believed to guard the temple against evil spirits!

### Participate in a Cultural Activity

Post your temple tour, participate in a prayer wheel spinning session around the temple with locals—a fun and meaningful activity for the family, instilling a sense of community and peace.

### Lunch Break

Head to a nearby Tibetan restaurant around Barkhor Street to indulge in some authentic Tibetan cuisine. Try momos (Tibetan dumplings) or thukpa (noodle soup), which are both kid-friendly dishes.

### Afternoon Stroll and Shopping

After lunch, take a leisurely stroll around Barkhor Street. It’s a great place for buying souvenirs such as Tibetan prayer flags or handcrafted jewelry, giving your kids a tangible memory of their visit.

### Departure

Wrap up your visit by late afternoon, taking a taxi or bus back to your accommodation, filled with memories and new insights into Tibetan culture and history.

This itinerary ensures a blend of cultural immersion, education, and fun, making the Jokhang Temple visit a memorable family outing.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Ganden Monastery

Why Visit?

Embark on an inspiring family journey to the serene Ganden Monastery in Tibet, a site rich in history and spiritual significance. Located about 40 kilometers northeast of Lhasa, this splendid monastery can be reached by a scenic hour-long drive from the city, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.

Morning: Arrival and Exploration

Start your day early to enjoy a leisurely drive to Ganden Monastery. Upon arrival, explore the monastery"s intricate architecture and vibrant prayer halls. Ganden, founded in 1409 by Tsongkhapa, the leader of the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism, plays a central role in the cultural and religious life of Tibet. It"s a great opportunity for the family to learn about Tibetan Buddhism"s teachings and history.

Midday: Picnic with a View

Pack a picnic to enjoy in the surrounding hills. The area offers several picturesque spots with panoramic views of the monastery and the valley—perfect for a family photo session!

Afternoon: Kora Walk

After lunch, take the family on the kora, a circumambulatory walk around the monastery. This gentle hike is about 90 minutes long and is both physically rewarding and spiritually uplifting. The path provides various views of the monastery and the enchanting Yarlung Tsangpo River.

Late Afternoon: Meditation and Reflection

Participate in a short meditation session led by a local monk, suitable for both adults and children. It"s a unique way to engage with the peaceful ambiance of Ganden and reflect on the day’s experiences.

Evening: Return to Lhasa

Conclude your visit by heading back to Lhasa in the late afternoon. This serene journey back will give your family time to discuss the day"s learning and experiences.

Visiting Ganden Monastery offers not just a glimpse into Tibetan Buddhism but also a chance for a family to bond over shared spiritual and cultural discoveries.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Sera Monastery

Why Visit?

Embark on an enchanting journey to the Sera Monastery, one of the great three Gelug monasteries of Tibet, located approximately 5 kilometers north of Lhasa. Ideal for a family adventure, this monastery offers a rich tapestry of Tibetan culture and religious education.

### Morning Arrival

Begin your day early with a taxi or bus ride from Lhasa to Sera Monastery, offering scenic views along the way. Aim to arrive by 9:00 AM to fully enjoy the serene morning atmosphere before it gets busier.

### Explore the Grounds

Start at the main entrance and marvel at the stunning architecture. Families can explore the beautiful halls such as the Assembly Hall and the Hayagriva Chapel, each adorned with exquisite thangkas and statues. Don’t miss the chance to stroll through the peaceful courtyard gardens, a perfect spot for the kids to enjoy.

### Debate Sessions

One of the highlights of Sera Monastery is the famous monks’ debate that occurs in the Debating Courtyard, usually starting around 3:00 PM. It’s a fascinating display of lively argumentation and ritual clapping - a spectacle that both adults and children will find captivating.

### Interactive Learning

Take advantage of the educational opportunities by engaging with the friendly monks who often share insights into their daily practices and beliefs. Some interactive workshops or guided tours can provide a deeper understanding of the monks" lifestyle and Tibetan Buddhism.

### Practical Tips

- Timing: Visiting hours are generally from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Check local timings especially for the debate sessions.

- Dress Code: Dress modestly; shoulders and knees should be covered.

- Photography: Ask for permission before taking photos, especially inside the temples.

End your visit to Sera Monastery with a deeper appreciation of Tibetan spiritual practices and culture, making your family trip both educational and memorable.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Barkhor Street

Why Visit?

Welcome to Barkhor Street, a vibrant historical circuit around the Jokhang Temple in the heart of Lhasa, Tibet. This bustling pilgrimage route is perfect for families eager to experience authentic Tibetan culture.

Morning

Begin your day early at the Jokhang Temple, the most sacred temple in Tibet. It"s easily accessible by taxi or bus from anywhere in Lhasa. Arrive by 8 AM to witness monks in morning prayer, a truly serene experience. Don"t miss the golden statue of the young Buddha Sakyamuni inside, a key attraction. Entry fees are approximately 85 CNY, but children under 1.2 meters can enter for free.

After exploring the temple, head into Barkhor Street itself. The street forms a loop around the temple and is easy to navigate. Dive into the local market here where your family can shop for Tibetan souvenirs such as prayer wheels, traditional jewelry, and thangka paintings.

Lunch

Around noon, grab a bite at one of the local eateries along the street. Sample traditional Tibetan dishes like momos (dumplings) or thukpa (noodle soup), which are kid-friendly and nutritious.

Afternoon

After lunch, continue your exploration by visiting the Meru Nyingba Monastery, an intimate and lesser-known site nestled within the bustling street. It offers a peaceful retreat with fewer tourists. Here, kids can learn about Buddhist monks" daily lives and see beautiful Buddhist statues and thangkas.

Evening

Conclude your day with a stroll around the street as dusk sets. The area becomes beautifully lit by butter lamps, creating a magical atmosphere. Enjoy the local snacks from street vendors, like sweet tea and tsampa (barley flour), which are perfect for energizing tired little ones.

Throughout your visit, keep an eye out for the intricate stone carvings and prayer wheels spun by pilgrims — each spin is believed to send prayers to heaven, a captivating sight for all ages. This family-friendly itinerary ensures a memorable and culturally rich experience at Barkhor Street!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.