Things to Do in Lhasa in August
August weather, activities, events & insider tips
August Weather in Lhasa
Is August Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak wildflower season - highland meadows burst with blue poppies, primulas, and rhododendrons at 4,200m+ (13,780ft+) elevations
- Clearest mountain views after monsoon rains wash away dust - Everest visible 85% of mornings from Drepung Monastery
- Shoton Festival (Yogurt Festival) happens mid-August with massive Buddha thangka unveilings at Drepung and Sera monasteries
- Warmest weather of the year makes high-altitude acclimatization more comfortable - daytime temps perfect for walking without heavy layers
Considerations
- Afternoon thunderstorms occur 15+ days with sudden temperature drops from 24°C to 15°C (75°F to 59°F) - can strand you outdoors
- Peak tourist season means Potala Palace tickets sell out 7-10 days ahead and cost 35% more than off-season
- Frequent road closures on routes to Everest Base Camp and Namtso Lake due to monsoon flooding - backup plans essential
Best Activities in August
High-altitude monastery hiking circuits
August's warm daytime temperatures make the grueling climbs to Ganden Monastery (4,300m/14,100ft) and Drak Yerpa meditation caves actually pleasant. Wildflowers line the kora paths, and afternoon storms create dramatic cloud formations around the peaks. The monsoon rains have cleared dust, making photography spectacular.
Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple cultural tours
August coincides with major Buddhist festivals, so monastery activities are at their peak. Monks perform special summer ceremonies, and the Shoton Festival brings enormous thangka displays. Morning visits (8-10am) avoid afternoon storms and catch the best light on golden rooftops.
Namtso Lake camping expeditions
August is the only month warm enough for comfortable camping at Namtso's 4,718m (15,479ft) elevation. Night temperatures only drop to 2°C (36°F) instead of the usual -15°C (5°F). Crystal-clear post-storm skies create perfect conditions for Milky Way photography, and wildflowers carpet the shoreline.
Traditional Tibetan medicine and hot spring treatments
August's frequent storms make indoor cultural activities especially appealing. Local hot springs like Tidrom (90 minutes from Lhasa) are perfect after wet hiking days. Traditional medicine consultations peak in August as locals prepare tonics for the coming winter using summer-harvested herbs.
Everest Base Camp expeditions
August offers the last chance to reach EBC before autumn storms. Road conditions are challenging but passable most days, and the monsoon brings rare green landscapes to normally barren high plains. Clear post-storm views of Everest's north face are spectacular, though weather windows are shorter.
Yamdrok Lake scenic drives and photography tours
August transforms normally stark Yamdrok Lake into a turquoise gem surrounded by green valleys. Post-storm light creates incredible photography conditions, and the lake's famous color-changing properties are most dramatic after fresh rainfall. Less crowded than Namtso but equally stunning.
August Events & Festivals
Shoton Festival (Yogurt Festival)
Lhasa's most important summer festival featuring massive Buddha thangka unveilings at Drepung and Sera monasteries at dawn, followed by traditional Tibetan opera performances in Norbulingka Palace gardens. Families picnic on yogurt and barley beer while watching centuries-old dance dramas unfold.
Nagqu Horse Racing Festival
3-hour drive north of Lhasa, this nomadic festival showcases traditional horsemanship, yak racing, and archery competitions on the vast Changtang grasslands. Nomad families set up elaborate tent cities, and it's the best chance to experience authentic Tibetan pastoral culture.