Things to Do in Lhasa in October
October weather, activities, events & insider tips
October Weather in Lhasa
Is October Right for You?
Advantages
- October marks the end of monsoon season - you'll get mostly clear, brilliant blue skies with only occasional afternoon showers (about 10 rainy days total). The air clarity is exceptional for photography, especially at sunrise when visibility can stretch 50+ km (31+ miles) across the Himalayas.
- Tourist numbers drop significantly after the September peak, meaning you'll actually get time to absorb the spiritual atmosphere at Jokhang Temple without being rushed through by crowds. Accommodation prices typically fall 20-30% compared to August-September, and you can often negotiate walk-in rates at mid-range guesthouses.
- The temperature range of 3-18°C (38-64°F) is genuinely comfortable for exploring at Lhasa's 3,650 m (11,975 ft) altitude. You'll avoid both the summer heat exhaustion and the brutal winter cold that requires serious cold-weather gear. The midday sun feels warm despite the crisp air - perfect for walking the Barkhor circuit multiple times.
- October coincides with the barley harvest in surrounding valleys, and you'll see traditional threshing ceremonies if you venture 30-40 km (19-25 miles) outside the city. Local markets have fresh yak butter and roasted barley flour at their seasonal best, and Tibetan families are in celebratory moods before winter sets in.
Considerations
- Altitude sickness doesn't care what month you visit, but October's lower humidity of 70% can actually make dehydration worse - you won't feel yourself sweating at this altitude, but you're losing moisture with every breath. First-time visitors still need 2-3 days to acclimatize properly, and the temperature swings from 3°C (38°F) at dawn to 18°C (64°F) by noon can stress your body further.
- Daylight hours are shrinking fast in October - sunset comes around 7pm by month's end, which limits your afternoon exploration time. The UV index of 8 is deceptively high at this altitude (about 25% stronger than sea level), and you can get seriously burned even on cloudy days if you're not careful with sun protection.
- Some remote monasteries and trekking routes start closing for winter maintenance by late October, particularly anything above 4,500 m (14,764 ft). If you're planning to visit Namtso Lake (4,718 m / 15,479 ft), go in early October - by the third week, overnight guesthouses there often shut down as temperatures plummet.
Best Activities in October
Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Circuit Morning Walks
October mornings bring the most devoted pilgrims out for kora (circumambulation) around 6-8am when the air is crisp and incense smoke hangs perfectly still in the thin atmosphere. The low-angle autumn light illuminates the golden roofs spectacularly, and you'll actually have space to observe prostrating pilgrims without tour groups pushing through. The 3°C (38°F) morning temperature feels invigorating rather than punishing, and by 10am it warms to a comfortable 12°C (54°F). The spiritual energy is genuinely palpable when you're not fighting crowds.
Potala Palace Extended Photography Sessions
October's crystal-clear post-monsoon air makes this the absolute best month for photographing the Potala Palace. The autumn light is softer than summer's harsh glare, and you'll get dramatic cloud formations behind the palace about 40% of afternoons without actual rain interfering. The reduced tourist numbers mean you can take your time at the best viewpoints on the plaza without someone's selfie stick in every frame. UV index of 8 means the white palace walls practically glow against the deep blue sky.
Sera Monastery Monk Debate Sessions
The famous afternoon debates run year-round, but October's mild 15°C (59°F) afternoon temperatures make the 3pm courtyard sessions actually comfortable to watch for the full 2-3 hours. You'll sit on stone steps that aren't freezing cold yet (wait until December for that experience), and the monks are energized after the summer teaching season. The hand-clapping, philosophical arguments, and occasional laughter create an incredible atmosphere. October typically has fewer tour buses, so you can find a good viewing spot without arriving an hour early.
Ganden Monastery Day Hikes
October offers the last reliable window before winter snow closes the high-altitude kora circuit around Ganden (4,300 m / 14,108 ft). The 45-minute to 2-hour circuit hike provides stunning valley views with autumn's golden grasslands contrasting against dark mountains. Morning temperatures start around 5°C (41°F) but climb to 15°C (59°F) by midday, perfect for moderate exertion at altitude. The monastery itself sees maybe 30-40 tourists on an average October day versus 200+ in August. You'll need to be acclimatized for at least 3 days before attempting this.
Namtso Lake Two-Day Excursions
Early October (first two weeks) is your last chance to visit this stunning 4,718 m (15,479 ft) high-altitude lake before guesthouses close for winter. The lake's turquoise water against snow-capped peaks is legendary, and October's clear skies deliver that view about 70% of days. Overnight temperatures drop to -5°C (23°F), but the experience of sunrise over the lake is worth the cold. Tourist numbers are minimal - you might share the lakeshore with only 10-20 other visitors. By late October, this becomes genuinely risky as snowstorms can strand you.
Traditional Tibetan Medicine and Herbal Market Tours
October is harvest season for high-altitude medicinal herbs, and the traditional medicine markets around Barkhor are at their most active. You'll see fresh cordyceps (if you have the budget - it's expensive), dried herbs, and traditional practitioners preparing medicines. The dry October air is actually ideal for the herb drying process, and locals are stocking up for winter remedies. This is genuinely fascinating cultural immersion that most tourists completely miss. The comfortable daytime temperatures of 15-18°C (59-64°F) make wandering these markets pleasant for hours.
October Events & Festivals
Barley Harvest Festivals in Surrounding Villages
October marks the barley harvest in valleys surrounding Lhasa, and traditional farming villages hold small thanksgiving ceremonies with chang (barley beer), traditional dancing, and horse races. These aren't organized tourist events - you need local connections or a good guide to find them. Villages 30-50 km (19-31 miles) from Lhasa like those in the Tolung Valley often welcome respectful visitors. The celebrations reflect genuine agricultural tradition, not performance.