If you’re planning a trip to Lhasa, the Potala Palace is an absolute must-see. This ultimate guide will cover everything you need to know about visiting the Potala Palace, including how to get there, what highlights to see, how to book your admission ticket, and other practical tips. Read on to get inspired and prepare for a smooth and memorable visit to this iconic landmark.

1. Why is the Potala Palace Important? It’s the Landmark of Lhasa

The Potala Palace, situated on Red Mountain in the city of Lhasa, is a key symbol of Tibetan heritage. As the world’s highest ancient palace, it’s also the largest and most complete of its kind, reflecting the grandeur of Tibetan architecture and culture.

Covering 13 hectares with over 1,000 rooms across 13 stories, it served as the winter residence for the Dalai Lamas from 1649 to 1959. The palace includes the White and Red Palaces and various other buildings, making it Tibet’s most important historical and spiritual landmark. Climbing the steps of the Potala Palace up to the top, you can see the stunning scenery of Lhasa and the beautiful plateau landscape in the distance.

2. When Was the Potala Palace Built? It Dates Back to the 7th Century AD

The Potala Palace, with a history spanning over 1,300 years, was originally built in the 7th century by King Songtsen Gampo. He erected a nine-story building with a thousand palaces on Red Mountain, naming it the Potala Palace.

After the fall of the Tubo Kingdom, the palace suffered significant damage from wars and natural disasters. It dwindled in size until the major reconstruction effort began in the 17th century. In 1645, the Fifth Dalai Lama, with assistance from the Qing Dynasty, embarked on a massive rebuilding project. Over the years, his successors continued to expand the palace, leading to its present grandeur.

The Potala Palace was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. In August 2015, new regulations were issued to protect its cultural heritage, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

3. How to Get to Potala Palace? Several Convenient Ways to Reach There

The Potala Palace is centrally located at No. 35 Beijing Middle Road, Chengguan District, in the heart of Lhasa. Getting to the Potala Palace from various parts of Lhasa is quite convenient:

(1) Get to Potala Palace from Lhasa Gonggar Airport

The Potala Palace is about 60 kilometers from Lhasa Gonggar Airport. You can take the airport shuttle bus for 25 yuan per person, which goes directly to the Potala Palace. For added comfort, we also offer airport transfer services.

(2) Get to Potala Palace from Lhasa Railway Station

The Potala Palace is around 9 kilometers from Lhasa Railway Station. We recommend taking a taxi, which costs approximately 30 yuan, for a quick and easy trip to the palace.

(3) Get to Potala Palace from Barkhor Street

The Potala Palace is just 2 kilometers from Barkhor Street. You can walk west along Barkhor Street, passing Beijing East Road and Beijing Middle Road, which takes about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a taxi for a fast and convenient option.

(4) Tibettour.org Offers Transfer Service

For your convenience, we offer transfer services to major attractions, the airport, and the train station in Lhasa. Simply provide your itinerary to your travel advisor or guide, and we’ll take care of the arrangements.

4. When is the Best Time to Visit Potala Palace? Great to Visit All Year Round

The Potala Palace is a year-round destination, with each season offering its own unique charm. For pleasant weather, spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) are ideal. During these times, you'll enjoy mild temperatures and clear skies.

Summer season of July and August is busy with tourists, but the warm weather and bright sunshine are perfect for capturing stunning photos of the palace. In winter (November to March), despite the cold, you might be lucky enough to see the Potala Palace blanketed in snow, adding a magical touch to your visit.

5. What are the Highlights of Potala Palace? There are Many Worth Seeing

Potala Palace has many things worth seeing: the unique architectural style, the beautiful murals inside the palace, the exquisite artworks and various kinds of religious treasures, etc. Wandering in the Potala Palace, you will enjoy getting lost in the splendid Tibet history.

(1) The White Palace

The White Palace, once the residence of the Dalai Lamas and the administrative center for the Tibetan government, stands as a symbol of peace with its distinctive white walls. Originally constructed during the Fifth Dalai Lama's lifetime, it became the official residence and government headquarters in 1649. The palace was expanded to its current size by the Thirteenth Dalai Lama in the early twentieth century.

The seventh floor of the White Palace was the Dalai Lama's living quarters, divided into the East and West Sunlight Halls, named for the ample sunshine they receive. The fifth and sixth floors served as additional living quarters and offices. Major events at the Potala Palace are hosted on the fourth floor.

(2) The Red Palace

Located at the heart of the Potala Palace, the Red Palace is dedicated entirely to religious study and Buddhist prayer. Its red exterior symbolizes grandeur and authority. Inside, the Red Palace features several halls and chapels, including the largest hall adorned with stunning murals. This area also houses the mausoleums of several previous Dalai Lamas.

(3) The Golden Roof Group

A striking feature of the Potala Palace, the Golden Roof Group crowns the top of the Red Palace. Comprising seven gilded bronze roofs, they form the pinnacle of the Dalai Lama’s sacred tower. Each roof is adorned with flower-and-bell-shaped spires, which also serve as lightning rods.

(4) Exquisite Artworks and Religious Treasures

The Potala Palace is renowned for its unique and intricate artworks, which reflect the rich artistic heritage of ancient Tibetan architecture.

The palace's walls, temples, and corridors are adorned with vibrant murals that depict a wide range of subjects—from historical figures and religious myths to everyday life, sports, and entertainment. These murals are valued for both their historical and artistic significance.

In addition to murals, the Potala Palace houses a vast collection of exquisite Tangkas. These traditional Tibetan paintings, often framed with colorful satin and painted on silk, cloth, or paper, illustrate historical events, religious figures, and Buddhist teachings.

The palace's sculpture collection showcases a blend of Buddhist art techniques from China, India, and Nepal. It includes an array of clay, wood, stone, and metal sculptures, each demonstrating the skill and diversity of Tibetan artistry.

Furthermore, you can find a variety of handcrafted items with strong religious and Tibetan artistic influences, such as Tibetan carpets, prayer flags, and drapery.

6. How to Book Tickets for Potala Palace? Best Done through a Travel Agency

Potala Palace tickets can be booked up to seven days in advance through the official WeChat mini-program or reserved on-site at the Potala Palace ticket office.

If you choose to book through WeChat, each ID can only be used to make one reservation per week, and each visitor can reserve up to four tickets. The on-site ticket window usually opens at 9:00 AM, so it's best to queue early, as the number of reservation tickets is limited.

Your reservation ticket will specify the date and time of your visit, and you’ll need to visit within that time frame. If you can’t make it due to personal reasons, be sure to reschedule or cancel your booking promptly to avoid being blacklisted, which could limit your chances of making future reservations.

To make things easier, we offer a tourist-friendly ticket booking service for the Potala Palace. We ensure you get your tickets at the perfect time without the hassle of waiting in line. Especially during peak travel season, when tickets are harder to secure, we help make your visit to the Potala Palace as smooth as possible. Just contact us in advance!

7. Is There a Time Limit for Visiting the Interior of Potala Palace? Yes, 1 Hour Per Person

Visiting the interior of the Potala Palace is a special experience, and each visitor is given a one-hour time limit inside. Don’t worry—based on our experience, this hour is typically sufficient to take in the highlights of the palace.

Typically, the entire visit, including both the exterior sites and the interior, takes around 3 to 4 hours. Your journey begins by entering through the main gate, which leads to the charming Zhol Village area. Here, you'll find the official ticket office, where you can purchase your ticket using your reservation voucher. After that, you'll climb about 80 meters of steps to reach the palace entrance.

At the entrance, there's a ticket checkpoint, and your one-hour visit inside the palace starts from there. To help you make the most of this hour, our friendly guide will lead you through the palace's key highlights, ensuring you enjoy a rich and memorable experience.

8. What are the Best Spots to Take Pictures of Potala Palace? 3 Recommended Locations

You can take some excellent pictures of Potala Palace from different spots. The following are several best sites to take pictures of Potala Palace.

(1) Potala Palace Square

Potala Palace Square, the highest square in the world, is the best place to take in a full view of the Potala Palace. You can also capture photos of local Tibetans performing kora in the square.

(2) Chakpori Hill

Chakpori Hill, also known as Yaowang Mountain, is widely regarded as the best place to photograph the Potala Palace. Located southwest of the palace, Chakpori Hill is just a few minutes’ walk from the west gate. It’s the ideal spot to capture the Potala Palace at sunrise or sunset. The best time is early morning when you can photograph the palace bathed in the first rays of the sun.

(3) Zongjiao Lukang Park

Zongjiao Lukang Park, also known as Dragon Lake Park, is located adjacent to the Potala Palace. It’s a popular spot for locals to relax. Here, you can engage more closely with the local community and take stunning photos of the Potala Palace's reflection in the lake.

9. How High is Potala Palace? 3 Tips to Prevent Altitude Sickness

The Potala Palace stands at an altitude of approximately 3,750 meters, where altitude sickness can be a concern for visitors. Here are three detailed tips to help prevent it:

(1) Preparation Before Entering Tibet

It’s a good idea to quit drinking and smoking before your trip and to have a thorough health check. Also, consider bringing some anti-altitude sickness medication, but no need to use it right away. Boost your fitness by eating more high-protein foods to help your body get ready for the adventure.

(2) After Arriving in Lhasa

It's best to skip visiting the Potala Palace on your first day in Lhasa. Instead, focus on staying hydrated and eating light meals to help your body adjust. Avoid alcohol and smoking, as they can make altitude symptoms worse. If you feel a bit tired or dizzy, don’t worry—these mild symptoms usually fade after a good rest at your hotel.

(3) When climbing the Potala Palace

Take your time when climbing the steps of the Potala Palace. It's important to go at your own pace, resting frequently, and taking deep breaths to stay comfortable. Keep hydrated and be sure to dress warmly to avoid catching a cold.

10. Where to Dine and Shop around Potala Palace? Barkhor Street is Suggested

Barkhor Street, just a short walk from the Potala Palace, is the perfect spot to soak up the vibrant Tibetan atmosphere. You’ll find plenty of restaurants and street food stalls serving delicious local dishes, as well as shops offering Tibetan handicrafts, souvenirs, and traditional goods. If you need help with dining or shopping in Lhasa, our local tour guide is also ready to offer personalized recommendations based on your preferences.

More Insider Tips for a Smooth Potala Palace Tour in Tibet

(1) Even in summer, bring an overcoat for your visit to the Potala Palace, as it can be a bit cold and damp inside.

(2) The Potala Palace is a solemn and serious place. Visitors should avoid casual attire, such as shorts, skirts, and flip-flops.

(3) When entering the White Palace for a tour, please show respect by removing hats, sunglasses, and other accessories.

(4) Inside the Potala Palace, carrying liquids, lighters, cigarettes, or other flammable and explosive items is prohibited. If you have such items, you can store them at the ticket office and collect them after your visit.

(5) Photography, video equipment, and recording devices are not permitted to respect the sacred nature of the site and its relics.

(6) During your visit, please maintain silence, avoid loud noises, and refrain from touching statues or murals. Follow Buddhist etiquette by not stepping on door thresholds.

(7) Move carefully while climbing the Potala Palace, as the average altitude is over 3,700 meters, which can be challenging for some visitors.

(8) For a better visit, consider joining our Lhasa tour. Our experienced Tibet tour consultants can help you arrange a personalized tour to suit your needs.

Conclusion

The Potala Palace will be one of the most extraordinary sights of your visit to Lhasa. By planning ahead and following the tips in this guide, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience at this iconic Tibetan landmark. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to contact us or book your tour with us now.