Visit Potala Palace: the Ultimate Potala Palace Travel Guide You Need

No trip to Tibet is complete without visiting the iconic Potala Palace. Whether this is your first visit or a return trip, the world's highest palace always offers you new discoveries into Tibet's rich history and unique spiritual life.

In this ultimate Potala Palace travel guide, we walk you through everything you need for your Potala Palace tour, from how to get to Potala Palace and what to see inside to ticket booking tips, visiting rules, the best times to go, and more, all packed with insider advice to help you enjoy a smooth and unforgettable journey to Tibet's most iconic landmark.

The Location of Potala Palace and How to Get to the Potala Palace?

The Potala Palace is situated at the center of Lhasa: 35 Beijing Middle Road, Chengguan District, Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region of China. As the tallest building in Lhasa city and the highest palace in the world, it stands proudly atop Red Hill, offering a sweeping view of the serene Lhasa Valley Plain.

Getting to the Potala Palace can’t be easier! Overseas travelers can fly directly to Lhasa from major gateway cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi’an, Kunming, Xining, Kathmandu, or even Singapore, with flight times ranging from just 2 to 10 hours.

Alternatively, if you’re a railfan, don’t miss the chance to ride the scenic Tibet Train, the world’s highest railway, from Xining, Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, or Xi’an to Lhasa.This epic train journey treats you to breathtaking window views of alpine lakes, the Gobi Desert, towering snow peaks, and endless grasslands dotted with yaks and nomads. We will help you secure the train tickets for a hassle-free journey.

Once you arrive at Lhasa Gonggar International Airport or Lhasa Railway Station, you can enjoy our smooth local transfer service that takes you straight to your hotel in downtown Lhasa. Along the way, you will enjoy stunning views of the Potala Palace, from distant glimpses to close-ups as you get near.

How far it is from Lhasa airport or railway station to the Potala Palace and how to get? - By viewing our this article for the details. 

Our guests marvel at the Potala Palace at the Potala Palace Square.

Explore Potala Palace and other Tibet's landmark attractions in the classic 4-day Lhasa tour.

What to See Inside the Potala Palace: Top Highlights You Can’t Miss

The Potala Palace once served as the winter palace of the 5th to 14th Dalai Lamas (the spiritual leaders of Tibetan Buddhism), and today it still holds the 8 stupas (tombs) of the past Dalai Lamas. During your visit, the main highlights are in the Red Palace and the White Palace.

The Red Palace is the spiritual heart of the Potala Palace, and you can easily recognize it by its striking red walls. As the best highlights of the Potala Palace tour, the Red Palace is mainly dedicated to religious and spiritual purposes.

Inside the Red Palace, you can explore two of the oldest meditation caves (Phakpa Lhakhang and Chogyal Drupuk) in the Potala Palace, where King Songtsen Gampo used to meditate and appreciate the priceless sandalwood statue of Arya Lokeshvara and the statues of Songtsen Gampo, his Chinese wife Princess Wencheng, and his Nepali wife Princess Bhrikuti, and beyond.

Besides, you will also visit the Chapel of Victory over the Three Worlds. Inside, you’ll find a golden statue of the thousand-armed Buddha of Compassion, the most precious treasure of the Potala Palace.

What’s more, as you visit the Great West Hall of the Red Palace, you can closely observe the grand 14.84-meter-tall golden stupa (tomb) of the Fifth Dalai Lama, the largest and most luxurious stupa in the entire Potala Palace. It was made of dazzling 3.7 tons of pure gold and over 20,000 precious stones, including coral, pearls, and turquoise.

The largest and luxurious golden stupa of the Fifth Dalai Lama in the Red Palace.

In addition, you will also get a rare chance to explore the living quarters and administrative offices of the past Dalai Lamas in the White Palace. Here, you will be able to visit the past Dalai Lama’s throne room, where former Dalai Lamas were formally enthroned as the spiritual leaders of Tibetan Buddhism and received official guests. You will see his grand throne and fine murals showing the mythical paradise of Shambhala.

You may also roam over the past Dalai Lamas’ private rooms where they once meditated, studied, and spent their daily life. It’s a perfect place for you to take a sneak peek into the everyday life of the past Dalai Lamas.

Discover more about what's inside the Potala Palace and explore its fascinating history

The living room of the Dalai Lama in the White Palace of the Potala Palace.

Explore Potala Palace in Lhasa and its prototype Shigatse Dzong in Shigatse city.

How Long Does a Typical Potala Palace Tour Take? 1 Hour to Half Day

Typically, each traveler will spend about an hour exploring the Potala Palace.

However, to ensure our guests can enjoy an immersive and in-depth tour of the Potala Palace, including authentic local cultural experiences and the best Potala photo spots nearby, our Potala Palace tour lasts around 4 hours.

Our guests can't wait to explore the White Palace of the Potala Palace.

After exploring the Potala Palace inside, our local experts will lead you on a peaceful stroll (one hour) through a local park (Zongjiao Lukang Park), a hidden gem right behind the Potala Palace. Here, you can capture the Potala’s reflection in a willow-framed, tranquil lake and join local Tibetans in a joyful Guozhuang dance (circle dance).

If you wanna drink coffee or enjoy a snack, our Tibetan guide will take you to a cozy café or traditional teahouse, where you can sip a latte or Tibetan sweet tea, taste local dishes like Tibetan momo, noodles, yogurt, and more, while enjoying close-up views of the majestic Potala Palace.

What’s more, since the Potala Palace is one of the key pilgrimage circuits in Lhasa, you may also follow our local experts and local pilgrims to spend another hour walking clockwise around the base of the Potala Palace. You will walk along devoted pilgrims who are chanting the mantras, spinning the Tibetan prayer wheels, or prostrating through the long pilgrimage route. Witnessing the deep devotion of local Tibetans helps you connect your soul to the heartbeat of Tibet.

Last but not least, you will spend another hour visiting Chakpori Hill Viewing Platform and Potala Palace Square, two of the best photo spots right across from the Potala Palace. From the Chakpori Hill platform, you can capture the iconic Potala image featured on the 50 RMB banknote, while Potala Palace Square gives you the perfect vantage point for stunning front and panoramic shots. Whether you’re a shutterbug like me or a pro photographer, you will capture epic shots of the Potala Palace that will wow your friends on Instagram.

Capture the Potala Palace from its serene back garden.

What Are the Best Times of Day to Visit Potala Palace? Early Morning and At Night

Morning is arguably one of the best times to visit the Potala Palace during the daytime. Preferably, you can choose the entry tickets available between 09:00 and 10:00. This allows you to enter the Potala Palace before the big tour groups arrive.

In the early morning, the Potala Palace bathes in soft golden sunlight and feels quieter and more sacred. You can follow our local experts to soak up the holy vibes here, hear the rich stories behind each chapel, and explore the ancient halls and murals without feeling rushed and interrupted.

Visit the Potala Palace in the early morning to beat the crowds.

Besides, after you have explored the Potala Palace inside, you can follow the pilgrim circuit to visit the enchanting Zongjiao Lukang Park right behind the Potala Palace. You can capture Potala Palace mirrored in the tranquil lake and join locals for the traditional Guozhaung dance (circle dance) and experience authentic local life in Lhasa.

Another great time to visit the Potala Palace is at night. To be more exact, shortly after sunset, during the blue hour, the Potala Palace lights up beautifully, glowing like a jewel on Red Hill. It takes on a completely different view from the daytime.

What is even better is that from 20:30 to 22:00 each night, you can enjoy a stunning music fountain and light show at Potala Palace Square while soaking in the Potala’s magical nighttime beauty. It is sure to be one of the most unforgettable moments of your Lhasa tour.

The stunning night view of Potala Palace with the vibrant music fountain and dazzling light show before.

Visit Potala Palace in Lhasa and keep traveling to Tibet Everest Base Camp to admire amazing Himalayan vistas.

How to Book Potala Palace Tickets? We Will Take Care of It

Currently, Potala Palace tickets can only be booked through its official WeChat account. And the ticket prices are 200 RMB per person in peak season (May to October) and 100 RMB in low season (November to April).

Besides, since the Potala Palace doesn’t sell same-day tickets, you must book at least one day in advance. However, no worries! For our guests, we will take care of the ticket booking to ensure a smooth and hassle-free visit to the Potala Palace and Tibet.

Our guests visit the Potala Palace with the Potala Palace tickets.

3 Best Places to Take Pictures of Potala Palace: Chakpori Hill, Potala Palace Square, Zongjiao Lukang Park

No matter how many times you’ve seen Potala Palace online, the moment you stand before it and lay your eyes on this majestic and fortress-like architectural wonder, you will instantly grab your phone or camera to capture its stunning beauty. Whether you are shooting the Potala Palace itself or posing with it behind you, here are the top three spots for epic shots.

Chakpori Hill Viewing Platform (also called Yao Wang Shan) is widely believed to be the best place to capture the iconic 45-degree angle photo of the Potala Palace, just like the image printed on the 50 RMB banknote.

Capture the most iconic Potala Palace image at the Chakpori Hill viewing platform.

Located directly opposite the Potala Palace across the road, Chakpori Hill offers you a slightly elevated viewpoint, which is perfect for capturing the panoramic view of the Potala Palace at both sunrise and sunset.

Besides, the spacious Potala Palace Square, situated directly opposite the Potala Palace, allows you to capture a panoramic and front view of the entire Potala structure rising majestically above the Red Hill.

In the daylight, you can frame the entire Potala Palace against the azure sky, with drifting fluffy clouds that add depth and drama to your shot. While at night, the Potala Palace lights up in full splendor, glowing against the deep blue skies. From Potala Palace Square, you can capture stunning shots of the illuminated Potala Palace with the vibrant music fountain and light show (20:30 to 22:00), adding color and motion to this magical scene.

Our guests dress in traditional Tibetan clothes and take photos with the Potala Palace at Potala Palace Square.

Apart from that, Zongjiao Lukang Park, located right behind the Potala Palace, offers a unique vantage point to capture the majestic rear view of the palace reflected in a willow-lined lake. It’s a perfect place to photograph Potala Palace from a unique perspective with more local encounters to discover.

Even better, if you are traveling with family or friends, don't miss the chance to dress up in traditional Tibetan clothes for a fun photo shoot. We offer costume rental, styling, and makeup services, and our local photography guide will help you capture stunning souvenir photos at the Potala Palace, Barkhor Street, or Norbulingka. It will be an unforgettable gift to take home and cherish forever!

Besides the 3 spots above, there are 4 more great places to photograph the Potala Palace. Here are the 7 best photo spots you shouldn’t miss.

Visit Potala Palace in Lhasa and keep traveling to Tibet Everest Base Camp and heavenly Namtso Lake in one trip.

How to Prevent Altitude Sickness for Your Potala Palace Tour

As the world’s highest palace, the Potala Palace sits at 3,700m above sea level and involves a long walk of about 1,080 stone steps during your visit. To avoid getting altitude sickness of Tibetan Plateau, we suggest that you plan the Potala Palace tour on day 2 or day 3 of your stay in Lhasa.

By doing so, you can give your body enough time to adapt to the thin and crisp air in Lhasa. And on the day of your visit, please eat a light breakfast to avoid consuming more oxygen than usual, and wear comfy sports shoes for an easy walk.

As you walk up the long and zigzag stone steps (around 1,080 in total) of the Potala Palace, just follow your own pace and take your time to rest when needed. It is perfectly fine to sit on the stone steps to catch your breath or pause for selfies with the white walls of the Potala Palace or Tibetan monks passing by.

Please feel free to savor the moment as you imagine the life that once pulsed within those walls and feel the weight of history that continues to resonate in this magnificent palace. 

Our guests take a break on the stone steps of the Potala Palace.

Tourist Sites Near the Potala Palace: Just 10-20 Minutes' Walk

Apart from Zongjiao Lukang Park, Chakpori Hill, and Potala Palace Square mentioned above, many local hidden gems around Potala Palace are well worth your exploration, if time permits.

Lupu Rock Temple (or Chalalupu Grotto Temple) is located to the southeast of the Potala Palace, or only a 10-minute walk from it. As the only cave temple in Lhasa city, the Lupu Rock Temple was originally built by King Songtsen Gampo 1,300 years ago for his fifth concubine.

Inside, the walls are decorated with many colorful carved images of Buddha, and you will find a large statue of Guru Rinpoche and beyond. The top highlight is the top outdoor platform, where you will be rewarded with a stunning close-up view of the Potala Palace, the same as on the 50 RMB banknote. What a great alternative if the Chakpori Hill viewing platform is packed with tourists.

Our guests explored peaceful Lupu Rock Temple around Potala Palace.

The Cliff of a Thousand Buddhas is around 10 minutes by car from the Potala Palace. The legend has it that King Songtsen Gampo once saw visions of the “Buddha of Compassion” here. Then, he ordered craftsmen to carve Buddha’s images into the rock face. Over the centuries, generations of artisans continued carving, creating the impressive scale we see today.

Here, you can marvel at over 5,000 colorful Buddha carvings that blanket the cliff face. Below, devout pilgrims prostrate themselves day and night, creating a soul-stirring Tibetan experience second only to the pilgrimage at Jokhang Temple.

The Tibet Museum is another perfect place to visit if you are keen to learn more about Tibetan history after visiting the Potala Palace. In this museum, you will see ancient Buddhist scriptures, colorful Thangka paintings, traditional Tibetan costumes, sparkling jewelry, and sacred treasures and relics from monasteries. Each piece tells a story of Tibet’s rich culture and history.

What’s more, just 3 km west of the Potala Palace lies another hidden gem worth visiting, Norbulingka, the former Dalai Lamas’ summer palace and Tibet’s largest royal garden. You can get there by taxi or enjoy a 50-minute walk through Norbulingka Road and Beijing Middle Road to reach this enchanting haven.

Here, you can surround yourself amid willow-lined paths, walk past blooming gardens, and towards golden-roofed palaces, including the famous lake palace. You can unwind in the serene park or join locals for a joyful picnic (Linka in Tibetan) on the meadow. Highly recommended for Tibet family tour with kids!

Roamed over the enchanting Norbulingka Park around Potala Palace.

Dining and Shopping around the Potala Palace

For foodies, around the Potala Palace, you will find plenty of charming rooftop cafés where you can sip a creamy cappuccino, a smooth latte, or a chilled Lhasa Beer while enjoying the majestic view of the Potala Palace.

For epic Potala Palace views and fantastic coffee, Potala Palace Coffe House (middle hill of Potala Palace), Xire Beicuo Rooftop Café, or Xingyue Putti Café are highly recommended!

If you are after a hearty and satisfying dinner, Pingcuo Kang Sang Scenic Restaurant is your best bet. Just a 15-minute walk east of the Potala Palace, it is perched on the 6th floor and gives you an unbeatable panoramic view of the entire palace right from your table.

Favorites among travelers include the premium Wagyu hotpot buffet, pan-fried cod, yak meat, eel rice, Häagen-Dazs ice cream, assorted sashimi, and a tempting variety of desserts. What a treat for your taste buds and a feast for your eyes.

Our guests savor a rooftop dinner while enjoying the sunset over the Potala Palace in Lhasa.

Besides, if you are hunting for souvenirs or just need some travel essentials, the area around the Potala Palace is full of surprises too. Just west of Potala Palace Square, you can roam over stores that sell handmade Tibetan bags, accessories, postcards, beaded bracelets, Tibetan incense, and more. There are also small grocery stores and pharmacies nearby, so you can easily pick up anything you need along the way.

And don’t miss the new pedestrian street along Yutuo Road that links the Potala Palace with Jokhang Temple. Here, you can wander between Tibetan and Nepali handicraft shops, browse fashion boutiques, and treat yourself to tasty local snacks like Tibetan yogurt and Yak BBQ, and enjoy street performances like singing, esp when the night falls.

Read more helpful travel tips about the Potala Palace surroundings.

Our guests shop for souvenirs around the Potala Palace in Lhasa.

Visit Potala Palace and embark on the classic Lhasa to Kathmandu overland tour across mighty Himalayas.

Taboos and Mistakes to Avoid for Potala Palace Travel

Since Potala Palace must be reserved at least one day in advance, don’t wait until the last minute to buy the Potala Palace tickets. If you are traveling with Tibet Vista, we will help you take care of it. No worries at all!

Besides, your visit time (an hour) is clearly written on your Potala Palace tickets. Be sure to arrive at least 30 minutes early, as security checks and the line to enter may take time. If you're late, your ticket may be canceled without refund.

What’s more, as a sacred Buddhist site and one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in Lhasa, the Potala Palace is highly revered by local Tibetans. As you visit the Potala Palace, please don't wear revealing costumes to show your respect. This applies to both men and women, esp. during the summertime.

After you have entered the halls and chapels inside the Potala Palace, photography and filming are strictly forbidden inside. Focus on experiencing the holy atmosphere and stories shared by our local experts. You can take beautiful photos outside the Potala Palace and from its stairs or rooftops. Besides, no drone is allowed to fly over the Potala Palace.

In addition, you will see tons of precious jewels, gold, and holy offerings, vivid murals, golden stupas, and statues of the past Dalai Lamas. Please don’t touch these sacred objects, as it is seen as deeply disrespectful.

If you are visiting the Potala Palace with young children, please keep their voices down and avoid running or playing inside the Potala Palace halls as a sign of respect. If you are unsure about anything, the best thing to do is ask your local guide for advice.

Read the Potala Palace 101 to plan your Potala visit for the first time

Conclusion

In a nutshell, visiting the Potala Palace is more than just ticking off a landmark. It is a journey into the heart of Tibetan history and culture. Whether you come for its breathtaking architecture, its priceless treasures, or the quiet moments of reflection it offers, the Potala Palace is a place that promises you an adventure of a lifetime.

Hopefully, you find this Potala Palace travel guide helpful. If you have more questions about to Potala Palace tour and beyond, don’t hesitate to email us for free and expert travel solutions. Looking forward to exploring Tibet with you soon. Tashi Delek!