How to Visit Potala Palace

The complete 2026 guide: tickets, routes, interior room guide, facilities, and everything you need to know before you go.

Updated: August 2026

200CNY Peak
9:30AM Opens
2,300Daily Cap
2-3Hours

Ticket Information

May – OctoberCNY 200Peak Season
November – AprilCNY 100Off-Peak
Students / Seniors50% OffWith valid ID
Under 1.2mFreeWith adult
Potala Palace at nightThe Potala illuminated after dark — Lhasa's skyline icon

How to Book

01
Through a travel agency

The most reliable method for foreign visitors. Your agency handles everything including the Tibet Travel Permit and ticket reservation.

02
Online platform

The official reservation platform opens slots 7 days in advance. You will need your passport and Tibet Travel Permit.

Choose Your Route

Golden roofs
1 Hour

Express Route

East gate → White Palace ceremonial halls → Red Palace stupa chapels → West exit. Covers the highlights if you are short on time or struggling with the altitude.

Potala panorama
3 Hours

Full Experience

Chakpori Hill photos → East gate → White Palace → Red Palace (stupas, Dharma Cave, murals) → Golden Roofs → West exit. Allow extra time — everything takes longer at 3,700m.

"The walk up leaves you breathless — both from the altitude and the sheer scale of what towers above you."

Inside the Palace

The White Palace Potrang Karpo

The eastern section was the winter residence and administrative center of the Dalai Lamas. Completed in 1648.

Great East HallThe largest hall, used for enthronement and religious ceremonies. Massive silk thangkas hang from the ceiling.
Dalai Lama's ChambersTop floor rooms preserved with original furnishings and a private chapel. Stunning Lhasa valley views.
The SeminaryWhere monks studied Buddhist philosophy. Walls lined with ancient texts and scriptures.

The Red Palace Potrang Marpo

The spiritual heart of the Potala, built after the 5th Dalai Lama's death in 1682.

Stupa TombsEight gilded stupas containing Dalai Lama remains. The 5th's stands 14.8m tall, covered in 3,721 kg of gold with turquoise, coral, and pearls.
Dharma CaveThe oldest structure from the 7th century. King Songtsen Gampo meditated here. Ancient statues inside.
Great West HallMain assembly room with towering pillars and murals depicting the 5th Dalai Lama's life.

Golden Roofs

Potala golden roofs

Seven gilded bronze roofs crown the stupa chapels atop the Red Palace. Bronze tiles covered in gold leaf gleam so brightly at midday they are visible from across Lhasa. Surrounded by gilded railings, bells, and decorative finials — this is one of the finest photo spots inside the complex.

Before You Go

⌞Arrive 30 min earlyThe climb from the east gate to the palace entrance takes 20-30 minutes uphill.
⚠No water insideLiquids are not allowed. Hydrate before entry, bring snacks for after your visit.
⛶No photos in chapelsAllowed in courtyards and outdoors. Strictly prohibited inside halls. No tripods.
☂Acclimatize firstDo not visit Potala on your first day in Lhasa. Your body needs 1-2 days to adjust.
→One-way routeThe path goes east to west. You cannot backtrack — make sure you have seen everything.
☻Cover shoulders & kneesRemove hats in chapels. No shorts or revealing clothing. Wear comfortable walking shoes.

Facilities & Services

🚗ParkingLimited at east entrance. Fills by mid-morning in peak season. Taxis drop at east gate.
🚽RestroomsAvailable near entrance and inside. Basic facilities — use before the long climb.
🍽Food & DrinkNo food inside. Eat breakfast before visiting. Tea houses and restaurants nearby after exit.
🎧Audio GuideCNY 30 rental. Available in 8 languages including English (new for 2026).
👚Baggage CheckLarge bags, tripods, and water bottles must be checked. Bring only a small day bag.
🎁SouvenirsSmall stalls near the exit. For better selection, visit Barkhor Street 2 km away.

Visit Questions Answered

Tickets must be reserved online in advance through the official platform or via a travel agency. During peak season (May-October), tickets sell out days ahead. Book at least 3-5 days in advance.
On-site ticket sales are extremely limited and not guaranteed. Always book in advance. The palace has a daily visitor cap of approximately 2,300 people.
9:30 AM to 3:30 PM (last entry). Arrive at least 30 minutes before your reserved time slot. The palace closes earlier than most attractions.
At 3,700m altitude, climbing the steep stone steps can be challenging even for fit visitors. Take it slow and allow 30-45 minutes just to reach the entrance. Wait 1-2 days after arriving in Lhasa to acclimatize.
Yes. Shoulders and knees should be covered. Remove hats inside chapels. Avoid shorts and revealing clothing. Comfortable walking shoes are essential -- the stone steps are uneven.
Photo of Sarah Chen

Sarah Chen

Senior Travel Writer & Tibet Specialist

  • Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certified
  • Contributor to major travel guidebooks since 2017
  • 6+ visits to Tibet across all seasons
  • High-altitude first aid training

Sarah has visited Tibet six times across all four seasons since 2017. A former Lonely Planet contributor and Wilderness First Responder, she focuses on practical trip planning, altitude safety, and honest logistical advice. Sarah writes the travel tips, permits, and itinerary content on Potala Guide.

Published: 2026-01-15·Updated: 2026-08-06