Travel Tips for Visiting the Potala Palace in Winter
The majesty of the Potala Palace in winter has not been diminished; instead, it appears even more dignified against the backdrop of the snow scenery. From November to March of the following year is Lhasa’s winter. The average daytime temperature is around 3 to 15 degrees Celsius, and it can drop to about -10 degrees Celsius at night. At that time, the frequency of sunny days is high with occasional cloudy, rainy and snowy days. From a weather perspective, you can't find an excuse not to visit the Potala Palace in winter. And snow, on the contrary, can allow you to discover another rare side of it.
Special Discount Policies for the Potala Palace Tickets in Winter
According to past practice, the Potala Palace offers a half-price ticket policy from November to March each year, reducing the ticket price from 200 RMB to 100 RMB. This policy aims to encourage tourists to visit Lhasa in winter. Although you surely don't choose to visit the Potala Palace during this period just because of the half-price ticket. But fewer people mean you can settle down and enjoy the view more. When it comes to taking photos, you can also find better angles without crowds.
The Opening Hours of the Potala Palace Are Adjusted in Winter
From November to April of the following year, the opening hours of the Potala Palace are 9:30 a.m. and admission is closed after 3:20 p.m., which is a bit shorter than that in summer. You should also note that the Potala Palace is closed on Mondays throughout the year for the maintenance of its infrastructure, but it is open normally on Chinese legal holidays.
Tickets for the Potala Palace in Winter Still Need to Be Reserved in Advance
Although reservations are still required for the Potala Palace in winter, the time is shorter than that for summer when reservations need to be made 10 days in advance. The reason why reservations need to be made so many days in advance during peak season is to avoid the diversion of crowds due to excessive congestion.
When Can You Capture the Snow Scene of the Potala Palace
Between January and March, the probability of snowfall in Lhasa is higher than in other months, as cold air activities are frequent. Moreover, the low temperature is conducive to preventing the snow from melting quickly. Snowfall in Lhasa is sudden and a bit unpredictable. It is recommended to pay close attention to the short-term forecast of the local meteorological bureau before departure to lock in the weather process of temperature drop and precipitation.
The Potala Palace will Be Closed for on New Year's Eve of Tibetan Calendar
According to past practice, the Potala Palace opens on the first day of the first month in Tibetan calendar and closes on the day before and after the first day for a holiday.
Conclusion
As the Potala Palace is at an altitude of 3,700 meters, there are over 1,000 stone steps to climb up it. It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and fully adapt to Lhasa before going there.
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39 Comment ON "Travel Tips for Visiting the Potala Palace in Winter"
Asked by Jacob Keis** from N/A
Train booking
We are a group of 15 (perhaps 17) who need to take the June 8th 15:27 train from Xining to Lhasa. We need to book this soon so prompt reply would be helpful. We are getting our permits from an agent and should have them in 6-8 days.
Asked by Nirm** from Australia
Hi, I’m interested in doing the Mount Kailash tour. I only have holidays from 20/09 to 4/10 this year. Do you have a tour that includes these dates? How much would the tour be? Are the flights, visas, passes and permits included in your prices? Thank you kindly. Regards, Nirmala (Nationality: Australian Group Size: 1 person Arrival Date: 20/09/26) Nationality: Australian Group Size: 1 person Arrival Date: 20/09/26
Asked by An** from N/A
Best time to travel for the Linka festival
Hey, I'm looking to travel to the Linka festival with my partner. When is the best time to go this year? Thanks!
Asked by Goldliam Soo** from N/A
lm from nyc in the usa how much is your 13 day Mt Kai lash tour in September or June
Hi, lm from nyc in the usa how much is your 13 day Mt Kai lash tour in September or June? And approximately how much would would the airfare be round trip? Thank you
Asked by Liliana Me** from Macau
plan a 7-8days trip for me and my boyfriend in April
Hi! I would like to plan a 7-8days trip for me and my boyfriend in April (3rd to 10th ideally) to Nepal, Tibet, and, if possible, Bhutan. Do you think it would be doable? Based on what I read, there are some places/things to do to consider: Nepal: Everest Base Camp trek and the Annapurna Circuit, ancient temples, sacred sites like Lumbini, Kathmandu, Tibet: The Potala Palace in Lhasa and the Jokhang Temple. eventually the holy Mount Kailash or the high-altitude plains. Bhutan: Thimphu, Paro, and the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery. To take part in cultural traditions, yoga, meditation... Of course I am open to any recommendations you could make. For your reference, we are both based in Asia: him, in Bangkok and myself in Macau. Thank you so much for the information you could provide and, if possible, an estimated budget for your offer.
Asked by Ke** from Singapore
Cycling Tour to Mt Kailash
Hi , we are planning a Cycling Trip once Tibet opens for Tourism. The plan is we shall arrive to Kathmandu , travel to the border and enter via Kerung. Can you pls send a day to day Itinerary starting from Kerung - Lake Manasarovar - Darchen - Asthapath. We shall go around Kailash on foot and resume Cycling back to Kerung. We are a Group of 6-8 persons. Thanks Pls send ur reply to Kevin
Asked by Debo** from USA
Please can you tell me the prices and dates for the Tibet Luxury Tour.
Also, could you please provide a detailed itinerary - I want to see how many hours are spent on buses/vehicles. Thank you! Deborah
Asked by S** from HongKong
Tibet Tour from HK
May I know if holding Mainland Travel Permit for HK Residents. is it also need to get the visa permit to Tibet and what is the procedure if need to apply? Thank you
Asked by Na** from USA
Is Kailash Mansarovar Trip open for Indian Passport Holder?
Is it open for Indian Passport Holder?
Asked by A** from Singapore
Enquiry on private tour
We are planning a trip from Hong Kong to Tibet during the 12th to 21st of April. We want a private tour that covers all the scenic places as well as the EBC. Please advise an itinerary along with the cost breakdown. Thanks.