Tibet Travel FAQs about the Potala Palace

Planning a trip to the iconic Potala Palace in Tibet? You're in the right place! These FAQs are compiled from the most common questions our travel advisors get asked by international visitors. Whether you're curious about tickets, visiting hours, or what to see, this guide has you covered—saving you the trouble of searching for tips everywhere. Let's make your Potala Palace experience smooth and memorable!

Q1: How can international tourists buy tickets for the Potala Palace?

Buying tickets as an international tourist is easy with our help! All Potala Palace tickets are included in our Tibet travel packages, and our staff will purchase them on your behalf. We have exclusive access to a special travel agency booking channel, which is a huge relief since the Potala Palace is Tibet's most popular attraction. We usually reserve tickets anywhere from a few days to over a week in advance to secure your spot. Also, all visitors need to book with their real names and go through facial recognition when entering, so make sure to bring your valid passport!

Q2: What are the opening hours of the Potala Palace?

The Potala Palace is open daily, typically from 9:00 AM to around 3:30 PM. However, hours can change a bit with the seasons. To avoid any surprises, just check with our travel advisor before your visit, and we'll give you the most up-to-date info.

Q3: How long does it take to visit the Potala Palace?

I recommend setting aside 2 to 3 hours for your visit. This gives you enough time to explore the main halls, the Treasure House filled with precious cultural relics, and the prayer paths where you can feel the peaceful atmosphere. If you want to take your time admiring the architecture or listening to stories about its history, you might want to add a bit more time—but 2–3 hours is perfect for a comfortable, thorough tour.

Q4: How much does a Potala Palace ticket cost?

Ticket prices vary by season. From May to October (peak season), the full price is around 200 RMB. During the off-season (November to April), it drops to about 100 RMB—great for budget travelers! Even better, in winter, Tibet sometimes runs free ticket promotions for the Potala Palace, so keep an eye out for that if you're visiting during the colder months. Our team will also let you know if there are any special ticket deals when you book your trip.

Q5: What's the difference between the Red Palace and the White Palace?

These two parts of the Potala Palace have distinct roles and looks! The White Palace is like the practical area—it was used for daily government work and living spaces in the past. It has bright white walls, sits lower in the complex, and is a great spot to get a feel for the palace's daily vibe and enjoy panoramic views of Lhasa. The Red Palace, on the other hand, is the cultural and religious heart. With its rich red walls, it's higher up and filled with temples, prayer halls, and precious cultural relics. Here, you can dive deeper into Tibetan Buddhism and learn about the region's history. Both are essential—visiting both lets you fully appreciate the Potala Palace's grandeur!

Q6: What should I prepare before visiting the Potala Palace?

First, take time to adjust to the high altitude! Lhasa is at a high elevation, so it's best to rest for 1–2 days after arriving before visiting the Potala Palace. The main building is 115 meters tall (12 floors) with 1,080 steps to climb—this can be tiring and might trigger altitude sickness if you're not ready. Eat chocolate or glucose water to boost your energy before entering the Potala Palace. For clothing, dress modestly—avoid revealing clothes like short skirts or tank tops. When entering the palace, you'll need to take off your hat, sunglasses, and gloves. Also, please keep quiet to respect the sacred space, don't touch cultural relics or murals, and no photography is allowed inside—let's help protect this world heritage site together!

Q7: What other attractions are near the Potala Palace for a day trip?

Make the most of your day by visiting nearby spots! First, the Potala Palace Square is free and perfect for taking full-front photos of the palace—don't miss the night light show here, which makes the palace look magical. Then, the Medicine King Mountain Viewpoint is a must—it's where you can take the classic photo that matches the 50 RMB banknote. Finally, Zongjiao Lukang Park (at the foot of the Potala Palace) is free too; in summer, you might even see black-necked cranes, and it's a great place to take photos of the palace's reflection in the lake. These spots are all close by, so you can easily visit them all in one day.

Conclusion

There is no doubt that visiting the Potala Palace is a highlight of any Tibet trip. Is there anything that still confuses you? Our tourism consultants are highly knowledgeable about Tibet travel, and they are always ready to share all the necessary information with you.