Your Guide to Potala Palace: Highlights & Travel Tips

Planning a Tibet tour? A visit to the Potala Palace is a must. It was the Winter Palace of the Dalai Lama for centuries. This majestic landmark is not only a symbol of Tibetan Buddhism but also one of the most iconic sites in all of Tibet. This guide will tell you everything you need to know to have a successful trip.

The Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet

Essential Travel Information

Admire the Potala Palace in distance

The Potala Palace is 3,700 meters above sea level, or 12,139 feet high, so you might feel slightly out of breath at the top. Staying hydrated, moving slowly, and listening to your body are good ways to navigate these heights. Expect to see stunning art and beautiful architecture and enjoy panoramic views when you're visiting.

Visit this palace in the morning, when you'll have more of it to yourself and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. It's also a good idea to avoid national and school holidays if you want to avoid the crowds and plan to spend between 2 and 3 hours visiting the complex.

• Address: 35 Beijing Middle Road, Lhasa
• Peak Season: April to October
• Ticket Price: May 1 to October 31, 200 RMB per person; November 1 to April 30, 100 RMB per person

It's important to remember that foreign travelers cannot enter Tibet or book Potala Palace tickets by themselves. You'll need to work with a licensed travel agency. We can help you make all the necessary arrangements, including getting to and around Tibet and visiting the Potala Palace, as part of a customized itinerary.

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History of Potala Palace

Potala Palace, Lhasa

The history of the Potala Palace dates back to the 7th Century when Yarlung Emperor Srongtsen Gampo constructed it in honor of Princess Wencheng. The sprawling palace had 999 rooms and a meditation area. Tragically, much of the original structure was destroyed by earthquakes.

In 1645, the Lozang Gyatse, the fifth Dalai Lama, restored the place, building additions like the Red Palace in the late 1600s. For centuries, later Dalai Lamas made the palace their winter home. Now, the palace is a museum and is considered one of Tibet's most important historical and religious structures.

What to See Inside the Potala Palace

The Potala Palace is the back pattern of RMB 50

Visiting the Potala Palace is like stepping back in time, and you'll find countless historical and sacred relics throughout the complex. It's also a holy pilgrimage site for devout Buddhists. The palace is separated into three main areas: the White Palace, the Red Palace, and Snow City.

White Palace

The White House of the Potala Palace

The White Palace was the winter home of many Dalai Lamas, and you can tour their living quarters, see gorgeous murals, and explore traditional Tibetan architecture. This 7-story building also contains reception rooms, a meditation house, and the famous Coqen Hall, where you can see ceremonial relics and artifacts.

Red Palace

The Red Palace of Potala Palace

The Red Palace gives visitors a glimpse into Tibetan culture and faith and is full of incredible historical artifacts, golden stupas, and murals. It's larger than the White Palace and has prominent, crimson-colored walls. Visitors can pay their respects to the Fifth Dalai Lama's stupa, which is made of sandalwood, gold, and precious gems, and visit the Chogyel Drupuk meditation cave. Other significant artifacts include golden seals, Tibetan silk paintings known as thangkas, and scriptures.

Key areas to visit inside the Red Palace include the Great West Hall, which is shaped like a mandala and full of intricate murals. Also known as the “historical gallery,” it's an excellent place to dive into Tibetan history and see murals depicting important events in both politics and religion. You'll also find jade and porcelain artifacts here, many of which are centuries old.

The Chapel of the Dharma King, or Phakpa Lhakhang, is the oldest part of the palace and dates back to its origin. In this area, you'll find depictions of Princess Wencheng and Yarlung Emperor Srongtsen Gampo. Masters Hall, Mandala Hall, Stupa Hall, and the Sacred Avalokiteshvara Hall are other essential spots to visit and give you a deeper appreciation and insight into the Potala Palace.

Snow City

Snow City is arguably one of the most interesting spots in the Potala Palace, as it contains the infamous Snow Prison. You can tour the prison and see the scorpion hole where unlucky prisoners were detained. Additionally, you'll find the Treasure Hall with exhibits of modern and ancient Tibet, as well as the Western Sutra Printing House.

Once you're finished touring the palace, we recommend that you cross through the underground passage to Potala Palace Square, which is right across the street. It's an excellent place to take photos of the palace and relax after your visit.

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Travel Tips

The Potala Palace at night

1. When visiting Potala Palace, keeping some key tips in mind is essential. No photography or videos are permitted inside the palace, and it's forbidden to touch the murals or relics.

2. Since Potala Palace is a key religious site, visitors are encouraged to dress respectfully. Avoid revealing clothing, and wear comfortable, non-slip shoes, as there are many stairs inside the Red Palace area. Also, avoid pointing directly at the Buddha and remember that others may be there to worship.

3. Additionally, since the palace is at a higher altitude, we recommend paying attention to your body and taking breaks as needed. You can also take altitude sickness medication if needed.

4. Remember to bring sunblock to tour the outside areas of the palace, especially during the high season.

5. You will also need to bring your passport and Tibet Travel Permit with you.

Visit Potala Palace with China Odyssey Tours

If you want to understand Tibetan history, culture, and religion, the Potala Palace is an excellent place to visit. We can help you maximize your historical and cultural tour with a personalized itinerary. Contact us or email trip@odynovotours.com to start planning your exciting adventure today.