Potala Palace Travel Guide

where is the Potala Palace located

Potala Palace is located at the top of Marpo Ri (Red Hill) in Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region, China, at an altitude of 3,700 meters above sea level. It covers a total area of 360,000 square meters, with a building area of 130,000 square meters. It is the highest-altitude and largest palace-style architectural complex in the world.

When was the Potala Palace built

Potala Palace was first built in 631 AD by Songtsen Gampo, the 33rd king of the Tibetan Empire, to marry Princess Wencheng. It was originally named the “Red Hill Palace.”

In the 17th century, during the period of the Fifth Dalai Lama, the palace was rebuilt and expanded in order to consolidate the Ganden Phodrang local government that combined political and religious authority. This reconstruction formed today’s core layout of the White Palace (the place for the Dalai Lama’s political affairs and residence) and the Red Palace (the area for religious rituals and stupas).

Afterward, successive Dalai Lamas carried out repairs and expansions, gradually perfecting it into a comprehensive architectural complex integrating politics, religion, and culture.

The Tourism Significance of Potala Palace

As the core sacred site of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, Potala Palace carries the spiritual faith of the Tibetan people. Its kora paths, prayer flags, and mani stone piles, together with the daily pilgrims, form a living cultural landscape.

The architecture and palace collections of Potala Palace fully reflect the political, economic, and cultural exchanges among different ethnic groups in China, proving that Tibet has been an inseparable part of China since ancient times.

In 1994, Potala Palace was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List:

“In architectural form, spatial layout, and artistic expression, it perfectly integrates Tibetan Buddhist culture and traditional Tibetan architectural techniques, and is an outstanding example of harmonious coexistence between human civilization and the natural environment."

Best Time to Visit Potala Palace

The best seasons to visit Potala Palace are:

Spring (April–June)

The weather is comfortable, temperatures are moderate, sunshine is abundant, and the air is clear.
Flowers begin to bloom, and the scenery is very beautiful.
The number of visitors is relatively lower than in summer, making the experience more relaxing.

Autumn (September–October)

The sky is clear with high visibility, making it an excellent season for photography.
The temperature is cool and pleasant, and the crowds are slightly fewer than in summer.

These two seasons are generally considered the most comfortable and recommended times to visit Potala Palace and Lhasa.

I summarized the Best Visiting Route

(about 2.5 hours in total, 1,080 steps, elderly visitors can take the gentle slope)

Enter through Gate No.1 → Start climbing from the Wordless Stele → Deyangxia Platform for panoramic photos → White Palace → Red Palace → Exit downhill (about 3 hours in total)

1. Treasure Hall (left side of the entrance)

Highlights:

• Nine-Eyed Dzi Bead: Only 3 genuine pieces remain in the world

• Gold-Ink Sutra: Scriptures written with ink made from ground gold

2. White Palace

Must-see highlights:

• East Sunlight Hall: The “office” of the Dalai Lama, pay attention to the sandalwood carved dragon on the windowsill

• Toilet Ruins: A 30-meter drop “high-altitude toilet,” showcasing ancient wisdom

3. Red Palace

Comparison of the Three Major Stupas:

• Fifth Dalai Lama: The most luxurious (3,721 kg of gold + 18,000 gemstones)

• Thirteenth Dalai Lama: The newest (built in 1933, embedded with an electric power system similar to Tesla)

• Tsangyang Gyatso: No stupa! Only a thangka portrait (located in the Shusheng Sanjie Hall)

Best Photography Tips for Potala Palace

1. Potala Palace Square lying-down shot (use a wide-angle lens for cinematic effect)

2. Lakeside of Nanshan Park (view Potala Palace with snow mountains in the same frame)

3. Zongjiao Lukang Park: Lake reflection + yellow leaves in autumn are stunning

4. Yaowang Mountain Viewing Platform: Same angle as the 50 RMB banknote (avoid early morning backlight)

Where to Sign Up for the Potala Palace Tourism

If you want to make a reservation to visit Potala Palace, currently, there are the following official methods:

1. Official Online Reservation (Most Recommended)

WeChat Mini Program Reservation

Open WeChat
Search “Potala Palace Ticket Reservation System”
Enter the official mini program
Select visiting date
Fill in ID card/passport information
Complete online payment to finish the reservation

Reservations can generally be made about 7 days in advance.
During peak season (May–October), tickets are limited, so it is recommended to book early.

2. Register Through Our Travel Agency (Common for Non-local Visitors)

We will help you handle the ticket and Tibet entry procedures.
Foreign tourists generally need to apply for a Tibet Travel Permit, which our tour group can arrange on your behalf.

3. More Recommended Travel Routes Around Potala Palace

• 8 Days Lhasa-Yamdrok Lake-Shigatse-Everest Group Tour
• 6 Days Classic Central Tibet Tour with Yamdrok Lake and Namtso Lake
• Ganden and Drak Yerpa 5 Days Experience Trekking Tour
• 15 Days Lhasa-Shigatse-Mt Everest-Mt. Kailash & Guge Kingdom Tour
• 7 Days Tibet Light Trekking to Pagong Ka with Local Tibetan Village Visit