About Potala Palace
Climbing the slopes of Marpo Ri above Lhasa, the Potala Palace is the defining image of Tibet. The Fifth Dalai Lama began the present structure in 1645 on the site of a palace linked to the 7th century king Songtsen Gampo. The whitewashed White Palace once held government offices and living quarters, while the crimson Red Palace at its center is devoted to prayer halls, chapels and the golden funerary stupas of past Dalai Lamas.
Today the building operates as a museum, yet Tibetan pilgrims still arrive daily with butter lamps, scarves and prayer wheels. Many walk the lingkhor and the shorter circuit at the foot of the hill before climbing the steep stairs inside. Visitors pass through dim chapels heavy with incense, murals and thousands of statues. The scale is overwhelming, and the view across the Lhasa valley from the rooftops rewards the breathless ascent at 3,700 meters.
What to see
- Gilded tomb stupa of the Fifth Dalai Lama
- Chapel of the Arya Lokeshvara, among the oldest rooms
- Murals of Lhasa history in the Red Palace
- Pilgrim circuit around the base of Marpo Ri
- Night view from Potala Square
Visiting Potala Palace: practical guide
- Best time
- April to October
- Hours
- Daily, roughly 9:30 to 16:00; timed entry slots
- Entry
- About 200 CNY in high season; book via a licensed Tibet tour
- Dress code
- Remove hats inside chapels; modest clothing
- Nearest airport
- Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA), 60 km
Tips from experienced pilgrims
- Tickets are issued for a fixed time slot and visits are capped at about one hour
- Photography inside the chapels is not allowed
- Walk clockwise around the palace as pilgrims do
- Rest a day in Lhasa before climbing the steep stairs
Festivals and special days
- Shoton Festival
- Losar (Tibetan New Year)
- Saga Dawa
Etiquette for visitors
Guidance drawn from Buddhism tradition. Always follow signs and local custodians.
- Remove shoes and hats before entering temple halls.
- Cover shoulders and knees, and avoid revealing clothing.
- Never point your feet toward a Buddha image or monk.
- Women should not touch or hand items directly to Theravada monks.
- Walk clockwise around stupas and prayer wheels.
- Do not climb on or pose disrespectfully with Buddha statues.
Location map
Open in OpenStreetMap · Get directions
Frequently asked questions
Where is Potala Palace?
Potala Palace is in Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region, China, Asia. GPS coordinates: 29.6578, 91.1169. The nearest airport is Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA), 60 km.
What is the best time to visit Potala Palace?
April to October
Is there an entry fee for Potala Palace?
About 200 CNY in high season; book via a licensed Tibet tour Opening hours: Daily, roughly 9:30 to 16:00; timed entry slots
What should I wear when visiting Potala Palace?
Remove hats inside chapels; modest clothing
Which religion is Potala Palace sacred to?
Potala Palace is sacred to Buddhism. Museum or heritage site. It is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
