Potala Palace: Ascend Lhasa’s Himalayan Citadel & Tibet’s Iconic “Winter Palace” of Dalai Lamas

Photos of Potala Palace

Dominating Lhasa’s skyline from Marpo Ri (“Red Hill”), the Potala Palace embodies Tibetan Buddhist power and artistry. Its soaring white and red walls house grand assembly halls, gilded chapels, and the ornate tombs (ganden thubchens) of past Dalai Lamas. Pilgrims and visitors ascend its 13-tiered terraces—passing prayer wheels, ancient murals, and sacred reliquaries—to stand beneath the Great Roof and survey the Potala’s thousand-year legacy against the backdrop of the Himalaya.

What to Expect

Arrive at the foot of the palace’s eastern approach and purchase your timed-entry ticket. Climb the steep, flagstone staircases through the front “Kodang” courtyard—pausing to spin large prayer wheels. Enter the White Palace’s ground floor to see former living quarters, kitchens, and administrative halls. Proceed upward to the Red Palace’s chapels—Powell Hall and the Chapel of the Wheel of Dharma—where filigreed gilded mandalas and frescoed walls illustrate Buddhist cosmology. In the northern ganden thubchen halls, venerate the gilded stupas of the 5th to 13th Dalai Lamas. Exit via the West Gate after pausing at the rooftop courtyard for panoramic views of Lhasa and the surrounding mountains.

Background and Cultural Context

First built by King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century, the Potala was expanded under the 5th Dalai Lama between 1645 and 1694 into its present form. Combining Tibetan fortress architecture with Buddhist monastic design, it served as both the Dalai Lama’s winter palace and the seat of Tibet’s government until 1959. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, the Potala remains a symbol of Tibetan identity and spiritual heritage, preserving centuries of manuscript collections, ritual implements, and artistic masterpieces.

Best Time to Visit

May–September offers clearer skies and milder temperatures for the steep climb; early mornings (8–10 AM) provide the best light on the palace’s façades and fewer visitors. Avoid Tibetan New Year (Losar, February) when the palace may close for ceremonies. Late afternoons (4–6 PM) cast warm light on the red walls and present an ideal time for exterior photography.

How to Get There

Potala Palace sits at 35 Gong Delin Road in Lhasa. From Barkhor Square or Jokhang Temple, it’s a 15-minute uphill walk or short taxi ride. Entry requires a Tibet Travel Permit and advance online ticket reservation, limited to 1,000 daily visitors. Security checks occur at the courtyard entrance. Stairs throughout the complex are steep and uneven—allow at least two hours for the self-guided tour and wear sturdy footwear. Wheelchair access is limited; guided assistance must be arranged in advance through your tour operator.

Photo Opportunities

• Sunrise illumination of the White and Red Palaces from the eastern approach
• Interior shot of the gilded stupa-filled Ganden Thubchen Hall under bronze chandeliers
• Murals depicting the life of the Buddha in the Chapel of the Wheel of Dharma
• Prayer wheels spinning in the Kodang courtyard with pilgrims in silhouette
• Panoramic vista of Lhasa city framed by the Great Roof and Himalayan peaks

Travel Tips

• Book your entry slot at least a week in advance—tickets sell out quickly, especially in high season.
• Acclimatize to Lhasa’s altitude before climbing—allow one full day in the city for rest.
• Carry bottled water and snacks—no food is sold inside the palace complex.
• Hire a licensed guide for deeper insight into the palace’s art, history, and religious significance.
• Wear warm layers—even summer afternoons can turn chilly at the palace’s high elevation.

FAQs

Is admission required?
Yes—entry tickets cost 200 CNY and must be reserved in advance; the fee helps fund conservation efforts.

Can non-Tibetans visit?
Yes—foreign visitors must obtain a Tibet Travel Permit and purchase a timed-entry ticket through an authorized tour operator.

Are guided tours available?
Official guides authorized by the Palace offer hourly multilingual tours; private guides can be arranged through your travel agency.

How long does the visit take?
Plan 2–3 hours to climb through the White and Red Palaces, with extra time for photography and rest breaks.

Final Thoughts

Potala Palace stands as a monument to Tibetan spiritual authority and architectural genius—where every frescoed chapel, gilded reliquary, and panoramic balcony echoes a millennium of devotion. Whether you come seeking cultural insight, religious inspiration, or simply the grandeur of its setting, the Potala delivers an unforgettable encounter with Tibet’s heart.