Potala Palace

– One of the greatest architecture in the World

This incredible architecture of Tibet is named after the Mount Potalaka, the sacred mountain abode of the Bodhisattva of Compassion, Avalokiteshvara, the Potala has been identified in different ages as the residence of Tibet’s two illustrious and Kingly emanation of Avalokiteshvara-the Songtsen Gampo and Dalai Lama.

This greatest monumental structure in all of Tibet, the Potala Palace is 13 stories high and holds countless treasures in its many rooms. Built in 637 AD, the Potala has been home to the Dalai Lama lineage for more than a thousand years. The building which towers above the city of Lhasa rises from the slopes of Mount Marpori, for which reason it is known locally as the Tse Podrang (summit Palace). The outer section, known as the White Palace has functioned as the traditional seat of government and winter residence of Dalai Lamas, while the inner section known as the Red Palace contains outstanding temples and the reliquary tombs of eight past Dalai Lamas. In terms of global perception, it is this relic of Tibet’s past, present, and future aspirations.

How and where to get the Potala Entrance ticket?

To entry Potala Palace, First, you need to purchase entrance tickets at the bottom of Potala Palace towards the white stupa next to Chakpori. The admission ticket has to be purchased in advance and passport and Tibet Travel Permit has to be shown when you purchase your entrance tickets.

How much the Potala Palace entrance fee costs?

Potala Palace Entrance ticket costs 200CNY(30USD). If you are traveling to Tibet in low season(in the month of Jan, Feb, March, April, Nov, and Dec), you can purchase your tickets on the same day if you arrive there before 12:30 pm. But in the high season(May, June, July, August, Sep, and October), you have two options: 1) purchase from your travel agency which will cost some extra fee.  2), you and your guide go to the Potala Ticket Office one day before and purchase the admission ticket for next day. This is the cheapest way to get Potala ticket, but you have to go there very early in the morning and you may need to make a big line.

When should I visit Potala Palace?

When you purchase Potala Palace Admission ticket, you need to fix your visiting time next day and you have to show up on time at the entrance gate according to time on your entrance ticket. There will be security check-ups at the entry gate on the eastern side of the palace where you have to show your entrance ticket, passport and travel permit. Your guide will lead you inside and your visiting of this ancient architecture is started.

How long do I have once I entry Potala Palace?

Once you enter the gate, you have 1 hour to finish inside Potala Palace. You may wish to have more time as it is massive inside but your guide has to take you out in one hour. Your guide has to swipe his/her guide’s license card when you enter /exit Potala Palace.  so that the ticket office knows whether you are exit the palace on time.

Are there any other places you can visit nearby Potala Palace? 

There few places and activities you can visit and do after visiting Potala Palace.

1). Make a Kora(Kora means circumambulation) around Potala Palace following by local pilgirms. This is a great way to experience Lhasa local Tibetan’s spiritual life. The kora takes about one hour.

2). Lukhang, a house for Nagas or water deities. The lukhang is located on the lake behind Potala Palace.

3). View and photography point, this place is located on the slope of Mountain Chakpori on the west side of the place across the street. You will see many people taking photos of Potala Palace. This is the best place for photography Potala Palace.

4). The Rocky Paintings, located at the other side of Chakpori Hill or Medicine Mountain Hill. It takes about 15-20 minutes walk from right wing of Potala Palace. This rocky painting is one of the largest in Tibet. Many small and big Buddha and deity images are carved on a giant cliff with beautiful colors made by natural mines.