#Potala Palace Square Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)
#1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Tibet
Squares
Night Attractions
Address:
(in front of the Potala Palace) Lhasa City Chengguan District
Opening times:
Open year round, 24/7Open
Recommended sightseeing time:
0.5-1 hour
Phone:
0891-6339615
Visit Lhasa in May! A fun-filled self-guided travel strategy tested by yours truly!
📅 A four-day, three-night itinerary, taking you on a tour of Lhasa!
D1 From Gonggar Airport to the hotel, then to Barkhor Street, Jokhang Temple, and Tibet Museum;
D2 Visit Potala Palace, Potala Palace Square, and Yaowangshan Viewing Platform;
D3 Head to Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier, and Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon Viewing Platform;
D4 Take Tibetan dress photos on Barkhor Street, then head to Lhasa Railway Station.
【Things to Know Before Departure】
💥 First, the sunlight in Lhasa is really intense, with strong ultraviolet rays! Remember to do a good job with sun protection: hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and sun-protective clothing are all essential!
🌡️ As for the climate, it's very dry, with a huge temperature difference between day and night! No matter the season, an outer coat is a must. It can be hot during the day, but sun protection is still necessary. At night or when going to higher altitudes, you'll need to wear a thick jacket or down coat!
💡 Another tip: on your first day in Lhasa, don't rush to wash your hair or take a shower, as it's easy to catch a cold. Also, don't hurry to Potala Palace, as climbing stairs without acclimating can lead to altitude sickness.
【Touring Tips】
📸 Remember to bring your ID card when going out, as you need to show it to enter Barkhor Street. Photography is not allowed inside temples, and remember to wear long pants, not skirts, shorts, or slippers.
🚗 For transportation, it takes about 70 minutes by taxi from the train station to the city center, and from the airport to the city center. You can choose the airport shuttle bus as a more economical option. In the city, it is recommended to take a taxi.
🏨 For accommodation, it is recommended to stay in a hotel with oxygen supply near Barkhor Street or Potala Palace, which has been renovated in the last two years and is equipped with oxygen machines in the rooms!
🍽️ You can't miss the local cuisine! Highland barley wine, butter tea, tsampa, yak yogurt, stone pot chicken, Tibetan yak meat hotpot, potato buns... every bite is the taste of Lhasa!
Stella Garcia
How to play in Lhasa? This most comprehensive travel guide is all you need
🌟【Explore Lhasa, feel the perfect fusion of faith and nature】🏞️
When the dawn spreads, it's time to start our Lhasa journey. The first stop, Potala Palace Square. In the morning light, the Potala Palace, under the brilliance of faith, appears exceptionally solemn.
🚶♀️How to get there:
- 🚌 Take a bus or taxi directly;
- 🚗 If driving, there are several parking lots to choose from: the Jokhang Temple parking lot is the first choice, followed by the underground parking lot near the Potala Palace;
- 🚇 Or take the Metro Line 1 to Jokhang Temple Station and come out from Exit 4.
🏞️ Lhasa's natural scenery is equally enchanting, with the Sera Valley Ecological Scenic Area being a prime spot to explore ancient trees and highland barley fields. In addition, the scenery behind the suburban archway is also worth stopping to admire.
🥩 In Lhasa, food is inseparable from faith. Here are some must-try local delicacies:
- Highland barley wine: Made from highland barley, it has a rich taste with a hint of barley aroma;
- Butter tea: A daily beverage for Tibetans, it can keep out the cold and increase stamina;
- Tibetan yogurt: Sour and sweet, rich in nutrition;
- Tibetan pork: The meat is fresh and delicious, and together with highland barley wine and butter tea, they are known as the 'Three Wonders of Tibetan Cuisine'.
📍 Choices for the journey:
Starting from the Potala Palace, follow the highland blue sky road and explore every corner of Lhasa. First, you can go to Drepung Monastery to feel the solemnity of Tibetan Buddhism; then head to Jokhang Temple to feel the power of faith; finally, stroll through Barkhor Street to experience the ancient and bustling Lhasa.
✅ Day1: Lhasa Essence One-Day Tour
- 8:30 Arrive at Potala Palace Square to feel the power of faith;
- Visit Drepung Monastery to experience the solemnity of Tibetan Buddhism;
- Have lunch and taste one of the 'Three Wonders of Tibetan Cuisine', Tibetan pork;
- Visit Sera Monastery and Sera Valley Ecological Scenic Area in the afternoon;
- Have dinner and taste local specialties, feeling the warmth of the Tibetan people.
✅ Day2: In-depth Exploration of Lhasa
- You can choose to go to Namtso or Yamdrok Lake to experience the grandeur of the plateau lakes;
- Head to Barkhor Street to experience the ancient and bustling Lhasa;
- Experience handicraft making in a Tibetan family and learn about traditional Tibetan culture;
- Finally, be sure to visit the Tibetan Medicine Museum to understand and learn about Tibetan medical culture.
No matter when you choose to arrive in Lhasa, be sure to prepare for the high-altitude environment. In addition, maintaining good health, wearing warm clothes, and drinking plenty of water are also essential.
George Corwin
Tibet Surrounding Tour | Lhasa Potala Palace Travel Guide
I've been in Tibet for two days! Here are some tips to avoid pitfalls💣
1️⃣On the second day, we visited Jokhang Temple and Potala Palace, both of which require advance reservation! You can book Potala Palace a week in advance, and Jokhang Temple one day in advance.
2️⃣Potala Palace is free of charge during the off-season, while Jokhang Temple has an entrance fee of 🎫85. The temple is not very big, and if you just have a quick look around, it will take about 10 minutes to visit. It is recommended to spend 💰50 for a guide to get a more detailed understanding.
3️⃣It is suggested to visit Jokhang Temple on a Sunday. We were lucky to go on a Sunday when pilgrims are not allowed inside the temple, making it much less crowded.
4️⃣From Barkhor Street to Jokhang Temple, there are many pilgrims along the way, and it is generally not appropriate to take photos.
5️⃣Overall, I think Jokhang Temple is definitely worth a visit. If faith has a sound, it would be deafening here. It's here that I finally understood why Tibet is so healing for the soul.
6️⃣Before entering Potala Palace, it is advisable to buy a bottle of cola or glucose, as you will be climbing uphill and it's easy to get short of breath!
7️⃣The best spots for checking in at Potala Palace are at the Yaowang Mountain Viewing Platform and Potala Palace Square. It is recommended to come on a sunny day! It will look even better!
8️⃣If you want to take a photo in Tibetan costume, it's better to do it at noon or early afternoon! The sunlight is more beautiful then! We originally planned to take photos in Tibetan costumes after visiting Potala Palace, but by the time we came out at three o'clock, the light was no longer very good🥹
9️⃣Make sure to keep up your strength! Drink plenty of water!
1️⃣0️⃣Today, I'm going on a group tour to Nyingchi, and I'll continue to share with you all~
GraceButler^29
A spontaneous trip to Lhasa for a spiritual journey, here's the most comprehensive guide to Lhasa
A spontaneous trip to Lhasa for a spiritual journey. ✨
Travel is the best form of spiritual practice
✨ Lhasa, a place where people yearn to go for spiritual enlightenment
🌈 Being alone might feel lonely at times, but it also allows one to do as they please
🌍 Enjoy the scenery, savor the food, and rest when tired
🎯 Everything is up to you, enjoy the freedom of travel
✨ Essential pre-trip checklist:
✅ Identification: ID card, student ID, driver's license
✅ Personal care: masks, skincare products, sunscreen, sunglasses, hydrating masks, lip balm, toiletries
✅ Daily necessities: power bank, bread snacks, tissues, umbrella, oxygen bottles, cash, medicines
✅ Must-have clothing: cotton-padded clothes, sports shoes, shell jackets
✅ Snack supplies: chocolate, compressed biscuits, instant noodles, sausages, Vitamin C effervescent tablets, mineral water
✨ Pre-trip preparations:
1️⃣ Purchase round-trip tickets
2️⃣ Book hotels in advance
3️⃣ Carry small change in cash, and bring a bank card as well
🗺️ Itinerary:
Day One:
🔹 Barkhor Street 🏮 - Yaowang Mountain Viewing Platform 🌄 - Potala Palace Square 🏰 - Potala Palace Overpass Viewing Spot 🌉
Take it easy on the first day to acclimate to the altitude, don't plan too many activities:
1️⃣ Sleep in, explore Barkhor Street, have breakfast (Tibetan noodles + sweet tea) 😋
2️⃣ Visit Jokhang Temple, book tickets one day in advance
3️⃣ Head to Yaowang Mountain Viewing Platform in the afternoon, prepare 50 yuan in change
4️⃣ The best time to enjoy the view from Potala Palace Overpass is from 19:00-20:00
5️⃣ Visit Potala Palace Square at night to see the night view, then head back to rest
Day Two:
🔹 Visit Potala Palace 🏯 - Norbulingka 🎡 - Tibet Museum 🏛️ - Ramoche Temple 🛕 - Lhasa Guangming Sweet Tea House/Canggu Temple Tea House ☕️ - Tashilhunpo Monastery, Sera Monastery 🛐 - Barkhor Shopping Mall 🛍️
1️⃣ Book Potala Palace tickets in advance, wake up early to do so!
2️⃣ Tour Norbulingka and enjoy the beautiful scenery
3️⃣ Visit Tibet Museum, book in advance with a QR code
4️⃣ Admire the magnificent view of Ramoche Temple
5️⃣ Taste the delicious tea at Lhasa Guangming Sweet Tea House/Canggu Temple Tea House
6️⃣ Go to Tashilhunpo Monastery and Sera Monastery to feel the power of faith
7️⃣ Try various flavors of food at the Barkhor Street food market
🌟 A spontaneous trip that takes you to explore the charm of Lhasa ✨
💫 Experience freedom, practice spirituality, and make the journey a treasure of life ✨
Matthew Preston
Potala Palace | Please keep the winter travel money-saving tips including the Tibet travel guide
Winter is really the best time to visit Lhasa (if you can tolerate the lower oxygen levels)❗️
🌟Every year from November 1st to March 15th of the following year is the discount period for winter travel in Tibet. During this time, many attraction tickets are free of charge🙈, including the Potala Palace, which usually costs more than 200 yuan for a ticket, is free in winter (and it's easier to book than in the peak tourist season)👍
⚠️【Super Practical | Potala Palace & Tibet Guide】
1️⃣The Potala Palace requires climbing many stairs, it's a big physical challenge❗️It's recommended not to schedule your visit to the Palace on the first day, but rather wait until your body has acclimated to the high altitude before going up to the Palace for a better experience~
2️⃣The guide for the Potala Palace is 50 yuan per person, mainly consisting of group tours, and many people will ask if you need a guide while queuing
3️⃣After arriving in Lhasa, it's advised to stay in a hotel with dispersed oxygen supply, resting well is a major prerequisite for enjoying your time on the plateau👍
4️⃣It's best not to bathe or wash your hair on the first day after arriving in Tibet, as it's easy to suffer from altitude sickness!
5️⃣Avoid vigorous exercise at high altitudes, including running, jumping, etc., all movements should be slow⚠️
6️⃣You can take Rhodiola in advance to effectively prevent altitude sickness; also, bring some glucose to mix with water and eat some chocolate to replenish energy, which is very important!
7️⃣If you want to take beautiful photos at the Potala Palace, you can go to Potala Palace Square or Medicine King Mountain (50 yuan for the photo spot), bringing a small mirror can help capture a beautiful reflection of the Palace🙈
8️⃣For accommodation, it's recommended to stay near the Potala Palace Square. I stayed at the Minshan Aviation Hotel, where you can see the Potala Palace from the room👍
ceraceous.leona
Potala Palace|A place where there is a lack of oxygen but not a lack of faith
The sacred Potala Palace
The Potala Palace in Lhasa, located in the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region, is a sacred palace with a deep history and cultural heritage. For centuries, this palace has been the center of politics, religion, and culture in Tibet.
The Potala Palace is located on the Red Hill, towering into the clouds. Whenever the sun rises or the night falls, the golden roof shines with a mysterious and brilliant light under the sun or starlight. Standing on the square in front of the Potala Palace, looking up at this majestic and magnificent building complex, it seems to feel the wisdom and power deposited by endless years.
Preparation before departure: "Potala Palace Ticketing System" reservation, 7 days in advance
Starting in May: 200 Oh!
The tour route is simple
Queue for security check at the south gate and enter the first gate』「Follow the crowd directly to the second gate」「Decide whether to ask for an explanation」「Check the ticket at the stele without words and enter the second gate』「Start climbing after changing the ticket』
Attention!
Dress appropriately when going to the Potala Palace, do not wear skirts, shorts, stockings, etc.
You can wear a hat and sunglasses when climbing the mountain, but you need to take them off in the hall to show respect.
You can bring an oxygen bottle, there are sold at the door, 20 a bottle. There is also butter for sale at the door, which can be bought to add lamp oil.
You can bring snacks, fruits, and milk tea.
There are two or three ticket booths on the way up the mountain, you don't need to rush to buy tickets, you can decide whether to buy or not at the ticket booth behind depending on your physical condition.
Walk very slowly, don't rush, otherwise you may have altitude sickness.
It is not recommended to climb the Potala Palace on the second day of going to Lhasa, it is recommended to wait for two days before going, otherwise it is easy to have altitude sickness.
Once you enter the Potala Palace, you must watch which road you take, because inside "do not walk back", that is, you cannot turn back, you can only keep going forward... until the end.
It is recommended to choose an earlier appointment time, of course, those with a later appointment time can also enter the venue in advance (not sure, it is possible in the off-season!), it is too hot when the sun is big, it is quite cool earlier.
"Potala Palace Square" finally go, wait for 21:00 to start the night light, it is also very beautiful in the evening! There are many people here taking various photos, I also took advantage of someone else's water to take a reflection (dry very quickly).
Personal experience: Be sure to bring enough warm clothes for the night, the temperature difference is too big! Arrange your diet reasonably during the period, finally, if you have the conditions, you should go into the Potala Palace to see it, it is very spectacular, 200 ticket, I think it is worth it!
The Potala Palace is one of the most representative buildings in Tibet, and it is also a place of faith and sanctity in people's hearts. No matter where you come from and what religion you believe in, you will feel a kind of tranquility and solemnity beyond the worldly hustle and bustle when you step into the Potala Palace. Here, faith becomes a bridge between people and gods, giving many believers strength and hope.
The Potala Palace is not only one of the most important tourist attractions in the Tibet Autonomous Region, but also a place where people have longed for and purified their souls. If you have ever had the desire to find true peace and balance in your heart, then you might as well embark on a journey to the Potala Palace and find the tranquility deep in your heart in this sacred and beautiful place.
SERENITY BOYD
I want to see the Potala Palace in your phone
The Potala Palace is a sacred palace, standing in the majestic Himalayas, like a pagoda guarding the world. I feel incredibly lucky to be able to experience this unique charm! 🌈
📷Shooting locations:
1. Inside the Potala Palace Scenic Area
2. Potala Palace Square
3. Yaowang Mountain Viewing Platform
4. South Mountain Park
5. Star Moon Bodhi Restaurant Viewing Platform
📷Focal length: 🔍🏔 For photos of the Potala Palace, it is recommended to use a wide-angle lens, with a focal length between 16mm and 24mm is the most suitable! It can perfectly capture the majestic architecture and the surrounding magnificent mountain scenery!
🌅Best time: 🌞If you want to capture the golden sunset of the Potala Palace, 4 pm to dusk is the best time! The golden light shines, making the photos more magical! 🌇If you like the tranquility of the early morning, 7 am to 9 am is also a good choice, you can capture the beautiful scene of the morning sun shining on the Potala Palace! 🌞
ValerianVoxen123~
Potala Palace!! A niche shooting angle! Hurry up and stay!!
Come to Lhasa!
How can you not take pictures of the Potala Palace
I used a day to check in the Potala Palace from multiple angles
Today I will share a few niche locations with you
No queuing! No charge! Super out of the picture! 📸
.
✔️📍Star Moon Bodhi Cafe
There is a minimum consumption of 30💰 per person here~
Take the small ticket and you can go upstairs to take pictures
This position is very suitable for shooting the night view of the Potala Palace!
✔️📍Lalong Department Store 🎫Free
Self-driving treasures can park their cars in the mall's parking lot🅿️
Then cross the road to the park opposite
Go through the security check (remember to bring your ID card or ID photo)
Enter the gate and turn right to arrive!
You can sit here leisurely for a morning~
When the lake is not frozen
You can also take a reflection of the Potala Palace
✔️📍Potala Palace Square 🎫Free
I heard that it used to be a reflection of mineral water, but now there are a few mirror bricks! Personally tested! The mirror brick directly opposite the flag is the best looking~
✔️P7-P8📍Yaowang Mountain Viewing Platform 🎫Free
This viewing platform has two levels, the lower level is for taking portraits, and the upper level can take a view of the 50 yuan~ (remember to change 50 yuan in cash in advance)
✔️📍Nanshan Park 🎫 Free
I took two points here
One by the lake can take a group photo with the Potala Palace~
The other is when climbing to 500m, there is a small mound a little bit above~ It's cool to take pictures here😎
✔️📍The entrance of the mall in the Barkhor Times Commercial Shopping Street
🎫 Free
As shown in the picture!
When going upstairs, there is a small hole, but you must use a telephoto lens to take it! These can only take empty mirrors~
Aurora Johnson
Tibetan costume photo shoot
How can you not take a set of Tibetan costume photos when you come to Lhasa? This time, I chose a set of haute couture and a set of lively clothes. Without further ado, let's get straight to the pictures.
Emelie Quitzon
Enchanted Heights:Exploring the Potala Palace
The Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an iconic symbol of Tibetan culture and spirituality, situated in the heart of Lhasa, the capital of Tibet Autonomous Region in China. This majestic palace stands as a breathtaking architectural marvel, perched atop Marpo Ri (Red Hill), overlooking the city with its stunning panoramic views.
The Potala Palace is renowned for its historical significance as the former winter residence of the Dalai Lamas, the spiritual leaders of Tibetan Buddhism. It serves as a potent testament to the deep-rooted Tibetan religious and cultural heritage. As visitors explore its magnificent structure, they can expect to be immersed in the rich tapestry of Tibetan Buddhism, art, and history.
The palace complex comprises two main sections: the Red Palace and the White Palace. The Red Palace, known for its vibrant red and gold decor, houses numerous sacred chapels, stupas, and intricate murals depicting Buddhist teachings, mythological stories, and historical events. The revered tombs of previous Dalai Lamas are also located here, providing a serene and spiritual atmosphere.
The White Palace, with its striking white walls, offers a glimpse into the secular life of the Dalai Lamas. This section includes the living quarters, administrative offices, and various assembly halls. The architectural details, from the intricately carved beams to the colorful motifs, showcase a remarkable fusion of Tibetan, Chinese, and Indian styles.
Visitors can also explore the surrounding courtyards, gardens, and meditation rooms, each offering a unique perspective on Tibetan culture and the spiritual practices that have shaped the region for centuries. The palace's strategic layout, with its intricate maze of halls, corridors, and staircases, adds to the sense of mystery and wonder as visitors discover hidden treasures at every turn.
Beyond its historical and cultural significance, the Potala Palace's imposing presence against the backdrop of the Himalayas creates a truly awe-inspiring sight. It's a place of contemplation, spiritual reverence, and architectural splendor that draws travelers from around the world, offering a glimpse into the soul of Tibet and its deep connection to Buddhism. Those who visit the Potala Palace can expect to be captivated by its beauty, cultural significance, and the sense of serenity it imparts.
ClaireK
Wanting to go to Tibet seems to have been tempted.
A moment of Cangyang Gyatso's squatting peace
The incense fire from the red wall of the temple
The chanting scripture of the promenade Hc/
There is also a white snow that looks up, and the goshawk that crosses the top of the head
I have to go through the deserted wilderness, and I have to step into the land where the grass is not born;/ Hc/
I want to feel the bleakness outside the midsummer, the loneliness of the noisy city;
Tibet's fascination is the charm of life.
But it doesn't excuse any life, or even give comfort. It only raises the hand for the dust that we are all covered in dust. Tell us about this life, you are not alone.
Life must go to Tibet once.
linchenLive.
In the first stop of Lhasa, there was no high rebellion. I came to the Potala Palace Square with a pilgrimage and saw the majestic Potala Palace. The flowers were filled here, and everything was such a holy god.
When you come to the side of the Potala Palace Square, you need to go through the security check before you can enter. Passing a long row of prayer wheels on the promenade, the locals push the small trucks to sell things. The square can be seen one by one. The locals are by the river!
When I went there, there were not many people in the Potala Palace Square. In the Qing Dynasty, the Zongjiao Lukang Park in the square was the Tibetan monument and the Ten Quan Ji Gong Monument. On the south, the Tibet Peace and Liberation Monument stood. Here you can take a panoramic view of the Potala Palace and there is a musical fountain to be missed at night.
Potala Palace Square
Tips: Need to go through security to enter
Address: Lhasa City Chengguan District (in front of the Potala Palace)
Opening time: 24