Discover Potala Palace Like a Local: 9 Expert Tips from Our Tibetan Guides
Standing at an elevation of 3,756.5 meters atop the Red Hill, the Potala Palace is not only the iconic landmark of Lhasa but also one of the most popular destinations for travelers. For you journeying across the globe to witness its grandeur, the best reward is experiencing the Potala Palace in its most authentic form.
Here, we’ve compiled 9 expert tips from our Tibetan guides. With over 30 years of experience and countless successful tours, their insights will ensure your visit is truly unforgettable. Read on to begin planning your perfect Potala adventure!
Book Tickets in Advance: Secure Your Position Especially During Peak Seasons
Check the Opening Hours: Be Aware of the Limited Visiting Time and Plan Accordingly
Attention to Temperature: Bring a Jacket Since it Might Be Cold Inside
Prevent Altitude Sickness: Proper Adjustment and Climb the Stairs Slowly
Respect the Traditions: Dress Modestly and No Taking the Pictures Inside
Best Photos Spots: Potala Palace Square and Chakpori Mountain
Experience the Authentic Pilgrimage: Kora Around Potala Palace with Locals Tibetans
Enjoy Tibetan Performance: Dance and Sing With Local in the Park Behind the Palace
Admire the Night View: Music Fountain and take the reflective Picture with Potala Palace
Book Tickets in Advance: Secure Your Position Especially During Peak Seasons
Book early. The Potala Palace only accepts advance bookings and does not sell same-day tickets. There are three ways to book tickets: via the official WeChat app, by queuing at the ticket office, or through a qualified local travel agency.
To book via WeChat, you'll need a WeChat account and your passport number. The app can be switched to English. Ensure select the correct date, as cancellations within three days are not allowed, you’ll be unable to rebook for seven days. Tickets can be booked ten days in advance.
Alternatively, tickets for the next day can be reserved at the ticket office at the main entrance of the Potala Palace. The office opens at 9:00 AM and closes when all tickets are sold out. To ensure you get a ticket, it's best to arrive early and queue, as the number of tickets is limited.
Currently, independent travel isn't yet feasible for international tourists, so you don't need to worry about the complicated booking process. The Potala Palace is the ultimate dream for every traveler, which is why, at Tibet Vista, we prioritize this above all else. No matter how challenging it may be, we guarantee that every one of our guests will secure a ticket.
Traveling with Tibet Vista means guarantee of tickets and exceptional guide services.
Check the Opening Hours: Be Aware of the Limited Visiting Time and Plan Accordingly
The Potala Palace opens at 9:30 AM, and entry is not permitted after 3:20 PM. The entire visit takes about two hours: approximately one hour to climb up and down the stairs, and another hour to explore the interior. Additionally, there is a one-hour time limit for tourists inside to help manage the crowds and protect the relics. Please plan your schedule to match the reserved time.
If you’re traveling with us, there’s nothing to worry about. With comprehensive pickup services and seamless arrangements, we provide precise transfers from your hotel door to the gate of the Potala Palace. All you need to do is follow our guide’s lead.
Do remember arrive earlier, allow more time for you to take exciting photos.
Attention to Temperature: Bring a Jacket Since it Might Be Cold Inside
It is recommended to bring a jacket when visiting the Potala Palace. The altitude of the palace is higher than that of the square outside, and since there is little sunlight indoors, the temperature tends to be lower—usually 5-10°C cooler than outside.
The temperature difference is particularly noticeable in winter. Even in summer, it's a good idea to bring a jacket, as you might sweat after climbing the stairs and then enter the cooler indoor areas of the palace, helping you avoid catching a cold.
Bring a jacket with you is always good to visit Potala Palace, even in summer time.
Prevent Altitude Sickness: Proper Adjustment and Climb the Stairs Slowly
To prevent altitude sickness in Tibet, it's important to give your body time to adjust. Avoid visiting Potala Palace within the first two days of arriving in Lhasa. During your first two days, in addition to getting plenty of rest, places like Barkhor Street are ideal for easing into the altitude.
Given the elevation and around 400 steps to the top of the palace, be sure to take it slow. Move step by step, and avoid rushing. Climbing too quickly can increase the risk of dizziness or fatigue. It’s also a great idea to take several breaks and enjoy the bird's-eye view of Lhasa city.
Taking all of this into account, the Potala Palace is typically scheduled as the third-day attraction in our itineraries. We begin with attractions at lower elevation, such as Sera Monastery, to ensure proper acclimatization. The Potala Palace can wait - your well-being is always our top priority.
Have a break to take the photos with members in the group is also a good choice.
Respect the Traditions: Dress Modestly and No Taking the Pictures Inside
As the heart of Lhasa, Potala Palace is a sacred site, and dressing modestly is required. Please avoid wearing shorts or skirts when visiting the palace. Hats and sunglasses should be removed upon entering, and it is considered bad luck to step on the threshold when crossing the doorway.
Photography and video recording are also prohibited inside due to the sacred nature of the site and the ancient relics it houses. Additionally, please refrain from touching any relics; instead, use your eyes to admire the wonders and your ears to listen to the guide's explanations.
Do remember remove your sunglasses and hats before stepping inside.
Best Photos Spots: Potala Palace Square and Chakpori Mountain
Potala Palace Square, the highest square in the world, offers the perfect spot for a classic photo of the full front view of Potala Palace. Besides, you can also capture local Tibetans performing the traditional Kora, adding a cultural touch to your shots.
A short walk from the west gate of the palace leads to Chakpori Hill (Yao Wang Shan, or the Hill of Medicine King). This scenic hill provides stunning panoramic views and is one of the best spots in Lhasa for sunrise or sunset photos of the Potala Palace, with the changing light creating a magical atmosphere.
Our cherished guests, a family of five, captured the perfect photos from Chakpori Mountain.
Experience the Authentic Pilgrimage: Kora Around Potala Palace with Locals Tibetans
In addition to its cultural relics and stunning architecture, the Potala Palace also has its own Kora. Known as Tsekhor Kora, meaning "circumambulation of Potala," it is a deeply spiritual practice for Tibetans, who believe it protects them from sin, misfortune, and evil.
The 3 km route takes about 45 minutes to complete. And it is a popular journey for pilgrims visiting Lhasa to pray and show devotion. During winter, after the harvest season, you'll find more locals walking the Kora. To make your experience more authentic, consider joining the locals with prayer wheels and beads as you walk.
Doing the Kora around Potala Palace with Locals to experience the true pilgrimage.
Enjoy Tibetan Performance: Dance and Sing With Local in the Park Behind the Palace
Located just behind the Potala Palace, Longwangtan Park is a popular local retreat. It’s a great place to relax, socialize, or join in the traditional Tibetan dances and music that often fill the air. After your visit to the Potala Palace, you’ll likely pass through this accessible park.
For a true experience, come in the morning. Many Tibetans gather here after their morning Kora to dance, sing, or simply bask in the sun. During holidays like the Shoton Festival, the park becomes even livelier, with a wider range of activities to enjoy.
Our Guests enjoy the Tibetan performance with locals in Longwangtan Park.
Admire the Night View: Music Fountain and take the reflective Picture with Potala Palace
From 8:30 to 10:00 PM in summer, the Potala Palace Square features a stunning fountain show, with jets reaching 40 meters, dancing with music. The display, set against the Potala Palace and enhanced by light effects, offers a captivating night view. Afterward, you can capture beautiful reflective photos of the water on the ground.
The fountain is unavailable in winter due to frozen water, but the Potala Palace's stunning night views remain. If you prefer staying indoors, several hotels, including the St. Regis, offer viewing platforms. Just keep in mind that the lights on the Potala Palace are switched off at 10:00 PM.
Make sure not to forget to take reflective photos in front of the Potala Palace.
Conclusion
The Potala Palace is more than just stunning architecture—it's a cultural experience to be savored. By following these tips on booking tickets, managing altitude, and respecting local customs, you can fully enjoy your visit. Whether you're photographing the palace from Potala Square or walking the Kora with locals, Lhasa’s iconic landmark offers unforgettable moments at every turn. Contact us for more details about visiting Potala Palace.

Kungga Dundruk, often respectfully referred to as “Manager Kunga”, is the most revered and legendary Tibetan guide in our team.
Currently working as a customer service manager in Lhasa, Kunga used to study business overseas and got his Bachelor of Business in Nepal and India before moving back to his homeland. With pure passion for life and unlimited love for Tibet, Kunga started his guide career as early as 1997.
As a legendary Tibetan guide with 22 years of guide experience, Kunga was awarded the Gold Medalist of China’s Best Tour Guide in 2019, marking the pinnacle of his career. Today, Kunga loves sharing his wealth of Tibetan knowledge through travel articles and stands ready to offer prompt support whenever our guests need help in Lhasa.
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Book Tickets in Advance: Secure Your Position Especially During Peak Seasons
Check the Opening Hours: Be Aware of the Limited Visiting Time and Plan Accordingly
Attention to Temperature: Bring a Jacket Since it Might Be Cold Inside
Prevent Altitude Sickness: Proper Adjustment and Climb the Stairs Slowly
Respect the Traditions: Dress Modestly and No Taking the Pictures Inside
Best Photos Spots: Potala Palace Square and Chakpori Mountain
Experience the Authentic Pilgrimage: Kora Around Potala Palace with Locals Tibetans
Enjoy Tibetan Performance: Dance and Sing With Local in the Park Behind the Palace
Admire the Night View: Music Fountain and take the reflective Picture with Potala Palace