The Potala Palace is the highest imperial Palace in the world. Once the seat of a Tibetan power center, unifying politics and religion, it is now a landmark building that every tourist must visit in Lhasa. Here are the top 10 things to do for visiting the Potala Palace.

1. Explore the Exterior of the Potala Palace

The Potala Palace's shape endows it with a grand and splendid appearance. The main building reaches a remarkable height of 117 meters, with a total of 13 floors. The palace is a stone-and-wood structure, and the walls are mainly built with granite. As the palace is set against the backdrop of blue skies on the top of the Red Hill, it forms a masterpiece about the Roof of the world. Just walk on the Potala Palace Square before starting your Potala Palace tour, and you will find a good position to appreciate the masterpiece.

Unique structure of Potala Palace makes it a wonder in architectural history

2. Visit the Main Courtyard of the Potala Palace

The Deyang Shar courtyard, the Main Courtyard of Potala Palace, is the first stop on the tour. The courtyard was specifically built for Dalai Lamas to watch Tibetan opera and host grand celebrations during the festival. Around the spacious courtyard, the seminary and the monks' dormitory used to be there, but now they are turned into staff rooms. Importantly, there is the only restroom open to the public, and the next one is at the exit, so don't miss it.

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3. Tour the White Palace of the Potala Palace

The White Palace is the residence of ten successive Dalai Lamas. Also, it serves as the former offices of the Tibetan government, assembly halls, and other official offices. It is a magnificent white building with seven floors.

Tour the white palace of the Potala Palace.

Many of them are closed to the public, but the top floor can be visited. Once you reach the rooftop, be sure to visit the private residences of the 13th and 14th Dalai Lamas.

As you step inside, the first room you see is the throne room, where the Dalai Lamas would receive official guests. From there, you can walk along the path to the reception hall.

Continuing further, you will reach the meditation room, where you can see the tools used in the current Dalai Lama's rituals displayed on a small table beside the room.

Finally, there is the study of the Dalai Lama, which showcases his personal belongings, including his bedside clock.

After listening to the descriptions, do you have any pictures in your head? But it's certainly not clear enough, so hurry up and travel to Lhasa to feel the real White Palace!

4. Climb 365 Steps to the Red Palace of the Potala Palace

As we all know, the Potala Palace is the highest palace in the world, located at 3,700 meters above sea level. Its main building comprises 13 floors and stands at a height of 117 meters.

Climb 365 steps to the red palace of the Potala Palace.

Among them, the Red Palace was built for Dalai Lamas as a house of prayer, which was dedicated to the study of Buddhism. It is located in the center of the Potala Palace complex with mainly three floors. However, there is no elevator to take you to the Red Palace. It means you need to climb 365 steps from Potala Gate.

Travel Tips for Climbing up the Potala Palace

Since the steps are very steep, it is not recommended to visit the Potala Palace on the first day of your Tibet tour. The best way is to have a good rest once you arrive in Lhasa and visit the Potala Palace the next day.

Moreover, please wear light shoes and keep a slow pace when you climb the steps. This will ensure your safe arrival at the mountaintop, where you can overlook the beautiful scenery of Lhasa.

5. Visit the Great West Hall in the Red Palace

The Great West Hall is the largest palace in the Red Palace. It was used as an enjoyment hall by the Fifth Dalai Lama. In the center of the hall, you can see the gold plaque of "Yonglian Chudi" written by Emperor Qianlong, and the throne of Dalai Lama.

Also, many valuable murals are painted on the walls around the hall, most of which relate to the life of the Fifth Dalai Lama. Since much knowledge of Tibetan history is involved, we will arrange a local and experienced tour guide to help you appreciate these historical stories in the best way.

The Sumptuous tomb stupa in the Red Hall of the Potala Palace

6. Enjoy the Panoramic View of Lhasa Old City from the Potala Palace

As you retrace your steps from Red Hill, there is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the panoramic view of Lhasa's old city. You can take leisurely steps and fully immerse yourself during the trip.

Don't forget to capture this unforgettable moment with a photograph, preserving the beauty of the scenery for lasting memories.

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7. Join the Locals to Experience the Potala Kora

Potala Kora, also known as “Tsekhor”, is a popular pilgrimage circuit that encircles the Potala Palace, taking you past an almost continuous circuit of prayer wheels, stupas, rock paintings, and the Lukhang Temple.

Follow local pilgrims to experience Potala kora

Along the prayer path, you will also meet vendors selling a wide array of items, ranging from traditional Tibetan dresses to everyday essentials like soap. You can engage in conversations with local Tibetans, immersing yourself in their culture.

Also, you can participate in the kora with the local pilgrims along the long corridor, offering sincere blessings for yourself and your family.

8. Take a Picture of the Potala Palace at the Best Sites

The Potala Palace is the calling card of Lhasa. It would be a real pity if you didn't record the beauty you see. Therefore, we recommend three great places to photograph the Potala Palace, namely Zongjiao Lukang Park, Chakpori Hill, and Potala Palace Square.

Zongjiao Lukang Park is situated next to the Potala Palace. It provides an excellent opportunity to capture the stunning reflection of the Potala Palace in the lake, making it the ideal spot for photography enthusiasts.

Taking photo of Potala Palace at Chakpori Hill

Chakpori Hill (Yao Wang Shan) is another renowned spot for capturing the panorama of this magnificent building. Many photographers also consider as the ultimate shooting location. The 50 RMB for photo time is great value for money, allowing you to take some amazing photos from the best viewpoints.

Potala Palace Square is the highest square in the world. It is the best place to take a front standard photo of Potala Palace. Especially at night when there is a musical fountain, you will marvel at the spectacular view.

9. Enjoy Night Views of the Potala Palace

Whenever night falls, the Potala Palace will Emit golden light, as if a pearl on the plateau. If you look closely, you will find yourself in a mystic place like in a dream, with no sense of reality.

The open square located across from the Potala Palace offers a vantage point for capturing stunning photographs of this magnificent landmark. In the evening, when the lights illuminate the palace, the colors become even more vibrant and enchanting, creating a truly charming scene.

Fascinating night view of Potala Palace.

10. Watch the Princess Wencheng Musical with the Potala Palace as the Backdrop

Among Tibet's significant historical events, the intermarriage of Princess Wencheng from the Han Empire and Songtsen Gampo, the Tibetan king of the Tubo Empire, stands as an enchanting and captivating love story. Today, the historical marriage is brought to life through a spectacular live musical performance in Lhasa.

Watch the princess Wencheng Musical with the Potala Palace as the backdrop.

Whether you are a cultural explorer, a photographer, or simply a passionate fan of drama and music, the Princess Wencheng Real-scene Musical will give you an exceptional experience. Furthermore, after the show, you can wear exquisitely-made Tibetan clothes to take photos with the main actors on stage. Isn't that exciting?

As a professional travel agency, we will offer comprehensive services such as ticket booking and convenient transfer. If you are ready, please feel free to reach us.

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Conclusion

As you can see, these 10 things are a must-do when visiting the Potala Palace. If you're a first-time visitor to the Potala Palace and unsure where to begin, this article will help you find the answer.