Religious site · Lhasa, Tibet (Xizang) Autonomous Region

Potala Palace

The white and red palace of the Dalai Lamas, rising over Lhasa at about 3,700 m (布达拉宫)

Ambient sound · similar settingBuddhist temple bell tolling at Chōmei-ji

Photo: Mauricio Manzato (@mauriciomanzato) / Unsplash

Discover Potala Palace

The Potala Palace seems to grow out of the rock. Its massive sloping walls, whitewashed and crowned by the deep red central block and golden roofs, climb the slopes of Marpo Ri hill above Lhasa. Up close, zigzagging stairways lead between thick walls into a maze of halls, chapels and shrines lit by butter lamps.

For centuries this was the winter palace of the Dalai Lamas and the seat of Tibetan government; today it is a museum and a revered pilgrimage site. Visiting is a carefully managed experience, with timed entry and a set route, but standing in its painted halls, or watching pilgrims circle its walls at dawn, is one of the great experiences of travel in western China.

Don’t miss

01The climb up the stepped white walls to the palace entrance
02The Red Palace's chapels and gilded burial stupas of past Dalai Lamas
03Painted halls, murals and butter-lamp-lit shrines along the visitor route
04Views of the palace from the square below, especially when floodlit at night
05The pilgrim circuit (kora) around the base of Marpo Ri

History & culture

The story of Potala Palace

A royal palace on Marpo Ri is traditionally linked to the 7th-century Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. The present building was begun in 1645 under the Fifth Dalai Lama: the White Palace, with its ceremonial hall and living quarters, was occupied from 1649, and the Red Palace, holding chapels and the gilded burial stupas of past Dalai Lamas, was added between 1690 and 1694.

UNESCO inscribed the Potala Palace on the World Heritage List in 1994, extending the listing to the Jokhang Temple Monastery in 2000 and to the Norbulingka summer palace in 2001, under the name Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace, Lhasa. The palace now functions chiefly as a museum, with daily visitor numbers limited to protect the ancient structure.

Local life & traditions

For Tibetan Buddhists the Potala is a focus of devotion, and pilgrims from across the plateau come to walk its kora, prostrate and offer butter or white khata scarves. Mornings around the base of the hill are filled with the sound of prayer wheels and murmured mantras. Visitors are welcome to watch, but should walk clockwise with the flow and avoid photographing people at prayer without permission.

Things to do

Experience it like a local

Your visit follows a timed slot and a set one-way route, so arrive with time to spare and climb the stairs slowly. Inside, take in the murals, statues and stupas, and remember that this remains a sacred place for Tibetan Buddhists.

Outside, walk the kora around the hill with pilgrims spinning prayer wheels, and return after dark to see the palace illuminated from the square. The Jokhang Temple and Barkhor circuit in the old town, part of the same UNESCO listing, make a natural pairing.

When to go

Late spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) usually offer clear skies and comfortable daytime temperatures. July and August bring more rain but green landscapes, while winter is cold and dry with very strong sunshine and fewer visitors. Lhasa sits at about 3,700 metres, so whenever you travel, plan a day or two of rest before climbing the palace stairs.

Plan your visit

Verified information

Tibet permits for foreign visitors: The UK government states that foreign visitors must obtain a permit through a specialist travel agent in China and travel on an organised tour; permits are sometimes suspended without notice. Source: gov.uk ↗
Independent travel: The Government of Canada states that foreigners may visit Tibet through an accredited travel agency, and unaccompanied private visits are prohibited. Source: travel.gc.ca ↗
Opening days and hours (as reported, Nov 2025): Closed on Mondays from 1 December 2025. Summer (1 May-31 Oct): 9:00-15:40, Tuesday to Sunday; winter (1 Nov-30 Apr): 9:30-15:20. Source: regional.chinadaily.com.cn ↗
Timed entry: Entry is by advance reservation, and each ticket is valid only for its assigned time slot. Source: regional.chinadaily.com.cn ↗
UNESCO World Heritage: Potala Palace inscribed in 1994; extended to the Jokhang Temple Monastery (2000) and Norbulingka (2001). Source: whc.unesco.org ↗

Checked against the sources on 27 October 2026. Opening times and fees can change — confirm before you go.

Travel tips

Arrange the Tibet permit and tour with a licensed operator well in advance; requirements can change at short notice.
Acclimatise for at least a day in Lhasa before climbing the palace stairs, and drink plenty of water.
Dress modestly, remove hats inside chapels and walk clockwise around shrines and the kora.
Photography inside the palace halls is generally not permitted; follow staff instructions.
Your guide will usually handle the timed reservation; arrive early for security checks.

General guidance from our specialists, not official information.

Around Potala Palace: food, markets & places to stay

The palace overlooks a large square, with the old town, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor circuit a short ride away. Most hotels are in central Lhasa near the old town. Travellers needing halal food should ask their tour operator in advance, as options vary by area.

Where Potala Palace is

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