Potala Palace

The Potala Palace is a large imperial and religious complex in Lhasa, Tibet, that served as the chief residence of the Dalai Lamas. The main structure visible today dates largely to the 17th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The complex rises about 13 stories above its hill and contains extensive chapels, assembly halls and residential rooms arranged around stepped courtyards. Notable internal highlights include the contrast between the administrative and residential White Palace and the strictly religious Red Palace, which houses richly decorated chapels and the funerary stupas of former Dalai Lamas.

Construction of the present palace began in the mid 17th century under the Fifth Dalai Lama; it consolidated earlier structures on Marpo Ri and was expanded and altered over subsequent centuries. The site functioned as the political and religious center of Tibet until the 20th century.

The palace sits on Marpo Ri hill overlooking central Lhasa, immediately above the old city and the Barkhor area. It is reached by steep streets and stairways from the city below.

• Altitude and access: Sits at high altitude above Lhasa on Marpo Ri hill, so allow time to acclimatize and expect many stairs inside the complex.
• Heritage and date: UNESCO World Heritage Site inscribed in 1994 and largely dates from the mid 17th century under the Fifth Dalai Lama.

What to See#

• Red Palace / White Palace: Covers the palace’s main internal divisions: the Red Palace contains chapels, assembly halls and the funerary stupas of past Dalai Lamas; the White Palace served as the Dalai Lama’s living quarters and administrative offices.
• Courtyards and stairways: A series of stepped courtyards and stairways ascend Marpo Ri hill to the palace entrance, linking outer gates with the interior ceremonial spaces.

Potala Palace is in central Lhasa on Marpo Ri hill and is within walking distance of the Barkhor and Jokhang areas (a 10-20 minute walk from the central market). Lhasa Gonggar Airport is outside the city (on the plains south of Lhasa); the airport-to-city road (G318) provides regular airport shuttle buses and taxi services taking around 1-1.5 hours depending on conditions. Note the high altitude of Lhasa-allow time to acclimatize before walking uphill to the palace.

• Purchase Potala Palace tickets in advance (there is a daily quota) and be prepared to show passport/ID when collecting them - tickets often sell out, especially in high season.
• Book an early-morning entry after spending a day or two in Lhasa to acclimatize; arriving early reduces crowds inside the chapels and assembly halls and gives clearer views from the outer terraces.
• Respect on-site restrictions: photography is limited inside many chapels and there are controlled visitor routes - allow extra time for security and the uphill walk between entry and main halls.