Inside Potala Palace: two palaces on one hill
The Potala Palace stands on the Red Hill in Lhasa and is built in two main parts. The White Palace served earlier as the place of administration and living quarters. The Red Palace holds the religious halls and the gilded funerary stupas. Photography is not allowed in the halls, so this page describes the buildings from the outside and from the public record.
The address is Beijing Middle Road 35, Chengguan, Lhasa. UNESCO gives the elevation of the complex as 3,700 m, which is the height above sea level of the site, not the height of the building. Check the opening days before you plan: the palace has been closed on Mondays since 21 September 2026, except on statutory days off.
Our pick: private tour with a local guide
A private tour with a local guide and entrance fees is the way into the Potala Palace and the Jokhang.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Potala Palace tours with entry
Guided visits that cover the palace, and in some cases Jokhang and the rest of Lhasa. Check each card for entrance fees, guide and transport in the included list.
The White Palace
UNESCO describes a central ceremonial hall with a throne in the White Palace, and private and audience rooms in its upper part. Seen from outside, the white walls carry rows of dark window frames. The complex was the winter residence of earlier Dalai Lamas, and this wing served for government and daily life.
The Red Palace
The Red Palace sits in the middle of the complex and rises above the white walls. Inside are religious halls and the gilded stupas that hold the remains of earlier Dalai Lamas. Its dark red facade is the central part of the view from the square below. Both palaces were rebuilt and extended in the 17th century; the full story is on the Potala Palace history page.
Route 1, Route 2 and the Snow City
The operator sells two main routes. For 1 May to 31 October 2026 the full price was CNY 200 for Route 1 and CNY 100 for Route 2, with reduced prices of CNY 100 and CNY 50. The Snow City route, in place since 20 September 2026, has its own tariff and does not open the main building. Entry is by the east or south gate and exit by the west gate. A winter campaign from 15 October 2026 to 15 March 2027 announces free entry to all three. Details and booking steps are on the Potala Palace tickets page.
Rules inside the halls
The official guidance asks for no photos, hats or sunglasses in the halls. Do not step on door thresholds. Shorts, short skirts, revealing clothes and open-toed slippers are not allowed. Wear covered legs and closed shoes.
How long you can stay inside
The Chinese tourism office suggests planning 2 to 3 hours in total. Treat this as planning advice, not a rule about time in the halls. Book the time slot on the official WeChat mini program and keep to it: the slot can be cancelled online but not changed. Last entry is at 15:40 in summer and 15:20 in winter, and the palace opens at 09:00 and 09:30 in those seasons.
The stairs and the altitude
The way up is a long stairway, and Lhasa lies at around 3,700 m. The CDC describes the first 3 to 5 days as the main adjustment period and advises light activity for the first 48 hours. Do not treat the palace stairs as an easy item for your arrival day. Read the guide to Lhasa altitude sickness before you fix your itinerary.
Inside Potala Palace: frequently asked questions
Can I take photos inside Potala Palace?
No. The official guidance says no photos in the halls. The photos on this site show the outside of the buildings only.
How long does a visit take?
The Chinese tourism office suggests 2 to 3 hours for the whole visit, including the way up and out.
Is Potala Palace open on Mondays?
No. It has been closed on Mondays since 21 September 2026, except on statutory days off, and open Tuesday to Sunday.
Does the Snow City route include the main palace?
No. The Snow City route has its own ticket and does not open the main building.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes. Reserve early through the official WeChat mini program and check the current lead time there, as it can change.