Ticket prices 2026
Fares are set by the palace administration and quoted here in CNY with the period they apply to. From 1 May to 31 October 2026, Route 1 costs 200 CNY (100 CNY reduced) and Route 2 costs 100 CNY (50 CNY reduced). For 16 March to 30 April 2026 the operator listed Route 1 at 100 CNY and Route 2 at 50 CNY. That is a dated spring 2026 fare, not a fare for spring 2027.
The ninth winter campaign runs from 15 October 2026 to 15 March 2027. Entry to Route 1, Route 2 and the Snow City is announced as free during this time, so check the fare in the mini program when you book. Temple complexes are excluded from the general free-entry campaign, and transport and reservation stay separate. Entry is only one part of the cost; the tours on this page list the tickets inside their includes.
Our picks: guided visits with tickets
These tours include the entrance fees of their itinerary. The private tour names the Potala and Jokhang tickets, and the Lhasa city tour and the five-day tour cover the permit as well.
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.
5-day Lhasa and Yamdrok Lake tour
- Potala, Jokhang and Yamdrok entrances
- Tibet Travel Permit arranged
- Private transport
A three-star hotel with daily breakfast, a welcome dinner on day 1 and a farm-style lunch on day 4. Oxygen is available throughout.
Check availability →
4-day private Potala Palace and monasteries tour
- Licensed English-speaking guide
- First-entry tickets including Potala
- 3 nights in a 4-star hotel
Breakfast plus five main meals are included, with oxygen in the room and in the vehicle. Passport details for the permit are needed at least 20 days ahead.
Check availability →
4-day guided Lhasa city tour
- 3 nights in 3-star lodging
- Permit with express delivery
- Entrance fees in the itinerary
A local English-speaking guide, a vehicle and breakfast are included. Book well in advance, as the permit has to be arranged first.
Check availability →Tours with Potala Palace entry
Programs whose includes name the Potala Palace or all program entrances, with live prices and availability.
Booking on the official WeChat mini program
One channel, a fixed time slot.
Reservations run through the palace's official WeChat mini program or the account named "Potala Palace Official" in Chinese. Book only through this official channel. Keep to the time slot you booked. A slot can be cancelled online but not changed. Reserve early and check the current lead time in the mini program.
Most visitors from abroad let the agency of their tour arrange the reservation. Passport details have to match, and one private program asks for them at least 20 days before travel. If you book a package, ask which date and slot are reserved for you. The program cards on this page list who includes the entrance. For the choice of a program, see the Potala Palace tours.
Opening hours and the Monday closure
Open Tuesday to Sunday, with seasonal hours.
Since 21 September 2026 the palace is closed on Mondays all year, except on statutory days off. The notice of the administration is dated 5 September 2026. From 1 May to 31 October the palace opens at 09:00 and the last entry is at 15:40. From 1 November to 30 April it opens at 09:30 and the last entry is at 15:20. The last entry is not a closing time for the halls. Check which of the two patterns applies on your travel date.
The tourism office suggests 2 to 3 hours for the visit. Do not schedule the long staircase on the day you arrive in Lhasa: in the first 48 hours at altitude only light activity is advised. More is on the altitude page.
Snow City (Shöl) route
A separate ticket for the lower area.
Since 20 September 2026 there is a Snow City route with its own fare. It does not open the main building. In high season the fare is 25 CNY (12.5 CNY reduced), in low season 10 CNY (5 CNY reduced). Entry is at the east or south gate and the exit is at the west gate. During the winter campaign this route is free according to the announcement.
Dress and photo rules
Short list, applied at the doors of the halls.
Photos, hats and sunglasses are not allowed in the halls. Do not step on the thresholds. Short skirts and shorts, revealing clothing and open-toed slippers are not accepted. Each site has its own ticket: the Jokhang Temple has its own booking. The palace rooms themselves are explained on the inside page.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Potala Palace ticket in 2026?
From 1 May to 31 October 2026, Route 1 is 200 CNY and Route 2 is 100 CNY, with reduced fares of 100 and 50 CNY. For the winter campaign from 15 October 2026 to 15 March 2027, entry is announced as free, so check the fare when you book.
Where do I reserve tickets?
Through the official WeChat mini program of the palace. Your agency can arrange it inside a package.
Is the palace closed on Mondays?
Yes, since 21 September 2026, all year, except on statutory days off.
Can I take photos inside?
Photos, hats and sunglasses are not allowed in the halls.