Potala Palace
The iconic 13-storey palace of the Dalai Lama — Lhasa's most magnificent landmark
- Time needed
- 2-3 hours
- Rating
- AAA · UNESCO World Heritage
Overview
The Potala Palace is the most iconic building in Tibet and one of the greatest architectural achievements in Asia. Rising 13 storeys and 117 metres above the Red Hill, it was the winter residence of the Dalai Lama from the 7th century until the 14th Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959. The palace contains over 1,000 rooms, 10,000 shrines, and approximately 200,000 statues, along with the tombs of eight Dalai Lamas. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Plan your visit
Best time to visit
May-October for clearest weather. Morning visits for best light on the palace exterior.
Getting there
Central Lhasa. The main entrance stairway ascends from the south face. Allow 30 minutes to climb to the entrance at altitude.
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