The Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet, is absolutely a must-visit attraction when you're in Lhasa. But besides taking photos outside, it's also well worth going inside for a tour. It's said that during peak season—especially July and August—it's extremely hard to get tickets, and visiting seems almost as difficult as reaching the heavens. Be sure to refer to my first-hand experience and the comprehensive Potala Palace ticket guide and visiting tips I’ve put together for you.
I. Potala Palace Ticket Pricing
The ticket price for the Potala Palace is RMB100 per person during the off-season, but from May 1 to the end of October each year (the peak tourist season in Tibet), the price increases to RMB200 per person. In addition, tickets are purchased under real-name registration with your ID card, and each person can buy up to four tickets (though each still needs to be registered under an individual’s ID).
II. Potala Palace Ticket Guide (Especially During Peak Season)
1) Go in person early in the morning to queue at the Potala Palace ticket office
This is the most traditional method, and it also offers a high chance of successfully purchasing tickets for an early time slot the next day. Around 5:30 AM or even earlier, go in person to the Potala Palace ticket office to queue up for tickets. Each person can buy up to four tickets, purchased under their own ID. Also, those with a student ID can enjoy a 50% discount.
Pros: In theory, arriving at the ticket office by 5:30 AM or earlier should give you a good chance of securing early-entry tickets for the next day.
No need to join a tour group
Cons: You have to queue up early in the morning, which consumes a lot of energy and time. There’s no guide included (you’d need to pay an extra RMB100 to hire one).
2) Join a local tour group
This is the most convenient method, but note that joining a group isn’t just about visiting the Potala Palace—the itinerary includes the Jokhang Temple and various shopping stops. Some itineraries even include watching the stage play "Princess Wencheng" !
Pros: No need to wait in line, and there’s a tour guide provided.
Saves time and ensures you can visit the Potala Palace smoothly.
Cons: There are, of course, many restrictions.
For example, set visiting times for the Potala Palace and mandatory shopping stops, etc.
3) Buy scalped tickets (inflated-price tickets) at around RMB600 each
Get in the same day you buy, but the price is very high—budget travelers shouldn’t consider this option.
Pros: Saves time and ensures you can visit the Potala Palace.
Cons: More than triple the official price, and even with a student ID, you can't get a 50% discount.
4) Gamble on luck by paying for a better queue position
Actually, you can go to the area near the queue around 7:30–8:00 AM and look around. There will be locals (usually from travel agencies) selling queue positions nearby. Of course, this isn’t a legal method, but it can save you queuing time. That said, success depends on luck—you never know if you’ll get caught paying for a spot. It’s said that an extra RMB50 per ticket can get you a better place in line, but since it’s not a normal method, you’ll have to take the risk yourself.
Pros: No need to wait in line, saves time
Cons: No guide included (you’d need to pay an extra RMB100 to hire one)
Can’t guarantee 100% that you’ll get a ticket
III. Tips for Visiting the Potala Palace
1) Clothing and Attire
To respect local culture, you must wear long pants. Shorts, short skirts, dresses, or skirts that go past the ankles do not meet the requirements and are not allowed inside the Potala Palace. If you must wear a skirt, you must wear long pants underneath. There are indeed staff checking clothing at the entrance—so don’t risk it.
Also, while visiting the Potala Palace, especially indoors, avoid wearing hats and sunglasses. Your clothing should also not be too revealing. There are many stairs inside the Potala Palace, so it’s advised that women avoid wearing high heels during the visit.
2) Photography
Photography is strictly prohibited inside the Potala Palace. At minimum, your camera may be confiscated, and in more serious cases, you may be fined or even detained.
3) Behavior and Conduct
As this sacred site, the Potala Palace strictly forbids loud noises, running around, or pointing at the Buddha statues. Naturally, you should visit with a respectful attitude. Also, avoid stepping on thresholds and observe all taboos of Tibetan Buddhism.
4) No Liquids or Dangerous Items Allowed Inside
When visiting the Potala Palace, bringing liquids such as water or beverages, knives, or fire tools including lighters and matches is not permitted. If you bring any of these items, you can leave them in the storage area at the Potala Palace ticket office. After your visit, you can retrieve them from the storage when you exit through the North Gate.
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