Travel to Potala Palace, Lhasa, China

Reaching Potala Palace

The Potala Palace, situated in Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet Autonomous Region, is an iconic symbol of the area's rich cultural heritage. Visitors can reach Lhasa by various modes of transportation:

By Air

The primary gateway to Lhasa by air is through the Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA), which is well connected to several major cities in China such as Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, as well as international destinations like Kathmandu, Nepal. From the airport, you can take a taxi or an airport shuttle to reach the city center, which is about 65 kilometers away. The journey offers an extraordinary view of the Tibetan plateau.

By Train

Taking a train to Lhasa can be an excellent opportunity to witness the breathtaking landscapes of the Tibetan plateau. The Qinghai-Tibet railway provides a scenic route to Lhasa from cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. The trains are equipped with oxygen supply for the high-altitude journey. Lhasa's train station is approximately 15 kilometers from the city center.

By Road

Adventurous travelers may opt for road travel to Lhasa, which can be undertaken by long-distance bus or by hiring a private vehicle. Several routes lead to Lhasa with the most popular being from Kathmandu to Lhasa via the Friendship Highway. It's crucial to note that foreign travelers require a Tibet Travel Permit to enter Tibet by road, and independent travel in the region without a tour guide is not permitted.

Within Lhasa

Once in Lhasa, the Potala Palace is accessible by local transport options such as buses, minibusses, and taxis. Since the Potala Palace is located on Marpo Ri hill in the center of Lhasa city, it is a prominent landmark that's hard to miss.

Important Tips

• Remember that the Potala Palace sits at an altitude of over 3,700 meters; take time to acclimatize to avoid altitude sickness.
• Due to the high altitude, the weather can be quite cold, even in summer. Dress in layers and bring sunscreen for protection against UV radiation.
• Visitors are usually given a time slot to visit the palace to limit the number of people inside and protect the structure. Ensure you purchase entry tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist season.
• Photography inside the Potala Palace is prohibited, so be prepared to store your camera or phone before entering.