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Climb to the Top of Potala Palace, the Dalai Llama's Former Winter Residence
Published by Biju Sukumaran, Writer
Country: China 
The Experience
Climbing Tibet’s Potala Palace at 3,700 m (12,100 ft), is a difficult task indeed. The Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet, made famous as the winter residence of the Dalai Lama until 1959, was first built by a Tibetan king in AD 637, and used primarily as a meditation retreat. Potala Palace was rebuilt in 1645 to be used as the fifth Dalai Lama's seat of government. Today, Potala Palace is situated between two major monasteries in old Lhasa, and is a museum housing thousands of shrines, statues and manuscripts within its countless rooms.
Clearing the last turn on the last set of stairs, you will be greeted by panoramic views of the city of Lhasa.The altitude affords unlimited visibility, and the azure skies, dabbed with a few delicate clouds, is an ideal backdrop for any photographer. Even point-and-shoot cameras make postcard-perfect photos.
The Potala Palace in Tibet was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994, and has emerged largely unscathed from the Tibetan uprising and the Chinese Cultural Revolution. Today, thousands of tourists visit the Potala Palace in Lhasa each day, often led by tour guides spewing facts and figures while herding their charges through the narrow halls and steep ladder-like staircases. The Potala Palace’s thirteen stories and inwardly inclined walls house the White Palace: the Dalai Lama's personal living quarters; and The Red Palace, devoted to religious meditation and study. Also included are four main chapels and the ornate tomb of the thirteenth Dalai Lama, containing treasures of gold, jewels and pearls.
After being led from one incense-rich room after another, your Tibetan guide will describe statues of benevolent bodhisattvas and religious artwork. Often former monks themselves, the guides’ accented descriptions combine with the heady aroma of yak butter, and will fill your head with visions of old Tibet. After the last statue and room has been given its due, you’ll emerge out into the sunshine, and make the long decent down paths of crimson and white, lined with slowly revolving prayer wheels.
Many famous landmarks in the world are disappointing after all the appearances in literature or movies. But Tibet's Potala Palace in Lhasa dominates the physical and cultural landscape, and is filled with history and layered with tradition. You’ll be catching your breath in more ways than one.
Clearing the last turn on the last set of stairs, you will be greeted by panoramic views of the city of Lhasa.The altitude affords unlimited visibility, and the azure skies, dabbed with a few delicate clouds, is an ideal backdrop for any photographer. Even point-and-shoot cameras make postcard-perfect photos.
The Potala Palace in Tibet was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994, and has emerged largely unscathed from the Tibetan uprising and the Chinese Cultural Revolution. Today, thousands of tourists visit the Potala Palace in Lhasa each day, often led by tour guides spewing facts and figures while herding their charges through the narrow halls and steep ladder-like staircases. The Potala Palace’s thirteen stories and inwardly inclined walls house the White Palace: the Dalai Lama's personal living quarters; and The Red Palace, devoted to religious meditation and study. Also included are four main chapels and the ornate tomb of the thirteenth Dalai Lama, containing treasures of gold, jewels and pearls.
After being led from one incense-rich room after another, your Tibetan guide will describe statues of benevolent bodhisattvas and religious artwork. Often former monks themselves, the guides’ accented descriptions combine with the heady aroma of yak butter, and will fill your head with visions of old Tibet. After the last statue and room has been given its due, you’ll emerge out into the sunshine, and make the long decent down paths of crimson and white, lined with slowly revolving prayer wheels.
Many famous landmarks in the world are disappointing after all the appearances in literature or movies. But Tibet's Potala Palace in Lhasa dominates the physical and cultural landscape, and is filled with history and layered with tradition. You’ll be catching your breath in more ways than one.
When to Go to Potala Palace
It is best to visit Potala Palace in the summer months (June–August) as the weather is most comfortable at this time. Although this is the peak season, Potala Palace has a strict limit on the number of visitors per day, so it will never be overcrowded.
Odds n' Ends
The Potala Palace is open from 9 a.m to 4 p.m every day except for the national holidays.
Cost is CNY 100 (Nov. 1 to Apr. 30); CNY 200 (May 1 to Oct. 31); and is free for children under 1.3 m and seniors over 70. Please do not wear a hat or sunglasses while within the Palace, as it is considered rude. Photography is prohibited in some areas, and bringing in outside food and beverages is also not allowed. The Potala Palace is at an extremely high elevation, so care should be taken to prevent altitude sickness. Consult a physician for proper medication and advice on ascending to this elevation, and take your time and stay hydrated while making the climb.
Cost is CNY 100 (Nov. 1 to Apr. 30); CNY 200 (May 1 to Oct. 31); and is free for children under 1.3 m and seniors over 70. Please do not wear a hat or sunglasses while within the Palace, as it is considered rude. Photography is prohibited in some areas, and bringing in outside food and beverages is also not allowed. The Potala Palace is at an extremely high elevation, so care should be taken to prevent altitude sickness. Consult a physician for proper medication and advice on ascending to this elevation, and take your time and stay hydrated while making the climb.
Places to Stay Nearby
Search over 900,000 global hotel deals from over 30 merchants. Book via Expedia, Travelocity, Hotels.com, Booking.com, Priceline and the websites of popular hotel chains.
Discover all that Lhasa has to offer with Tibet Hotel as a base.This 4-star property offers travelers a choice of 338 pleasant rooms that are ... 0 miles away
$688 CNY+
Brahmaputra Grand Hotel is the member of HMCC Diamond which is the brand for China best 5 star hotels in Lhasa. The hotel is located ... 1 miles away
$1054 CNY+
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