About Potala Palace
The Potala Palace is Tibet's most iconic landmark, a massive 13-story structure perched atop Red Hill at 3,700 meters in the heart of Lhasa. Built in the 7th century and expanded in the 17th century, it served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lama and the seat of Tibetan government for centuries. Today it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and museum.
The palace contains over 1,000 rooms, including chapels, shrines, living quarters, and tombs of past Dalai Lamas. The walls are covered with murals depicting Buddhist teachings and Tibetan history. The palace is divided into the White Palace (administrative) and Red Palace (religious). Due to conservation concerns, only a limited number of visitors are allowed each day (5,000), and visits are limited to 1 hour. Booking well in advance is essential, especially during peak season.
What Not to Miss
The Red Palace — the religious heart with chapels and Dalai Lama tombs.
The murals — extensive wall paintings depicting Buddhist teachings.
The views from the top — panoramic views of Lhasa and the surrounding valley.
