For many travelers, the trip to
Potala Palace is an experience that will not soon be forgotten. Potala Palace was the residence of former Dalai Lamas all the way back to the 5th. Over hundreds of years Potala’s interior has been ornately decorated: vibrantly colored and incredibly detailed paintings cover the walls and shelves of prayers books tower overhead. Travelers can see gold covered statues, shrines of unimaginable beauty, and even look upon the resting places of past Dalai Lamas. Incense fills the air and the glow of yak butter candles illuminates cultural treasures, creating a dream like atmosphere.
Travelers will first huff and puff their way up several flights of stairs before reaching the entrance. While challenging to those not fully acclimatized to the altitude, panoramic views of Lhasa and the surrounding mountain scenery reward travelers at the top! As travelers enter the front doors fantastically painted walls foreshadow the beauty to come. Next the group proceeds to the former living quarters of the 14th Dalai Lama, including his thrown room and areas where he received foreign dignitaries. Your local Tibetan tour guide will brief and explain the highlight trip well.
The Potala Palace booking and sightseeing has strict regulation according to the local tourism authority. Travelers can not enter this site without a licensed tour guide, and the sightseeing tickets must be appointed with passport info or ID information at least 5 days before entry date. So you can not expect to book it after arrival. But good point is that, local tourism authority may announce free tickets price for some low season such as February or March, while a discounted price of just CNY 100 per person in April, November, December, etc, however it will be CNY 200 per person in busy tour season from May 1 to Oct.31.
The local Tibet travel expert agency will help you reserve and secure the tickets 5 days in advance, you still enjoy the policy of free tickets or half price CNY 100 per person or full price of CNY 200 per person. You pay to the tickets sales office with a prior booking confirmation paper from agency.
Group Meeting point: Lhasa Yak Hotel Lobby, nearby No.100 Beijing East Road, Lhasa 850000, China (close to Dunya Restaurant), with Jokhang Temple in 10 minutes walking distance.
Group Meeting time: Specific departure hour will be reconfirmed to you only half day before the sightseeing date by the supplier of Tibet travel expert agency.