Best Potala Palace Tours & Trips

Rising majestically atop Marpo Ri hill in Lhasa, the Potala Palace stands as a breathtaking testament to Tibetan architecture and spiritual devotion. Once the winter residence of the Dalai Lama, this UNESCO World Heritage site dazzles visitors with its crimson and white walls that seem to touch the sky. Inside, countless chapels house sacred statues and ancient scriptures, while the Golden Stupa radiates an ethereal glow. The steep climb to the summit rewards travelers with panoramic views of the holy city below, where prayer flags flutter against crisp mountain air. More than just a monument, it remains a living center of faith, inviting quiet reflection amidst its hallowed halls and winding corridors.

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20 Results

8-Day Tour from Lhasa: Yamdroktso, Shigatse and Mt. Everest | Small Group Tour

Shared Room Available

Daily breakfast

8-Day Tour from Lhasa: Yamdroktso, Shigatse and Mt. Everest | Small Group Tour

5.0 Tour Code: 673581

Start / End City

Lhasa

Duration

8.0 Days

City & Attractions

Lhasa, Shigatse, Sera Monastery +6 more

Languages

English Live, Chinese Live

Group Type

Small Group Tour

From

$924.85

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16-Day Tour from Lhasa: Yamdroktso, Shigatse, Mt. Everest, Mt. Kailash and Guge Kingdom | Small Group Tour

Shared Room Available

Select Meals Included

16-Day Tour from Lhasa: Yamdroktso, Shigatse, Mt. Everest, Mt. Kailash and Guge Kingdom | Small Group Tour

5.0 Tour Code: 680655

Start / End City

Lhasa

Duration

16.0 Days

City & Attractions

Lhasa, Shigatse, Saga +10 more

Languages

English Live, Chinese Live

Group Type

Small Group Tour

From

$2,172.67

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13-Day Essence of China with Chengdu and Lhasa Tour from Beijing: Shanghai, Xi'an & Luoyang | Panda Sightseeing, Potala Palace & Sera Monastery

Daily breakfast

Select Meals Included

13-Day Essence of China with Chengdu and Lhasa Tour from Beijing: Shanghai, Xi'an & Luoyang | Panda Sightseeing, Potala Palace & Sera Monastery

5.0 Tour Code: 745911

Start / End City

Beijing, Lhasa

Duration

13.0 Days

City & Attractions

Beijing, Shanghai, Luoyang +22 more

Languages

English Live, Spanish Live

Group Type

Standard Group Tour

Operator

Europamundo Vacaciones

From

$5,034.00

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12-Day Tour from Lhasa: Nyingchi, Yamdrok Lake, Shigatse, Mt. Everest and Namtso Lake | Small Group Tour

Shared Room Available

Daily breakfast

12-Day Tour from Lhasa: Nyingchi, Yamdrok Lake, Shigatse, Mt. Everest and Namtso Lake | Small Group Tour

5.0 Tour Code: 681447

Start / End City

Lhasa

Duration

12.0 Days

City & Attractions

Lhasa, Nyingchi, Shigatse +11 more

Languages

English Live, Chinese Live

Group Type

Small Group Tour

From

$1,291.86

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9-Day Tour from Lhasa: Karola Glacier, Shigatse, Mt. Everest and Namtso Lake | Small Group Tour

Shared Room Available

Daily breakfast

9-Day Tour from Lhasa: Karola Glacier, Shigatse, Mt. Everest and Namtso Lake | Small Group Tour

5.0 Tour Code: 681426

Start / End City

Lhasa

Duration

9.0 Days

City & Attractions

Lhasa, Shigatse, Sera Monastery +7 more

Languages

English Live, Chinese Live

Group Type

Small Group Tour

From

$1,012.93

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8-Day Classic Tibet Tour·Lhasa, Shigatse, Potala Palace, Everest Base Camp, Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery

Guaranteed Departure

Daily breakfast

8-Day Classic Tibet Tour·Lhasa, Shigatse, Potala Palace, Everest Base Camp, Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery

5.0 Tour Code: 741822

Start / End City

Lhasa

Duration

8.0 Days

City & Attractions

Lhasa, Shigatse, Gyantse +19 more

Languages

English Live

Group Type

Small Group Tour

From

$1,166.83

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10-Day Legendary Tibet Group Tour·Lhasa Heritage, Shigatse Monasteries & Himalayan Wonders

Guaranteed Departure

Daily breakfast

10-Day Legendary Tibet Group Tour·Lhasa Heritage, Shigatse Monasteries & Himalayan Wonders

5.0 Tour Code: 742038

Start / End City

Lhasa

Duration

10.0 Days

City & Attractions

Lhasa, Shigatse, Gyantse +21 more

Languages

English Live

Group Type

Other

From

$1,499.06

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4 Days Tibet Essential Small Group Tour· Lhasa | Potala Palace | Barkhor Street | Scriptural Debate Of Sera Monastery

Guaranteed Departure

Daily breakfast

4 Days Tibet Essential Small Group Tour· Lhasa | Potala Palace | Barkhor Street | Scriptural Debate Of Sera Monastery

5.0 Tour Code: 741831

Start / End City

Lhasa

Duration

4.0 Days

City & Attractions

Lhasa, Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple +4 more

Languages

English Live

Group Type

Other

From

$620.09

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6-Day Essential Tibet Group Tour·Lhasa Highlights, Shigatse & Tashilhunpo Monastery

Guaranteed Departure

Daily breakfast

6-Day Essential Tibet Group Tour·Lhasa Highlights, Shigatse & Tashilhunpo Monastery

5.0 Tour Code: 741891

Start / End City

Lhasa

Duration

6.0 Days

City & Attractions

Lhasa, Shigatse, Gyantse +10 more

Languages

Chinese Live, English Live

Group Type

Other

From

$911.61

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17-Day Immersive China Group Tour·From Ancient Capitals to Tibetan Highlands & Modern Metropolises

Select Meals Included

17-Day Immersive China Group Tour·From Ancient Capitals to Tibetan Highlands & Modern Metropolises

5.0 Tour Code: 741984

Start / End City

Beijing, Shanghai

Duration

17.0 Days

City & Attractions

Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an +47 more

Languages

English Live

Group Type

Other

From

$3,630.31

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8-Day Tibet Tour from Lhasa: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monstery, Gyantse, Shigatse, Rongpuk & Mt. Everest

Free Cancellation

Shared Room Available

8-Day Tibet Tour from Lhasa: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monstery, Gyantse, Shigatse, Rongpuk & Mt. Everest

4.8 ~~( 14 reviews )~~ Tour Code: 203050

Start / End City

Lhasa

Duration

8.0 Days

City & Attractions

Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse +8 more

Languages

English Live

Group Type

Small Group Tour

From

$1,030.55

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4-Day Lhasa City Small Group Tour: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Sera Monastery and Drepung Monstery**Tibet Entry Permit included**

Free Cancellation

Shared Room Available

4-Day Lhasa City Small Group Tour: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Sera Monastery and Drepung Monstery**Tibet Entry Permit included**

4.8 ~~( 7 reviews )~~ Tour Code: 203008

Start / End City

Lhasa

Duration

4.0 Days

City & Attractions

Lhasa, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery +3 more

Languages

English Live

Group Type

Small Group Tour

From

$557.85

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7-Day Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Small Group Tour: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monstery, Gyantse, Shigatse, Rongpuk and Kyilong**Tibet Entry Permit included**

Free Cancellation

Shared Room Available

7-Day Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Small Group Tour: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monstery, Gyantse, Shigatse, Rongpuk and Kyilong**Tibet Entry Permit included**

5.0 ~~( 5 reviews )~~ Tour Code: 203053

Start / End City

Lhasa, Kyilong

Duration

7.0 Days

City & Attractions

Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse +10 more

Languages

English Live

Group Type

Small Group Tour

From

$1,051.10

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6-Days Lhasa and Shigatse Small Group Tour: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monstery, Gyantse and Shigatse**Tibet Entry Permit included**

Free Cancellation

Shared Room Available

6-Days Lhasa and Shigatse Small Group Tour: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monstery, Gyantse and Shigatse**Tibet Entry Permit included**

5.0 ~~( 6 reviews )~~ Tour Code: 203062

Start / End City

Lhasa

Duration

6.0 Days

City & Attractions

Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse +6 more

Languages

English Live

Group Type

Small Group Tour

From

$874.94

See Details

13-Day Tibet Spiritual Tour from Lhasa to Kathmandu: Shigatse, Saga, Tarchen and Gyirong | Everest Base Camp, Lake Manasarovar and Mount Kailash Kora

Shared Room Available

Select Meals Included

13-Day Tibet Spiritual Tour from Lhasa to Kathmandu: Shigatse, Saga, Tarchen and Gyirong | Everest Base Camp, Lake Manasarovar and Mount Kailash Kora

4.8 ~~( 9 reviews )~~ Tour Code: 708954

Start / End City

Lhasa, Kathmandu

Duration

13.0 Days

City & Attractions

Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse +13 more

Languages

English Live

Group Type

Small Group Tour

From

$2,191.75

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Best Time to Visit Potala Palace

Spring in Lhasa brings mild days of 10°C (50°F) to 18°C (64°F), with clear skies ideal for viewing the Potala Palace. The snow-capped mountains frame this UNESCO site beautifully as peach blossoms bloom nearby. Visitors can explore the White and Red Palaces comfortably before summer crowds arrive. Walk along Barkhor Street for local crafts or hike up to Chakpori Hill for iconic photos. This season offers perfect weather for experiencing Tibetan culture and spiritual heritage without extreme cold or heavy rain.

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Summer brings mild days averaging 22°C (72°F) and cool nights near 10°C (50°F), perfect for exploring the iconic Potala Palace without extreme cold. The clear blue skies highlight its crimson and white walls, while nearby Norbulingka Palace blooms with vibrant gardens. Visitors can wander Barkhor Street for local crafts or hike up to Zongyab Lukhang Park for serene views. This season offers ideal weather for photography and cultural immersion at Tibet's most sacred sites.

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Visiting the Potala Palace in autumn reveals Lhasa under crisp, clear skies with temperatures ranging from 8°C (46°F) to 19°C (66°F). The dry air offers stunning visibility of the Himalayas, making it ideal for photography. Wander through the sacred halls of the palace itself or stroll along the Barkhor Street pilgrimage route surrounded by golden autumn foliage. This season also marks the start of vibrant local festivals, providing a unique glimpse into Tibetan culture without the summer crowds.

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Winter in Lhasa brings crisp days with temperatures ranging from -2°C (28°F) to 10°C (50°F), offering clear skies and fewer crowds at the Potala Palace. The iconic white and red structure stands majestically against snow-dusted hills, creating breathtaking photo opportunities. Visitors can explore Barkhor Street's vibrant markets, witness monks debating at Sera Monastery, or join locals for traditional butter tea. This serene season reveals Tibet's spiritual heart without summer's hustle, making it ideal for cultural immersion and peaceful reflection amid ancient heritage sites.

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Reviews for Potala Palace Tours

Candy

December 03, 2023

4-Day Lhasa City Small Group Tour: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Sera Monastery and Drepung Monstery**Tibet Entry Permit included**

Excellent Tour Guide - Jamyang Tsering

So happy to be assigned to Jamyang Tsering as my tour guide in Lhasa. He is very friendly and patient. Always accommodating to my needs and takes good care of me. Also kudos to the driver, Nobu, who is professional. Thank you.

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Jenny

November 24, 2023

8-Day Tibet Tour from Lhasa: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monstery, Gyantse, Shigatse, Rongpuk & Mt. Everest

Tibet is beautiful

The tour was great! We visited amazing places and could feel the sacred atmosphere in all the temples. The nature is breathtaking with beautiful mountain and lake views. Our guide Jingme told us all about the history and showed us great places. All the hotels were much better than what I expected, nice, clean and warm. I had my birthday during the tour and thanks to our guide Jingme and the group it was perfect celebration with dinner, cake and candles. Thank you for the tour!

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Albert

November 10, 2023

Lhasa to Kathmandu

Can't recommend this company enough. We did it very last minute and got our Chinese visas a few days before we flew to Chengdu and got the train to Lhasa. Lycoris our contact was patient and reassuring over the applications. The trip itself was something else. Tibet is a stunning country and the Polata Palace and Mount Everest were among the many highlights.

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Mary

August 09, 2023

6-Days Lhasa and Shigatse Small Group Tour: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monstery, Gyantse and Shigatse**Tibet Entry Permit included**

Super visit of Lhasa !

Excellent trustworthy organisation. Very nice guide with a lot of knowledge of local surroundings and culture and very good command of English. Thank you Dechen for the nice time

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FAQs about Potala Palace Tours

Which airport serves the Potala Palace and how do I reach Lhasa from there?

Fly into Lhasa Gonggar Airport, located about sixty kilometers from the city center. From the terminal, take the official airport shuttle bus or a licensed taxi to reach downtown Lhasa in roughly one hour. Private transfers can be arranged through your hotel or tour operator. Note that all travelers must have a Tibet Travel Permit before boarding flights or trains to this region.

What is the best time of year to visit the Potala Palace to avoid heavy rain?

Visit between May and early October for the warmest weather, though July and August bring the monsoon rains. For clear skies and minimal precipitation, target late September or October. Winter months from November to March offer dry conditions and fewer crowds, but temperatures drop significantly at night. Always pack layered clothing regardless of the season due to rapid weather changes at high altitude.

Do I need a special pass to enter the Potala Palace and how do I get one?

Yes, entry requires a timed ticket obtained in advance through authorized travel agencies or the official WeChat mini-program. Independent travelers often face sold-out status during peak seasons, so booking a guided tour is the most reliable method. You must present your original passport and Tibet Travel Permit at the entrance. Arrive thirty minutes before your scheduled slot, as late entry is strictly prohibited.

What currency should I use near the Potala Palace and are credit cards accepted?

Carry sufficient Chinese Yuan (CNY) cash, as most small vendors, souvenir stalls, and local eateries around the palace do not accept credit cards or foreign currency. While some larger hotels and upscale restaurants may take Visa or Mastercard, connectivity issues can occur. ATMs are available in downtown Lhasa but may run out of cash during holidays. Exchange money before arriving in remote areas.