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Is Potala Palace Worth Visiting?
YES! Potala Palace is the No.1 attraction in Lhasa, Tibet. Here’s why you should add it into your travel list.
- Sacred Spiritual Experience – As Tibet’s holiest site, Potala Palace immerses you in Tibetan Buddhism with sacred relics, prayer flags, and monks’ rituals, offering a deep sense of peace and enlightenment.
- Architectural Masterpiece – Built into the mountains, this grand palace blends Tibetan, Chinese, and Indian styles, showcasing stunning craftsmanship and cultural richness.
- Profound Inner Journey – More than just a landmark, Potala Palace inspires deep reflection. Walk its halls, absorb its spiritual energy, and find a rare moment of tranquility.
Potala Palace Elevation: How High Is Potala Palace?
Potala Palace Rises 3,700m Above the Sea Level
The Potala Palace rises to 3,700 meters (12,140 feet) above sea level, making it the highest palace in the world.
Located on Mount Marpori, just northwest of Lhasa city, its elevation is 50 meters higher than the average altitude of Lhasa (3,650 meters), which can still be challenging, especially for first-time visitors.
Altitude Sickness Occurs at 2,500m above Sea Level
Altitude sickness, or acute mountain sickness (AMS), typically begins above 2,440 meters (8,000 feet). This is due to the reduced oxygen levels at higher elevations.
Symptoms can include shortness of breath, chest tightness, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, and even insomnia or mild fever.
It’s Possible to Get Altitude Sickness at Potala Palace?
With the Potala Palace sitting at an elevation of 3,700 meters, it’s quite possible to experience altitude sickness, especially if you haven’t acclimatized to the high-altitude environment.
However, the severity of symptoms varies from person to person. While some may feel just a bit uncomfortable, others might experience more intense symptoms.
15 Tips to Prevent Altitude Sickness When Visiting Potala Palace
Preparing for Your Trip to Tibet
1. Medical Check-up – Before traveling to Tibet, it’s recommended to get a full medical check-up to ensure you don’t have serious heart or lung conditions or other health concerns.
2. Proper Exercise – Avoid intense workouts before your trip. If you exercise regularly, stop strenuous activities two weeks before departure. High altitudes require more oxygen, increasing the risk of altitude sickness. Light activities such as walking and stretching can help you stay fit.
3. Medication – Consult your doctor about altitude sickness medication, such as Rhodiola or other high-altitude supplements.
4. Mental Preparation – Learn about altitude sickness in advance and stay positive. Anxiety and stress can worsen symptoms, so a calm mindset will help you adjust better.
Adjusting to Lhasa’s High Altitude
5. Rest First – Upon arrival in Lhasa, don’t rush into activities. Take it easy and rest in your hotel to let your body gradually adapt.
6. Delay Showering – Avoid taking a bath on the first day. Wait 2-3 days until your body fully adjusts to the high-altitude environment.
7. Stay Hydrated – Drink plenty of water to ease altitude sickness, but avoid alcohol, as it can dehydrate you.
8. Eat Light – Stick to light, easy-to-digest meals or food like Tibetan tea or yoghurt and avoid greasy, spicy, or overly rich foods.
9. Take It Slow – Ease into your activities. Start with short walks instead of intense physical exertion.
Tips for Visiting Potala Palace
10. Delay Your Visit – It’s best to skip visiting the Potala Palace on your first day in Lhasa. Give your body time to adjust to the altitude before tackling the steep climb.
11. Pace Yourself – Walking up Potala Palace requires climbing many steps. Move slowly and avoid overexertion, as the high altitude can make the ascent more challenging.
12. Take Breaks – Stop and rest when needed to regulate your breathing and prevent fatigue.
13. Buy Oxygen – If you’re concerned about altitude sickness, buy a portable oxygen canister in Lhasa for extra support.
After Leaving Tibet
14. Continue Resting – Your body will still need time to recover after leaving Tibet. Avoid intense exercise and allow yourself time to readjust.
15. Monitor Your Health – If you experience lingering symptoms of altitude sickness after leaving, seek medical attention promptly.
How to Plan a Potala Palace Tour?
Plan 1.5-2 Hours to Visit the Potala Palace
Route: South Gate - Climb 365 steps - Red Palace - North Gate
Your journey starts at the South Gate, where you will climb 365 steps to reach the entrance of the Red Palace. Take your time—the altitude makes the climb more challenging, so walk slowly and enjoy the stunning views along the way.
Inside, explore sacred halls, chapels, and Dalai Lamas’ tombs. Admire stunning paintings, jeweled decorations, and intricate carvings. You’ll also meet Tibetan pilgrims on their spiritual journey.
Finally, exit via the North Gate.
If You Have More Time:
Visit Zongjiao Lukang Park for a lake reflection photo of Potala Palace. For the best panoramic view, head to Yaowang Mountain Viewing Platform.
Discover Lhasa in 3-5 Days
Lhasa offers much more than the Potala Palace! You can spend a total of 3-5 days to uncover the things to do in Lhasa.
Spend 3-4 days exploring city highlights including Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, and nearby Drepung & Sera Monasteries.
With an extra day, venture further—hike around Ganden Monastery, meditate at Drak Yerpa, or soak in the breathtaking beauty of Namtso Lake.
Expand Your Journey Beyond Lhasa
- Yamdrok Lake (1 Day) – A 3-hour drive from Lhasa, this stunning turquoise lake is worth the trip. From here, you can continue to Shigatse or even Everest Base Camp.
- Shigatse (2–3 Days) – Visit the Gyatso La Pass, Rongbuk Monastery, and Tashilunpo Monastery, a spiritual and scenic highlight.
- Everest Base Camp (1 Day) – Stand before the world’s highest peak at 8,848m—an adventure not to be missed!
Go with Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) to Explore Potala Palace
With its 3,700-meter Potala Palace altitude, visiting this iconic landmark can be a challenge—but with the right guidance, it becomes a piece of cake.
By the way, foreign travelers must have a registered guide in Tibet, and Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) ensures a seamless, well-planned journey!
From handling permits to providing expert insights, AOT helps you explore the Potala Palace and beyond with ease. Travel worry-free, acclimate properly, and immerse yourself in Tibet’s breathtaking landscapes and deep spiritual heritage.
Book your Tibet adventure today and experience the magic of the Potala Palace!
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