Lhasa Potala Palace

Lhasa

拉萨 · Roof of the World

🎫 Tickets Booking · Lhasa

Last verified 26 Jul 2025

Altitude ≈ 3 650 m—pace slow, hydrate, and know these drop-times before your oxygen does.

1 Overview

Real-name reservations are mandatory for the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Norbulingka, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery, Ganden Monastery, and Namtso Lake.
Mini-program only: all spots sell via WeChat; on-site windows just scan the pre-booked QR & passport.
Altitude padding: book Potala for Day 3+ after arrival to allow acclimatisation.

2 Pre-Booking Essentials

Item Details
Passport scan Upload to each mini-prog; same ID shown at gate.
Tibet Travel Permit Mainland ID holders skip; foreigners must show TTP (issued by tour operator).
SIM & data China Unicom e-SIM works best inside palace courtyard.
Clock sync Drops open on the dot (Beijing Time)—set phone to auto network time.

3 Booking-Alerts (2025)

Potala Palace
🟥
Capacity: 2 300 (60-min visit) 📱
Release: 7 days ahead, 08:00
Platform: "布达拉宫参观预约" mini-prog
Jokhang Temple
🟧
Capacity: 1 000 (700 in winter) 📱
Release: 1 day ahead, 15 : 30-19 : 00
Platform: "大昭寺门票预约" mini-prog
Norbulingka Summer Palace
🟩
Capacity: 5 000
Release: Rolling 3 days
Platform: "罗布林卡预约" mini-prog
Sera Monastery Debate
🟧
Capacity: 500 seats (15:00 debate)
Release: Same-day 08 : 00
Platform: "色拉寺参观预约" mini-prog
Drepung Monastery
🟩
Capacity: 3 000 (largest monastery)
Release: Rolling 5 days
Platform: "哲蚌寺参观预约" mini-prog
Ganden Monastery
🟧
Capacity: 1 500 (45km from Lhasa)
Release: 3 days ahead, 09:00
Platform: "甘丹寺参观预约" mini-prog
Namtso Lake (Day Trip)
🟥
Capacity: 800 (4 718m altitude) 🚌
Release: 5 days ahead, 10:00
Platform: "纳木错景区预约" mini-prog

*🟥 High = sells out ≤ 15 min 🟧 Med = gone < 24 h 🟩 Low = rarely sells out except Golden Week.

4 Booking Windows & Platforms

Potala – 60-min quota inside; backpack max 20 L; entry times strictly enforced.
Jokhang – Pay ¥85 cash at window after QR scan; shoes + hats off in main chapel.
Norbulingka – Free Nov-Feb under "Winter in Tibet" policy; scan QR for zero-yuan ticket.
Sera Debate – Arrive 14 : 30; no phones on selfie-sticks, monks may confiscate.

5 Payment Methods

Method Notes
WeChat / Alipay Accepted after TTP number input; add foreign Visa under "Tourist Pay".
Cash Still needed at Jokhang on site & hillside teahouses (carry ¥200 small notes).

6 Cancellation & Altitude Rules

Free cancel ≥ 24 h; no-change < 4 h.
Oxygen cans allowed but must be sealed; open cans confiscated at palace gate.

7 Pro Tips

1
Potala slot – Pick 09 : 00 entry; better light & fewer steps in mid-day heat.
2
QR lag – High plateau = slow data; screenshot every QR after booking.
3
Debate etiquette – Sit cross-legged, no pointing feet at monks; clapping allowed.
4
UV index – Sunscreen SPF 50+ even in winter; palace roof UV hits 11.
5
Pulse-ox check – If SpO₂ < 80 % at hotel, delay palace day; reschedule free up to 48 h with TTP number.

Master the high-altitude ticket dance—No Tourist Traps. No BS.