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All 46 Lhasa Attractions »

Potala Palace

No.35 Gongqian Alley, Beijing Middle Road, Chengguan District, Lhasa 850000, China
0891-6822896,0891-6826334
Ranked #1 of 38 attractions in Lhasa
4.5 of 5 stars 475 Reviews
Type: Architectural Buildings, Castles, Religious Sites
Description: The residence of the Dalai Lama is an immense religious structure and a masterpiece of Tibetan architecture.
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475 reviews from our community

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Date Rating
Kuala Lumpur
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 May 2012

The Potala Palace symbolizes Tibetan Buddhism and its central role in the traditional administration of Tibet. It’s located in the city centre, along the main road of Lhasa. The Palace is clean and with rest areas along the walk way. We visited the Palace in May 2011, and my Mother at age of 68 completed her walking journey within 2.5hours.... More

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Vancouver Island, Canada
Senior Contributor
28 reviews 28 reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 May 2012

Worth the hike up the steps. Rumour has it 400 stairs, but this is not true. Most of the way up is sloped. The numerous treasures, art work, statues, old books, etc is very impressive. Would loved to have purchased a book as not allowed photographs. More

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See 3 more reviews by jthollo for Lhasa
gold coast
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 May 2012

enjoyed palace,try not to see the sterile chinese new surrounds. More

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See 3 more reviews by trevlotz for Lhasa
Adona
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 May 2012

This place was amazing. Climbing the steps was tough, but our guide broke it down. More

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See 4 more reviews by Anastasia D for Lhasa
mchiovetti
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 May 2012

Full of crowds of tourists - But still worth a visit. Being there does make you feel like something's been missing... More

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See 6 more reviews by mchiovetti for Lhasa
Dianalund
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Potala Palace is definitely worth a visit even if your not a practicing Buddhist. We visited the palace on a gray, rainy day, but we had a wonderful knowledgeable & very funny guide that made it a great day. We saw The Dali Lamas residence and all the different Buddhas, but I must say that the people and the setting... More

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See 2 more reviews by SimonHoltti for Lhasa
Lindale, Texas
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 May 2012

There was a lot of steps so be in godd shape, but worth the walk More

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See 4 more reviews by Tammy E for Lhasa
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 April 2012

One of the must see in Tibet and the sight was as memorable as anchor way of cam bodia. Worth spending half days. Very crowded with tourists, though. More

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New York
Senior Contributor
40 reviews 40 reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 April 2012

Potala is one of the first historic buildings you see when driving in from the airport. It is impressive inside and out. We had a guide that told us the history. it was very cool though very sad how the Chinese have taken over religious buildings such as Potala. Also, the line was really long and we got there first... More

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See 6 more reviews by coastalsuz for Lhasa
Denver, Colorado
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 April 2012

Tibet Travel Co-op has many guests who don't feel that they have been Tibet unless they visit Potala Palace. There is no question that Potala Palace is one of the most important sites in Tibet. However, visiting villages that have less tourists can be very regarding experience. The trick is you will not find these authentic places unless you work... More

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See 2 more reviews by Yaktentgroom for Lhasa

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