Potala Palace Altitude - What You May Not Know about the Climb 2025

As you set foot on the mystical land of Lhasa, one of the first sights to greet you will often be the majestic Potala Palace, standing resplendent atop Red Mountain. It is not just the symbol of Tibet, but the world's highest-altitude, most monumental ancient palace complex. Soaring at around 3,700 meters above sea level, the Potala Palace offers awe-inspiring views that are as challenging as they are rewarding. Its towering presence, however, goes hand in hand with the thin air of the plateau. Our comprehensive guide walks you through everything from key facts about its elevation to essential tips for adapting to the high altitude.

The Potala Palace around 3,700 Meters - What Does This Number Truly Mean?

The Potala Palace in Lhasa stands at an altitude of around 3,700 meters, with its architecture rising an additional 115.703 meters vertically from the base of Red Hill to its golden roofs. This structure appears as 13 staggering tiers from the outside. It houses the seven-story White Palace, the winter residence and administrative center of successive Dalai Lamas. Above it stands the Red Palace, which, though appearing as six stories, is an intricate complex internally composed of chapels, stupa tombs, and prayer halls.

To fully grasp its scale, consider that Beijing's Forbidden City rests at just 44 meters above sea level. The summit of Mount Tai, the most revered of China's Five Great Mountains, is 1,545 meters. The Potala Palace stands over twice as high as this sacred peak. Its foundation rests at an elevation that surpasses the summit of Germany's tallest mountain, the Zugspitze (2,962 meters), by nearly 700 meters, and begins its ascent at a height comparable to the famed peaks of the Alps, such as the Eiger (3,967 meters).

While it's true that visiting the Potala Palace includes some climbing, it is generally manageable for most visitors and often less daunting than anticipated. The tour route is designed for a gradual ascent, with the roughly 1,000 steps broken into segments rather than climbed all at once. You are encouraged to proceed at your own comfortable rhythm, taking breaks whenever you feel the need. A simple courtesy to remember is to step aside when pausing, allowing fellow visitors to pass.

The most significant climb is the zigzagging stone stairway leading to the palace entrance. This part of the journey can be quite enjoyable, as you are treated to breathtaking, panoramic views of Lhasa and the surrounding mountains. The ascent continues inside the palace with a series of narrow wooden staircases connecting the chapels and halls. While these require careful footing, they naturally break the climb into manageable intervals.

Is It Easy to Get Altitude Sickness at the Potala Palace?

Altitude sickness is possible at the Potala Palace, especially for first-time visitors. However, with proper preparation and a sensible approach, the majority of travelers can enjoy a safe and rewarding visits without being impacted.

It's helpful to know the elevation at which altitude effects typically begin. Altitude sickness can affect anyone, regardless of age or fitness level, with symptoms generally appearing above 2,500 meters. The Potala Palace in Lhasa sits at around 3,700 meters, a height at which the risk and severity of symptoms increase, particularly with a rapid ascent. This is why careful planning and acclimatization are essential. While visiting the palace can indeed present a challenge and trigger symptoms, following the right steps makes it manageable.

1. Prepare Well - Rest, Relax, and Consult Your Doctor if Needed

Stay relaxed and avoid excessive anxiety. Your mental state significantly impacts how you feel at high altitude. Additionally, avoid strenuous exercise for a few days before your trip and ensure you get plenty of sleep. If you’re considering further precautions, consult your doctor about taking altitude sickness prevention medication, such as acetazolamide.

2. Plan Wisely - Don't Schedule the Potala Palace on Day 1 in Lhasa

Feel free to keep your first day completely free. Simply rest at your hotel and let your body begin adapting to the altitude. Schedule your visit to the Potala Palace for your second or third day in Lhasa, allowing your body crucial time to adjust.

Check more about How to Plan a Lhasa Tour

3. Stay Comfortable - Choose Oxygen Hotel and Avoid Showering

Stay at a hotel that provides oxygen facilities, either through a diffuse oxygen system or bedside oxygen outlets. It is recommended to avoid taking a shower or bath for the first 2-3 days. This helps minimize circulatory stress and prevents an unnecessary increase in oxygen demand while your body acclimates to the lower oxygen environment.

Check more about Where to Stay in Lhasa

4. Eat Smart - Prioritize Hydration and Light Foods

Staying hydrated is critical, so aim to drink 2-3 liters of water daily and complement this with light, easily digestible meals such as noodles and vegetables, while avoiding heavy, greasy foods and alcohol.

Check more about Where to Eat in Lhasa - Lhasa Restaurants & Lhasa Cafes

5. Pack Right - Take Sturdy Sneaker, Trekking Pole, and Snacks

For your Potala Palace visit, wear comfortable, sturdy shoes with excellent grip, and consider using a trekking pole for extra support. Travel light and use a backpack to keep your hands free. Carry some snacks like chocolate.

6. Golden Rule - Follow the Slow Rule

keep this rule close wherever you go in Lhasa. Take everything at half your normal speed. Walk slowly, talk slowly, and eat slowly. This gives your body time to adjust to the lower oxygen levels.

Check more about How to Avoid High Altitude Sickness in Tibet

A classic Lhasa tour takes 3~4 days. Your first day in this high-altitude capital should be dedicated entirely to rest and acclimatizationand. Once acclimatized, you can begin with the essential highlights: majestic Potala Palace, sacred Jokhang Temple, bustling Barkhor Street, which is a perfect blend of faith and local life. Extend your exploration to include the Sera Monastery, Norbulingka, Tibet Museum, which will offer a superb overview of the region's rich tapestry of culture, history and art. For the ultimate adventure, venture further to breathtaking destinations like Yamdrok Lake, Namtso Lake, or Mt. Everest.

Choose one of our Chengdu Lhasa Tours below or chick to check All Tibet Tour ⋙

☛ 4 Days Lhasa City Private Tour
☛ 8 Days Lhasa to Mount Everest Private Tour
☛ 9 Days Tibet Discovery Tour plus Everest and Namtso Expedition