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Tibetan Plateau · 拉萨

Lhasa

The Potala Palace rises over the city against a high mountain valley.

The illuminated white and red walls of the Potala Palace under a deep blue sky.
LhasaThe Potala Palace at blue hour above Lhasa.

The Potala Palace and the historic streets around the Jokhang.

This is a high-altitude destination. Check the current access requirements and leave time to acclimatise before making plans.

Lhasa through the year

UNESCO · Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace

March–May

Spring

Drepung Monastery

At Drepung, look up from the courtyards for layers of white walls and rooflines against the slope.

White monastery buildings and dark red rooflines step up the slopes at Drepung.
Drepung MonasteryEarly light falls on Drepung Monastery’s white walls below the dark hillside.

June–August

Summer

Potala Palace after dark

Look for a view that lines up the stupas with the illuminated palace above the road.

Lit stupas and a roadway lead to the illuminated Potala Palace at night.
Potala Palace after darkLit stupas stand below the Potala Palace on an August night.

September–November

Autumn

Norbulingka gardens

At Norbulingka, follow the garden paths for views of flowers and palace roofs in the same frame.

Colourful flower beds lead toward a gold-roofed palace building at Norbulingka.
Norbulingka gardensAutumn flower beds lead to a gold-roofed building in the Norbulingka gardens.

December–February

Winter

Potala Palace in winter light

On a clear winter day, view the palace from the square, where the white walls stand out against the blue sky.

The Potala Palace rises behind evergreens and bare branches under a clear blue sky.
Potala Palace in winter lightBare branches and evergreens frame the Potala Palace in clear January light.