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SimpleChinaTripBooking guide for foreign visitors
Lhasa

拉萨

Lhasa attraction booking for foreigners

Tibetan capital; Potala and Jokhang. Foreigners require Tibet Travel Permit via licensed agency.

5 attractionsLast checked 6 Oct 2026

Photo: Ondřej Žváček / CC BY 2.5 / Wikimedia Commons

Why visitors come

  • Potala Palace
  • Jokhang / Barkhor
  • Tibetan culture

Know before you book

City-wide rules for foreigners

Tibet Travel Permit required for foreign passport holders before entering Tibet Autonomous Region.
Independent travel generally not available — use licensed agency.
Altitude acclimatization essential.

5 booking guides

Attractions in Lhasa

Book these first

Release times are Beijing time (UTC+8).

Potala PalaceLicensed Tibet tour agency10 days aheadSells out oftenJokhang TempleLicensed Tibet tour agency1 day ahead
Potala Palace

Potala Palace

布达拉宫
Licensed Tibet tour agency
10 days ahead
Reservation requiredSells out often
Jokhang Temple

Jokhang Temple

大昭寺
Licensed Tibet tour agency
1 day ahead
Reservation requiredCan sell out
Norbulingka

Norbulingka

罗布林卡
Ticket office on site
Walk-up usually OK
Sera Monastery

Sera Monastery

色拉寺
Licensed Tibet tour agency
Walk-up usually OK
Drepung Monastery

Drepung Monastery

哲蚌寺
Licensed Tibet tour agency
Walk-up usually OK
Compare release rules at a glance
AttractionBook ahead?Primary channelRelease rule
Potala PalaceYes — book aheadLicensed Tibet tour agencyReleased 10 days ahead in the official WeChat mini-program; no same-day tickets. Your tour agency books it.
Jokhang TempleYes — book aheadLicensed Tibet tour agencyReserve 1 day ahead (real-name) in the “大昭寺” WeChat mini-program; pay at the temple ticket office.
NorbulingkaNo — buy or walk in on the dayTicket office on siteWalk-up at the East Gate ticket office on the day; ticket sales stop at 17:30.
Sera MonasteryNo — buy or walk in on the dayLicensed Tibet tour agencyTickets bought at the gate on the day (by your guide).
Drepung MonasteryNo — buy or walk in on the dayLicensed Tibet tour agencyTickets bought at the gate on the day (by your guide).

Check before you go

  • Commercial agency sources dominate English web; verify permit process with embassy/authorized operator.
Sources for Lhasa