Low-Budget Travel Guide to Potala Palace

1. Itinerary - Day 1: Arrive in Lhasa - Morning: Arrive in Lhasa and adapt to the plateau environment in the city. You can choose to rest at your accommodation. - Afternoon: Stroll around the city, experience the unique atmosphere of Lhasa, and taste local snacks, such as Tibetan noodles. - Day 2: Potala Palace - Morning: Book tickets to Potala Palace in advance and visit the palace. Start from the front square, admire the magnificent exterior of Potala Palace, then enter the palace and visit the halls to learn about its history and culture. - Afternoon: Continue to visit Potala Palace and admire the exquisite murals and Buddha statues. Then you can go to Zongjiao Lukang Park behind Potala Palace, where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and see the reflection of Potala Palace. - Day 3: Jokhang Temple and Surroundings - Morning: Visit Jokhang Temple and see the precious cultural relics and Buddha statues. Jokhang Temple is an important temple of Tibetan Buddhism with a high religious status. - Afternoon: Stroll along the Barkhor Street around Jokhang Temple, experience the local religious culture, and buy some special souvenirs. - Day 4: Other Attractions in Lhasa - Morning: Visit the Tibet Museum to learn more about the history, culture, and art of Tibet. - Afternoon: Visit some free or low-cost attractions in the city, such as Ramoche Temple. 2. Budget - Transportation: - Public transportation, taxis, or walking are the main means of transportation in the city, costing about CNY 30–50 per day. - The round-trip transportation cost from your departure city to Lhasa depends on the actual situation. Try to book discounted air or train tickets in advance. - Tickets: - Potala Palace tickets cost about CNY 200 (subject to actual conditions). - Jokhang Temple tickets cost about CNY 85 (subject to actual conditions). - Tibet Museum is free (reservation required). - Accommodation: - Choose some affordable youth hostels or homestays, which cost about CNY 50–100 per night. - Dining: - Control your daily dining expenses to about CNY 50–100, taste local specialties, and avoid overspending. If the round-trip transportation is not included, the total budget for a 4-day trip is about CNY 1,000 (subject to actual conditions). 3. Notes - Take precautions against altitude sickness in advance, such as taking anti-altitude sickness medicine. - Respect local religious and cultural customs. - Visit Potala Palace and other attractions according to the specified routes and times. - Protect the environment and keep the attractions clean.