Ticket booking is a crucial part of any Tibet trip, shaping both your budget and overall experience. Spanning vast landscapes, Tibet boasts diverse attractions—from the world-famous Potala Palace to the majestic Namtso Lake, ancient monasteries to boundless grasslands. Each spot differs in ticket pricing, booking methods, and discount policies.
Detailed Breakdown of Top Tibet Attraction Tickets
Below is a comprehensive list of ticket info for top attractions across Tibet’s core travel regions (Lhasa, Nyingchi, Shigatse, Shannan, Nagqu), including prices, booking methods, and notes to ensure a smooth journey.
Tibet Region Map
Top Attraction Tickets in Lhasa
Potala Palace
- Price: 200 RMB/person (peak season: May-October); 100 RMB/person (off-peak season: November-April) (verified official price, no temporary adjustments).
- Booking Method: Reserve in advance via the official Potala Palace WeChat account or ticketing system. Refunded tickets are released in batches at 00:00 and 08:00 daily. No third-party platforms are authorized to sell tickets—unofficial bookings may result in entry denial or financial loss.
- Notes: Bring your original ID card for entry; foreign travelers need passports and Tibet Travel Permits. Strict visiting time—admission is only allowed at the reserved time, and tickets expire if late. Photography is prohibited in certain areas; follow on-site rules. As Tibet’s most iconic attraction, tickets are in high demand—book 3-7 days in advance.
Jokhang Temple
- Price: 85 RMB/person (unified price, no peak/off-peak difference) (verified officially).
- Booking Method: On-site purchase or advance reservation via the Tibet Culture and Tourism Department’s official mini-program. Bring your original ID card for on-site booking; foreign travelers need passports and Tibet Travel Permits.
- Notes: As a religious site, remove hats, keep quiet, and avoid wearing shorts or skirts. Photography is prohibited in some areas—follow staff instructions. The ticket covers the main hall only; the surrounding Barkhor Street is free for sightseeing.
Norbu Lingka Summer Palace
- Price: 60 RMB/person.
- Opening Hours: 9:00-18:00 (peak season: May-October); 10:00-17:00 (off-peak season: November-April) (verified price and hours).
- Booking Method: On-site purchase or online reservation via platforms like Ctrip or Dazhong Dianping—no need for early booking.
- Notes: Boasting lush vegetation, it’s perfect for a leisurely stroll (suggested visiting time: 1.5 hours). Foreign travelers only need to show their passports—no extra fees.
Top Attraction Tickets in Nyingchi
Basom Lake
- Price: 120 RMB/person (includes shuttle bus fees, unified price with no peak/off-peak difference) (verified officially).
- Booking Method: On-site purchase or online reservation—small discounts available on online platforms.
- Notes: The lake area is large; shuttle buses (valid with tickets) are required to travel between attractions. Opening hours may change in winter (November-March) due to weather—confirm before visiting. Foreign travelers only need passports for entry.
Lu Lang Lin hai
- Price: 90 RMB/person (ticket); 30 RMB/person (shuttle bus). Separate purchases or a combined package (120 RMB/person) are available (verified latest package price).
- Booking Method: Mainly on-site purchase; package reservations available online. Book in advance during holidays.
- Notes: Featuring forests and grasslands, it has a relatively low altitude, suitable for first-time Tibet visitors. Shuttle buses serve observation decks—suggested visiting time: 2 hours.
Yarlung Zangbo Daxiagu
- Price: 150 RMB/person (ticket); 90 RMB/person (shuttle bus); 240 RMB/person (combined package) (unified price with no peak/off-peak difference) (verified officially).
- Booking Method: On-site purchase or online reservation. Book 1 day in advance during peak seasons (March-May, September-October) due to high visitor numbers.
- Notes: The canyon terrain is complex—shuttle buses (included in the package) are mandatory. The best time to view Mount Namcha Barwa is early morning or evening—plan accordingly.
Top Attraction Tickets in Shigatse
Tashilhunpo Monastery
- Price: 100 RMB/person (unified price with no peak/off-peak difference).
- Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00 (last entry at 16:30) (verified price and hours).
- Booking Method: On-site purchase or online reservation—online booking saves queue time.
Notes: As one of Tibet’s six major Gelugpa monasteries, follow religious customs—do not touch Buddha statues or scriptures randomly. Photography is prohibited in some halls—obey staff arrangements. Foreign travelers only need passports for entry—no extra fees.
Sagarmatha National Park
- Price: 160 RMB/person (ticket); 120 RMB/person (shuttle bus); 280 RMB/person (combined package). 50% off tickets in off-peak season (November-April) (verified latest discount policy).
- Booking Method: Only on-site purchase (remote location with no online channels). Prepare cash or mobile payment devices in advance.
- Notes: A border pass is required—mainland travelers can apply at their local police station or in Shigatse City. The average altitude exceeds 4,500 meters—prepare for altitude sickness. Some roads may freeze in winter—install snow chains if self-driving.
Top Attraction Tickets in Other Regions
Namtso Lake (Damxung Scenic Area)
- Price: 120 RMB/person (includes shuttle bus fees) (unified official price).
- Opening Hours: 8:00-19:00 (peak season: May-October); may close temporarily in winter (November-April) due to heavy snow.
- Booking Method: On-site purchase or online reservation—book 1 day in advance during peak seasons.
- Notes: Altitude is around 4,718 meters—avoid strenuous exercise and bring warm clothing. Shuttle buses connect the scenic area entrance to lakeside observation decks (valid with tickets).
Yamdrok Lake
- Price: 60 RMB/person (unified price with no peak/off-peak difference), open 24/7 (verified officially).
- Booking Method: Mainly on-site purchase at ticket windows near the entrance—no advance reservation needed.
- Notes: Observation decks are located on mountain tops—self-driving travelers should drive slowly on winding roads. No shuttle buses are available; free sightseeing and photography at observation decks—suggested visiting time: 1 hour.
Samye Gompa
- Price: 40 RMB/person (unified price with no peak/off-peak difference).
- Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00 (verified price and hours).
- Booking Method: On-site purchase or online reservation—few visitors, no need for early booking.
- Notes: As Tibet’s first monastery with complete Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, follow religious customs. Murals are precious—photography and touching are prohibited.
Namtso Ticket
Tibet Ticket Booking Hacks & Pitfall Avoidance Guide
Mastering these booking tips saves time and money, ensuring a trouble-free journey.
Book Popular Attractions in Advance
Advance reservation is critical, especially for top cultural sites. Tickets for Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon sell out quickly during peak seasons—on-site purchases are nearly impossible without prior booking. Reserve 3-7 days in advance via official channels. For Potala Palace, keep an eye on official platforms for refunded tickets released daily.
Choose Official Booking Channels
Prioritize official channels to avoid scalpers and unauthorized platforms. Most popular attractions (especially Potala Palace) do not authorize third-party ticket sales. Unofficial tickets may be counterfeit or overpriced, leading to financial loss and entry denial. Opt for official platforms, on-site windows, or reputable platforms like Ctrip and Dazhong Dianping.
Take Advantage of Seasonal Discounts
Save money with seasonal offers. The annual “Winter Tour Tibet” campaign runs from mid-November to mid-March. During this period, all A-level natural attractions offer free or 50% off tickets (excluding monasteries)—the best time to cut costs. Some attractions also offer small discounts during holidays like Dragon Boat Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival—check official announcements in advance.
Verify Ticket Details Carefully
Double-check ticket info (attraction name, price, entry time, validity) before purchasing, especially online. Avoid non-refundable losses from choosing the wrong date or attraction. Some tickets are for one-time entry, while others (e.g., Basomtso Lake) allow multiple entries within the validity period—confirm refund policies and entry rules in advance.
Prepare Documents for Foreign Travelers
Foreign travelers need additional documents. A Tibet Travel Permit is mandatory for ticket purchase and entry to certain Tibet regions. For border attractions like Mount Qomolangma National Nature Reserve, a border pass is also required. Carry original passports, Tibet Travel Permits, and other relevant documents—cooperate with staff for identity registration if needed.
Detailed Discount Policies for Tibet Attraction Tickets
Discounts are available for specific groups, varying slightly by attraction. Below are general policies verified by the Tibet Culture and Tourism Department and major attraction official websites.
Student Discount
Full-time undergraduate and below students with valid student ID cards (original) and ID cards enjoy 50% off tickets to most attractions. Potala Palace offers no extra discounts on top of the off-peak half-price. Notes: Electronic student IDs, copies, or non-full-time IDs (e.g., adult education) are invalid. Some small folk attractions may be more flexible—follow on-site notices.
Senior Citizen Discount
- 60-69 years old: 50% off tickets with original ID cards or senior citizen cards.
- 70+ years old: Free entry to all attractions (including Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple) with original ID cards or senior citizen cards (no exceptions, verified officially).
- Notes: Follow on-site notices for specific attractions—no additional restrictions.
Military & Disabled Military Discount
Active military personnel and disabled military personnel enjoy free entry to all attractions with valid military IDs or disabled military IDs (original). Core attractions like Potala Palace and Mount Qomolangma National Nature Reserve offer 50% off shuttle bus fees for disabled military personnel (officially announced). Notes: Original documents are required—copies or electronic versions are invalid. Veterans are not eligible for this discount (officially confirmed).
Disabled Person Discount
Disabled individuals with valid disability certificates (original, no grade restrictions) enjoy free entry to all attractions. Natural attractions like Namtso Lake and Basomtso Lake offer 50% off shuttle bus fees. Monasteries (e.g., Jokhang Temple, Tashilhunpo Monastery) only waive ticket fees—no extra subsidies. Confirm shuttle bus discount details on official websites or with on-site staff.
Children Discount
Dual standards (height + age) apply—choose the most favorable:
- Free entry: Children under 1.2 meters (inclusive) or 6 years old (inclusive).
- 50% off: Children 1.2-1.4 meters (inclusive) or 6-18 years old (inclusive).
- Adult tickets: Children over 1.4 meters and 18 years old.
- Notes: Popular attractions like Potala Palace and Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon prioritize age—bring original ID cards or household registration books for verification.
General Notes on Discount Policies
- Document Requirements: Original documents are mandatory for all discounts. No documents, mismatched documents, copies, or electronic versions require purchasing full-price tickets (officially regulated by the Tibet Culture and Tourism Department).
- Shuttle Bus Fees: Shuttle bus fees for some attractions (e.g., Mount Qomolangma National Nature Reserve, Lu Lang Forest Sea) are not discounted—only tickets qualify for offers (officially marked separately).
- Policy Stacking: “Winter Tour Tibet” discounts cannot be combined with other group discounts—choose the most favorable option (e.g., free natural attraction tickets during winter, no need for student discounts).
- Temporary Adjustments: Discounts may change during major holidays or attraction maintenance—confirm with the Tibet Culture and Tourism Department or attraction official websites in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tibet Attraction Tickets
Q1: Can Tibet attraction tickets be refunded or changed?
A1: Most tickets support refunds or changes, but rules vary. Online tickets can usually be refunded/changed 1-2 days before entry. Popular attractions like Potala Palace may not allow refunds/changes or charge fees. On-site tickets are mostly non-refundable unless the attraction closes temporarily. Confirm refund rules in advance to avoid losses.
Q2: Can foreign travelers buy tickets without a Tibet Travel Permit?
A2: No. A Tibet Travel Permit is mandatory for foreign travelers to visit Tibet—without it, they cannot buy tickets for popular attractions or enter certain regions. Apply for a permit through authorized travel agencies 1-2 weeks in advance with passport copies and travel itineraries.
Q3: Can electronic ID cards be used for ticket purchase and entry?
A3: Most attractions accept electronic ID cards, especially for online reservations. Remote or small attractions may only accept original ID cards. Bring both original and electronic ID cards to avoid issues.
Q4: Are all attractions free during the “Winter Tour Tibet” campaign?
A4: No. The campaign offers free or 50% off tickets for all A-level natural attractions (excluding monasteries). Cultural relics attractions (e.g., Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple) only offer off-peak prices—no free entry. Check the official list of discounted attractions in advance.
Q5: Can self-driving travelers save on tickets and shuttle bus fees?
A5: Most natural attractions require self-driving travelers to buy tickets and shuttle bus fees—shuttle buses are mandatory. Small attractions may allow direct entry without tickets or shuttle fees. Check ticket and shuttle bus rules for each attraction in advance.
Guide Summary & Itinerary Recommendations
Tibet attraction tickets are integral to a smooth, budget-friendly trip. Mastering prices, booking methods, discounts, and tips lets you fully enjoy Tibet’s cultural and natural wonders—from Lhasa’s Potala Palace to Namtso Lake, Nyingchi’s canyons to Shigatse’s ancient monasteries. Whether you love cultural relics or natural scenery, domestic or foreign traveler, advance planning ensures an unforgettable journey. If you don’t want to handle ticket details and itinerary planning, choose China Dragon Travel. Their professional team handles ticket reservations, transportation, and more, letting you immerse yourself in Tibet’s unique charm without hassle.
