Photo: Lhasa Government · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
The towering winter palace of the Dalai Lamas perches on Marpo Ri hill above Lhasa at 3,700 m. The massive white-and-red structure is visible on flights across the Tibetan Plateau.
12Flight Routes
1 kmClosest Pass
🏛️ MonumentType
Routes that pass it12
CPH → MEL
Both Sides
MEL → CPH
Both Sides
EZE → KTM
Left
KTM → EZE
Right
HND → KTM
Left
KTM → HND
Right
KTM → NRT
Right
NRT → KTM
Left
MAN → MEL
Right
MEL → MAN
Left
LXA → PEK
Left
PEK → LXA
Right
Tip: Visibility depends on cloud cover, time of day, and how close the flight path comes. Sit on the listed side for the best chance of a view. Morning and evening flights often offer the best lighting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you see Potala Palace from a plane?
Yes — 12 flight routes pass within 25 km of Potala Palace. The closest routes include Copenhagen to Melbourne, Melbourne to Copenhagen, Buenos Aires to Kathmandu. The landmark is visible from both sides, with the landmark passing about 1 km away.
Which side of the plane is best for viewing Potala Palace?
The best side varies by route. For the most common routes near Potala Palace: on a Copenhagen to Melbourne flight, visible from both sides; on a Melbourne to Copenhagen flight, visible from both sides; on a Buenos Aires to Kathmandu flight, sit on the Left side.