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contrary to what rumours are saying, Potala Palace entry fee remains at RMB100 (and not 300) after the launch of the Qinghai-Tibet train service. It's just more difficult to get a ticket if you are not part of a tour group.

This is how you can do it:

(1) turn up very early (8 am or earlier)and join the queue at the front gate of Potala. Expect to stay there for approx 3 hours before the guards will let you in to the ticket office where you buy the ticket for the next day.

(2) turn up any time when the front gate is open, beg the guards to let you in - tell them your plane is leaving the day after tomorrow, this is your last chance etc etc. Once they let you in, you go to the ticket office and buy the ticket for the next day.