I counted 342 steps; but this does not include the numerous sections of sloping walkway which also require some climbing. [If I were to include steps and sloping walkway sections, my best guess is around 500 steps]. Just plan on taking it slow. It took us almost 2 hours to walk to the top; which includes stops at various locations to take pictures and site seeing. Buy some water after you go thru security, because you will need water for the long walk. It appears that a very small portion of the path can be assessed by construction vehicles for maintaining the site; so I don't believe you can drive pathway like other attractions such as Sera Monastery and Drepung Monastery.

The monastery at Petra is, in my opinion, tougher than Potala. We are in our 50s and not in great shape and found Potola pretty easy. We had no acclimatization time in Lhasa, but took the climb to Potala slow so no big deal at all. For the monastery at Petra we were 15 years younger and in decent shape and found that challenging, but maybe because it was the last hike we did after arriving at Petra early in the morning. You can do either climb if you're out of shape, you're just not going to "enjoy the journey"; the destination will still be awesome!

We would suggest that you take the acetazolamide (Diamox) to prevent altitude sickness while in Lhasa. The only person in our group who suffered from altitude sickness was the woman who did not take the Diamox as a preventative and missed one of the activities and the breakfast and lunch the day after arrival. Luckily, one traveler had extra Diamox and she improved after starting them. You may still feel short of breath in spite of taking the medication but you just need to go slow. In our group of 16 (age range 60 to 70's), 15 of the travelers made it to the top of the Potala Palace. The only person who did not go had back issues. We liked the food in Lhasa because we found the yak quite tasty. If you like bison, you would probably like the yak. We had a vegan traveler and she had plenty of choices in the restaurants. We ate 3 times in a restaurant in a shopping center and found the food to our liking. We traveled with a group of 16 with Overseas Adventure Travel so the restaurant choices were left to the guide. He made sure that each restaurant had food that would accommodate the preferences of our group and had access to western style toilets.

We didn't have advanced tickets. Our guide purchased them when we arrived at the Palace. We went around 9 am and there was already a big queue (April), but it moved quickly. Luckily in April the palace isn't too busy yet because when it gets busy there's a one hour time limit. Not sure how'd they'd enforce it though.

This is China, this is a historical building, buil on the side of a very steep hill. Really doesnt cater to ambulent visitors sorry. Its a beautiful view from the outside across the road in the park, day and night. Even the streets are not very wheelchair friendly, like most of China.

I don't believe Oxygen in available at the Palace. If you take your time and take it easy you will be fine. I'm in my 60's and was on a walking stick when I visited (I'm not now) and had no problem. If you are overweight it will be harder.

Our guide provided us with waters so were were fine....do carry wipes with you and the bathrooms are squatty potties with no toilet paper-so have wipes. I drink a lot of water and hence the need to go..lol. The guides will provide you with waters and if now-you can stop and get some.

Ideally if you are in Lhasa acclimatising a day or two before the Potala Palace visit that would be good to acclimatise bit wither way take it steady rest on the way up, not always steps some slopes you need to ascend but all achievable at a steady pace and well worth the experience. Wear a hat as the sun can be strong with the air being clear and this can make your effort seem more difficult if you fail to wear a hat. As advised above drink plenty of water..a phenomenal experience!

The Potala Palace is not a hotel. It was the palace for the Dalai Lama before and it's now a temple. There's always upgrading work in the temple, however the temple is open to tourist everyday. There are plenty of hotels around the Palace