Norbulingka

Norbulingka Palace, located in the west side of Lhasa is just around a 1 kilometer southwest of Potala Palace. Norbulingka is a “Treasure Park” covering an area of around 360000 square meters and is considered to be the biggest man made garden in Tibet. You will be amazed to know that there are more than 370 rooms of different sizes. It is called summer palace because after the 7th Lama, Dalai Lamas used to visit here during summers to hold religious and government related activities.

As a part of “Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace”, UNESCO added Norbulingka in its list of world heritage sites. Norbulingka Garden is dotted with many palaces built by different Dalai Lamas who came after the 7th Dalai Lama and spend time here in the summers. Each Palace here is divided into three sections. The first palace that came up in Norbulingka was Kelsang Potrang, which is a perfect example of yellow hat architecture. Built by the 7th Dalai Lama, this is 3 floor building which has bedrooms, reading rooms, worship halls and a sanctuary as well. The next one built by the 8th Dalai Lama named Tyoksil Potrang is the palace that will mesmerize you the most as it is known for its architectural splendor. The garden, over the years has become a great picnic spot for the locales and an absolute gem for theaters performances and also for holding dance and music festival, especially the Sho Dun Festival. Come and join the scores of people who come here days before and set up a camp to enjoy the peak of summers, which is an absolute pleasure. Coming to Norbulingka is nothing less than a perfect excursion in nature. So just come and leave yourself in this beautiful and serene environment, brimming with the fragrance of fresh flowers, dotted with magnificent historical palaces.

Ticket fare: CNY 60

Opening hours: 9:00-18:00

Norbulingka