Norbulingka

Norbulingka is situated in the western suburb of Lhasa City, at the bank of the Kyichu River, about one km (about 0.6 mile) southwest of Potala Palace.

 

Construction began in the 1740s. The area used to be wasteland with wild animals, weeds and scrub which the Seventh Dalai Lama liked and often visited, and, as a result, the Qing magistrate had a palace built. Years later, Kelsang Potrang was built by order of the Seventh Dalai Lama. Later it was used as the Summer Palace for successive Lamas, where they solved the political problems and held festive celebrations. In its life span of more than 200 years, Norbulingka has seen a lot of construction on it. The 8th Dalai Lama built a lake and a group of buildings called C. Each Dalai Lama had a building built for himself and named them. And the appearance was improved with potrangs, pavilions, gardens and woods. It has now been turned into a park open to the public.

 

Norbulingka meaning ’Treasure Park’ in Tibetan, both reflects the ethnical and religious features of the Tibetan people and embodies the architecture style of inland China. It 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 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 the lap of nature. In this beautiful and serene environment, brimming with the fragrance of fresh flowers, dotted with magnificent historical palaces, all impress the visitors so much.