Norbulingka Palace

Norbulingka, which means “Jeweled Park” or “Treasure Garden” in Tibetan, is a historic summer palace of the Dalai Lamas. It is located about 3 kilometers southwest of the Potala Palace in Lhasa.

It was first built around 1755 by the 7th Dalai Lama and was expanded over the years until 1783. The palace grounds cover about 36 hectares (about 89 acres), making it the largest man-made garden in Tibet.

The site includes several palace buildings, such as Kalsang and Takten Migyur Palaces, surrounded by beautiful gardens, small lakes, and wooded areas. The design combines Tibetan, Chinese, and Nepalese styles of architecture and landscaping.

In 2001, Norbulingka became part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site called the “Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace” because of its mix of religious and political importance.

Norbulingka is also an important cultural center in the summer. It hosts festivals, performances, and especially the famous Yogurt Festival in mid-summer, which features Tibetan opera and large public gatherings.