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Potala Palace

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LenR
LenR
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5 out of 5
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3
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Editor Pick

Potala Palace: Winter Palace Built Upon a Hill

  • June 16, 2006
  • Rated 5 of 5 by kwasiak from Tucson, Arizona
Potala Palace: Winter Palace Built Upon a Hill

It would be pretty hard to spend time in Lhasa and not at least notice the massive red and white structure that sits upon a hill in the middle of Lhasa. The structure is one of the Dalai Lama’s palaces and called the Potala. Both the red and white palaces were built during the time of the fifth Dalai Lama, although it is believed that the red palace was completed after his death, which was not announced until the red palace’s completion 12 years later. The Potala has been inhabited by every Dalai Lama since the fifth, although since the construction of Norbulingka in the 18th century it only served as the winter palace. Currently the Dalai Lama does not reside here, but is living in exile in India.

The Potala Palace was the first site I saw on my tour of Lhasa during my 4 days in Lhasa. It was my second day in Tibet, but I do not recommend visiting here until you have had two days to adjust to the altitude. Touring the Potala is physically challenging when you are not accustomed to the level of oxygen present at 12,000 feet, especially if you are not used to climbing hills and steps at your normal altitude. In other words save the Potala for later in your trip if you can. If you end up on a tour, as many tourists to Tibet do, and it is one of your first sites take it easy. Go at your own pace and do not wear yourself out trying to keep up with your Tibetan tour guide who is accustomed to the altitude.

Any visit to the Potala begins by you walking up the hill to the base of the palace. A hike that may not look all that hard at first, but it can turn out to be much harder than you think. To me it appeared to be a simple hike, but I soon realized that there really is less oxygen at 12,000 feet than home and I had not yet adjusted to the levels present in Lhasa. I made it up without a problem it just took longer than I expected. The view of the mountains beyond Lhasa was quite the site to see upon reaching the top, where the back entrance to the Potala was located.

Inside the Palace your tour will hopefully lead you in a clockwise direction, as is Tibetan religious tradition, but according to my guidebook you are forced to go counterclockwise. My tour guide lead us clockwise through the rooms and it did not seem like any visitors were going the opposite direction. Also, no photography is allowed inside. The tour inside the Potala consists of going up and down several flights of stairs of varying sizes. Some of the stairs are so small it is more like you are climbing ladder than an actual staircase. Throughout the Palace are chapels with Buddha statues, Dalai Lama thrones, and boxes containing religious scripts.

From journal Experiencing Buddhism-12,000 Feet Above Sea Level

Potala Palace

  • May 20, 2003
  • Rated 5 of 5 by bjwhitaker from Los Angeles, California
Visiting the Potala Palace was overwhelming cultural experience. Moreso than any place I've ever visited before, I was never so impressed with the level of detailed craftsmanship that covered this place from ceiling to floor. As you walk through this incredible religious fortress, one quickly gets a sense of the awesome spiritual force that drives Tibetans to be so dedicated to this place. The view from the top is breathtaking.

From journal Life Affirming Tibet

Editor Pick

Potala Palace

  • December 18, 2001
  • Rated 4 of 5 by LenR from Townsville, Australia
Potala Palace

Most of us have seen photographs of this palace but nothing prepares you for the thrill of seeing it right before you. This truly is an impressive building on an impressive site.

The Potala Palace was started in 1645 and was the home of a succession of Dalai Lamas. Tibet was effectively ruled from here for centuries but the present Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959 and now the building is virtually empty. It now operates as a museum and visitors are welcome. Locals pay Y1 while foreigners are charged Y75 (US$9). There is no doubt it is worth the cost.

The palace has over 1000 rooms and much of it can be explored. Tours are available but you can wander around on your own if you wish. We spent around three hours here and could have easily spent much more time. Much of the building is dark and mysterious. There are numerous statues of the Buddha, paintings of Tibetan dieties, other religious relics, and marvellous tributes to past Dalai Lamas and their courts.

The Potala was crowded with local Tibetans in their dark clothes brightened by flashes of colourful scarves and jewelry. Many seemed as fascinated as we were in the marvelous objects on display but in addition they made offerings of yak butter or money to the images in a manner of deep reverence. I was deeply moved by the piety of these people who by our standards had very little material wealth but were still willing to give.

One of the highlights of the visit was a walk through the private chambers of the Dalai Lama. The contrast between this opulence and the conditions endured by the locals outside was striking. I guess the same applies in our own society! Finally, we reached the roof and gazed down on the city.

Entry to the palace is available daily from 9am.

From journal High on Life

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