Exquisitely crafted and overflowing with intriguing legends, Tibetan palaces offer you a window into the rich history and culture of Tibet. Apart from the well-known Potala Palace, more palaces in Tibet are worth your exploration.

Whether you are a first-timer to Tibet or a returning traveler, in this travel article, we will guide you through the top 5 Tibetan palaces and offer you expert travel advice to plan your visit to help you dive deep into Tibetan culture and history.

Potala Palace (Lhasa): the Winter Palace of Dalai Lamas, Tibet’s Top LandMark

Situated on Marpo Ri (Red Hill) with a commanding view of Lhasa City, the fortress-like Potala Palace is not only an architectural marvel but symbolizes Tibet’s rich history and culture.

Potala means “the abode of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara” in Sanskrit and was originally built in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo as he relocated the capital of Tubo Empire from Shannan to Lhasa Valley. Historically, Potala Palace was also seen as a gesture of love for his wife, Princess Wencheng of the Chinese Tang Dynasty.

By 1645, the fifth Dalai Lama first renovated the Potala Palace by building the White Palace (the lower part of Potala Palace), and moved in from Drepung Monastery, making Potala Palace the political and spiritual center of Tibet. Since then, it served as the Winter Palace for the fifth to the fourteenth Dalai Lamas. Learn the top 6 Gelugpa Monasteries in Tibet.

The White and Red Palace of Potala Palace.

Today, the Potala Palace, with 2,000 rooms spanning 13 stories and 13,000 square meters on the Red Hill, invites global travelers for exploration. Inside the White Palace, you can explore the Throne Room, Audience Halls, and Living Quarters of the Dalai Lamas who would address his followers, receive visitors conduct official affairs, and see intricate carvings, tapestries, and golden statues.

Whereas in the Red Palace, you can explore the golden stupas of generations of Dalai Lamas, adorned with tons of gold, jewels, and religious iconography, and see the mediation cave of Songtsen Gampo and jewel-encrusted three-dimensional mandalas. The exquisite murals, Thangkas, and countless Buddhist artworks will leave you in awe. As you reach the golden rooftop of the Potala Palace, you will be rewarded with a sweeping view of the holy Lhasa City. Discover the top 7 spots to shoot Potala Palace.

Since visiting Potala Palace (3,700m) involves a strenuous hike on a zigzag stone staircase, you’d better plan your visit on the second day in Lhasa and take your time to walk and rest if needed. Early morning is the best time to visit Potala Palace as the soft light enhances the palace's beauty and you can avoid the larger crowds. BTW, you need to pre-book the ticket at least one day before your visit. Learn the top 10 things to do for visiting Potala Palace.

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Norbulingka (Lhasa): the Summer Palace of Dalai Lamas, Hot Spot for Linka & Watching Tibetan Opera

2.5km west of the Potala Palace lies the serene Norbulingka, the summer palace of Dalai Lamas. Built by the 7th Dalai Lama in the mid-18th century, Norbulingka originally served as a summer resort for the 7th Dalai Lama to escape the summer heat in Lhasa while handling government affairs.

This fine tradition was warmly received and developed by succeeding Dalai Lamas. From the earliest Kelsang Palace built by the 7th Dalai Lama, more graceful palaces mushroomed by the 8th, 13th, and 14th Dalai Lamas in Norbulinka, making it the most beautiful garden and hottest place of relaxation in Lhasa.

You can enjoy the well-preserved traditional Tibetan architecture and appreciate the famous "Lake Palace," surrounded by serene pound and lush greenery, which makes it a perfect spot for a quiet stroll. The interiors are adorned with beautiful tapestries and statues. The New Summer Palace built by the 14th Dalai Lama is the newest palace in Norbulingka. The murals here offer you insights into Tibet’s history and the life of the Dalai Lamas.

Our guests explored the serene Norbulingka in Lhasa.

To locals, the Norbulingka nowadays is the best free park for picnics (Linka in Tibetan) and hanging out with families and friends. During the Shoton festival in August, after watching the Thangka display in Drepung Monasteries, locals will come to Norbulingka for picnics and to watch the Tibetan opera performance. Highly recommended to travelers of all ages for a visit. Explore other Tibetan festivals in Tibet.

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Yumbulakang (Shannan): the First Tibetan Palace, Resembling the Leg of a Female Deer

Located in the Yarlung Valley, Shannan Prefecture where the Tibetan civilization originated, Yumbulakang is known as the oldest palace in Tibet. "Yumbu" literally means female deer while “Lakang” means palace. In fact, Yumbulakang looks exactly like the leg of a deer proudly standing on the craggy Mt. Tashi Ciri overlooking the patchwork barley fields of the Yarlung Valley.

The legend has it that Yumbulakang was built by the first Tibetan king Nyentri Tsenp who descended from the heavens and was received as a king by the people of the Yarlung Valley.

Stunning Yumbulakang overlooking the Yarlung Valley.

Later, Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo built the Buddhist monastery in Yumbulakang and used it as the summer palace by Songtsen Gampo and Princess Princess Wencheng in Shannan. It was not until the 5th Dalai Lama added the golden roof that finally transformed the Yumbulakang into what it looks like today.

You can hike or enjoy a horseback ride to reach Yumbulakang. Inside it, you can see a Buddha image flanked by Nyentri Tsenpo on the left and Songtsen Gampo on the right. On the upper floor, you can image of Chenresig.

The best highlight is to walk up along the ridge above the building to have a panoramic view of the fertile Yarlung Valley with flattering Tibetan prayer flags in the foreground. As you descend from Yumbulakang from its south side, you can see the marker of the first arable land in Tibet and spot a year-running fresh spring.

Due to the closeness to Samye Monastery (the first Tibetan Monastery), Tradruk Monastery, and the holy Chimpuk hermitage for mediation, you can combine Yumbulakang with these three attractions in Tsedang, Shannan Prefecture from Lhasa.

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Deqing Gesang Pozhang (Shigatse): the Summer Palace of Panchen Lamas in Shigatse

While the Dalai Lama traditionally governs Lhasa, Shannan, and Nyingchi, the Panchen Lama (the Great Scholar) is the highest spiritual leader in Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet.

Around a 6-minute walk south of Tashilunpo Monastery lies the Deqing Gesang Pozhang, also known as the Summer Palace of Panchen Lama. It was originally built by the 7th Dalai Lama based on the prototype of Norbulingka in 1944 in Shigatse and later renovated by the 10th Dalai Lama in 1955.

Inside, you can massive murals, depicting the 18 levels of Buddhist hell. And on the ground floor features Nyeser Chöda Chenpo, the protector of Tashilhunpo. You can visit the 10th Panchen Lama’s sitting rooms as well.

The Summer Palace of Panchen Lamas in Shigatse.

Shigatse Dzong (Shigatse): A Smaller “ Potala Palace” Overlooking the Shigatse City

Originally built in 1363 by Tai Situ Changchub Gyaltsen and later renovated by the 5th Dalai Lama from the prototype of Potala Palace in Lhasa, Shigatse Dzong is widely known as the oldest building in Shigatse.

Perched on an impressive hilltop overlooking Shigatse City, Shigatse Dzong now is a museum that spans five stories with a height of over 120 meters and an area of 12,000 square meters. It houses over 60 precious relics such as Buddha statues, thangkas, scriptures, ceramics, pottery, and folk artifacts, all of which are richly diverse and exceptionally valuable.

The stunning Shigatse Dzong at sunset in Shigatse.

Below the Shigatse Dzong, you can explore the bustling street filled with local teahouses, antique stalls, hawkers, and other local businessmen. It gives the vibes of “Barkhor Street” in Shigatse. To enjoy the impressive Shigatse Dzong on Shigatse’s skyline, you can follow the kora route around Tashilunpo Monastery at sunset.

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How to Plan Your Visit to These Top Tibetan Places as an Overseas Traveler

As the above-mentioned 5 places in Tibet cover Lhasa, Shannan, and Shigatse, if you want to explore them all, you can budget six to seven days in Tibet. You can fly into Lhasa and spend the first three days in Lhasa, acclimatizing to the elevation and touring Potala Palace, Norbulingka, and other must-see Buddhist sites like Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street and Sera Monastery (Tibetan Monk debate), Drepung Monastery.

On day four, you can travel from Lhasa to Shannan, the cradle of Tibean culture, and spend two days exploring the Yumbulakang Palace, Tradruk Monastery, and Samye Monastery (the first Tibetan Monastery) and enjoy a leisurely trek and meditation at the holy Chimpuk hermitage. Then head to Shigatse from Shannan.

On days 6-7, you can explore the prestigious Tashilunpo Monastery, the traditional seat of Panchen Lama, and walk its kora route to admire the imposing Shigatse Dzong and visit the off-the-beaten Summer Palace of Panchen Lama before driving back to Lhasa.

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Conclusion

Exploring Tibetan palaces offers you a fascinating way to learn more about Tibetan Buddhism and rich Tibetan culture. Hopefully, you find this travel guide helpful. If you have more questions, don’t hesitate to email us for free travel solutions. Looking forward to exploring Tibet with you in the near future. Cheers!