Potala Palace
A dzong fortress in the city of Lhasa, in Tibet. It was the winter palace of the Dalai Lamas from 1649 to 1959, has been a museum since then, and is a World Heritage Site since 1994.
Highlights
- UNESCO World Heritage
- Tibetan Buddhism
- Mountain Views
The Story
The Potala Palace, rising 117 meters above the Lhasa valley, is one of the most iconic symbols of Tibet. Built in the 7th century by King Songtsen Gampo, the palace was expanded to its current form in the 17th century by the 5th Dalai Lama. The name 'Potala' comes from Mount Potalaka, the mythical abode of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. The palace served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas and the center of Tibetan government for over 300 years. The complex consists of the Red Palace (religious functions) and the White Palace (administrative and living quarters), containing over 1,000 rooms, 10,000 shrines, and 200,000 statues. The palace houses countless precious artifacts, including Buddhist scriptures, thangkas, and the tombs of eight Dalai Lamas. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 and remains a sacred site for Tibetan Buddhists worldwide.
Visual Journey
Don't Miss
Red Palace
Religious center with chapels, shrines, and tombs of Dalai Lamas
White Palace
Former living quarters and administrative offices
Main Courtyard
Central square where ceremonies and festivals were held
Tomb of 5th Dalai Lama
Magnificent golden stupa containing the remains
Photography Guide
Palace from Potala Square
Classic view of the entire palace complex
Red Palace Facade
Stunning red walls against blue sky
Interior Halls
Ornate decorations and Buddhist art
Nearby Dining
Tibetan Family Restaurant
$$Tibetan
Authentic Tibetan dishes, yak meat and butter tea
Lhasa Kitchen
$Tibetan
Traditional momos and thukpa noodles
