Norbulingka Palace Lhasa Tibet Mugs

Norbulingka Palace, Lhasa, Tibet. Former summer palace of the Dalai Lamas.

Potala Palace (the chief residence of the Dalai Lama until the 14th Dalai Lama fled to Dharamsala, India) from 'Freedom Square', Lhasa, Tibet

The Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet was the chief residence of the Dalai Lama until the 14th Dalai Lama fled to India during the 1959 Tibetan uprising. It is now a museum and World Heritage Site. The palace is named after Mount Potalaka, the mythical abode of the bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara. The 5th Dalai Lama started its construction in 1645 after one of his spiritual advisers, Konchog Chophel (died 1646), pointed out that the site was ideal as a seat of government, situated as it is between Drepung and Sera monasteries and the old city of Lhasa. It may overlay the remains of an earlier fortress called the White or Red Palace, on the site built by Songtsän Gampo in 637. The building measures 400 metres east-west and 350 metres north-sout...

Potala Palace (the chief residence of the Dalai Lama until the 14th Dalai Lama fled to Dharamsala, India) from across Lhasa River, Lhasa, Tibet

Potala Palace, former home of the Dalai Lama, at night, with decorative fountain

Front view of Potala Palace, former seat of the government of Tibet

Rear view of Potala Palace, former seat of the government of Tibet

Potala Palace, former home of the Dalai Lama, at night

Potala Palace, former home of the Dalai Lama, at night