Potala Palace

Situated at an altitude of 3700m on the top of Potala hills, Potala palace is recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Many people argue that this place is worthy of being listed in the wonders of world. Being the oldest monument in Tibet with its spectacular architecture its one of the most visited monument in Tibet.

Legend says that the palace was built by King Songtsen Gumpa in the 7th century for his two newlywed wives. The king used this palace as a retreat for the meditation till his death. As the time went on the palace was severely tempered by the wars and lightning until the Dalai Lama the 5th ordered the renovation and reconstruction in 1645 giving it the current look. Since then the palace has been the holy seat for Dalai Lamas gaining the importance as a political centre. But after the 7^th Dalai Lama constructed a summer palace in Norbulingka, Potala palace was only used in the winters. After the unsuccessful upraise against the Chinese in 1959 the 14^th Dalai Lama had to flee to Indian Dharmasala Potala palace lost its political importance and it’s being used as State Museum of China and is visited by thousands of tourist every year.

Potala palace consists of two portions. The white block is the political block and the red block is the religious block. Your journey starts when you enter the palace from easr portal leading you to the Deyang Shar courtyard, which used to be the place where Dalai Lamas used to enjoy Tibetan Opera. Fifth and the sixth floor of this block consist of living quarters of the monks. The fourth floor has brilliantly decorated Great East Hall which once use to hold big religious or political functions. The excellence pieces of art you will find in the hall definitely worth your time. One thing you shouldn’t miss when you are this block is the panoramic view of the Lhasa city.

The red palace is where you will find the relics and antiques of the 7th century. Full of statues and beautifully carved stupas the red block justifies your hike up the Potala hill. Here is another gigantic hall called the Greatest west Hall which is in fact the largest hall in the Potala Palace is full of portraits about the life and works of fifth Dalai Lama. It is here you will come to know the power and dignity what a dalai lama holds in Tibetan community. Apart from the hall there are five chapels namely The Saint\'s Chapel, The North Chapel, The South Chapel, The East and The West Chapel.

The palace is open for visit between 9 to 12 am in the morning and 3 to 6 pm in the evening. Anybody who wants to enjoy the palace to the full extent must keep aside half the day apart for this purpose only. You can find buses to the palace from the centre of the city and you can take taxies as well.