Potala Palace: Unraveling the Architectural Marvel of Tibet

Potala Palace is one of the several iconic landmarks in Tibet known for its brilliant architecture and timeless beauty. Situated in Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet, the palace stands tall at an elevation of 12,139 ft. Built around 1,300 years ago, the majestic structure symbolizes the rich history of the region. As the highest palace in the world, the structure provides a spectacular view of Lahsa along with a mesmerizing panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. The palace is not only known for its glorifying design but also holds spiritual significance as the winter palace of the Dalai Lamas. 

The palace was first built by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. But later the monks took over the palace which went through multiple expansions and renovations over the centuries. Centuries later, the palace still remains an iconic symbol of Tibetan identity and a representation of the region’s rich heritage. For anyone willing to explore Tibetan architecture, craftsmanship, culture, and spirituality, the Lhasa tour is a perfect way to go about it. 

Facts about Potala Palace

Location	Barkhor Square, Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region of China
Altitude	3,700m (12,000 ft)
Area	2.5ha (270,000 sq ft)
Construction date	7th century
Architecture style	Tibetan Buddhist styles with influences from Nepal, China, and India

Highlights of Potala Palace

• The Great West Hall: It is the largest and most magnificent hall in the palace, with four large chapels and murals depicting the life of the 5th Dalai Lama.
• The Golden Roof Group: It is the most eye-catching feature of the palace, which consists of nine gilded roofs that shine brightly in the sun.
• The Tombs of the Dalai Lamas: You can witness the sacred burial places of Dalai Lamas that are decorated with gold and jewels.
• Stunning views of the surrounding landscape: It offers a spectacular view of the Lhasa Valley and the surrounding mountains.

A Short History of Potala Palace

Potala Palace’s history is deeply rooted in Tibetan culture. Over the years, the centuries-old structure has witnessed several empires, cultural shifts, and structural transformations. Regardless of the several changes in those years, the palace still remains the perfect embodiment of Tibetan heritage. 

Initially, the palace was built under the commission of King Songtsen Gampo. Later, the palace was expanded and renovated by the Great Fifth Dalai Lama in the 17th century. The palace’s spiritual significance comes from the fact that it served as the winter palace for the Dalai Lamas for centuries. But, after the exile of the Dalai Lama in 1959, the Chinese government took over the palace and turned it into a museum. 

Historical Timeline of the Palace

Take a look at some of the important dates in the history of Potala Palace:

• 7th century: First constructed by King Songtsen Gampo on the Red Hill
• 1645: Expansion and renovation by the Great Fifth Dalai Lama
• 1649: The Dalai Lama and his government moved into the Potrang Karpo, a.k.a. White Palace (the lower section of Potala Palace)
• 1690-1694: Addition of the Potrang Marpo, a.k.a. Red Palace (the upper section of Potala Palace) 
• 1959: The palace underwent a few damages during the Tibetan uprising against China and was later turned into a museum by the Chinese government
• 1966: The palace was listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site

Who Built the Potala Palace in Tibet?

The Potala Palace was built about 1,300 years ago by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. The structure was constructed on Red Hill under the commission of the Tibetan king as a gesture of love for his wife Princess Wencheng of the Chinese Tang Dynasty. Over the centuries, the palace has been renovated and expanded by different Tibetan figures and religious leaders. 

Another major construction happened in 1645 when the Great Fifth Dalai Lama discovered that the site was ideal as a seat of government as advised by his spiritual advisor Konchog Chophel. The palace that we see today is largely the expanded version of the original Potala Palace. However, the expansion took over 45 years to finish. Over the years, further minor structural additions and renovations were carried out by reigning Tibetan rulers and the following Dalai Lamas. Now, the structure is under the authority of the Chinese government with substantial preservation and conservation efforts. 

Did you know that there is a rule that forbids any other building from exceeding the elevation of Potala Palace?

Architecture and Design of Potala Palace

The Potala Palace is one of the oldest and historically significant architectural structures in the world. As the construction dates back to 637, the ancient design of the palace is surely one of a kind. Located in the Red Hill in Lhasa, Tibet, the dzong fortress structure has two major sections, the Potrang Karpo and the Potrang Marpo with specific functions and characteristics. Likewise, the ornamental designs in every nook and corner of the large structure reflect the magic of ancient Tibetan art and craftsmanship.

This architectural marvel was constructed with local materials such as stones, clay, and timber and covers an area of approximately 79 acres. The 117 meters (384 ft) tall state-of-the-art design of the palace, from thick walls to ideally positioned windows, can withstand Tibet’s harsh weather conditions and earthquakes. Also, this 13 storeys high palace comprises over 1,000 rooms for various purposes. All in all, the palace’s magnificent architecture, complex detailing, and spiritual resonance make it alluring, attracting thousands of visitors every year.   

Architectural highlights of the palace: 

• The strategic position of the palace on a hilltop in Lhasa provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the valley.
• The palace has two sections, the Potrang Karpo (White Palace) and the Potrang Marpo (Red Palace). White Palace is the lower section and serves as administrative and living quarters, while Red Palace is the upper section used for ceremonies, meditation, and spiritual practices. 
• The exterior of the palace has towering white-washed walls.
• The exterior structure of the palace is well-decorated with golden ornamental rooftop designs consisting of visually attractive designs.
• The delicate carvings and decorative detailings of the palace reflect Tibetan artistic excellence.
• The colorful murals and Thangkas resemble the cultural heritage of Tibet.
• Consists of several sacred relics and statues. 

Potala Palace: Winter Palace of the Dalai Lama

This iconic landmark was the winter residence and administrative center of the Dalai Lamas from 1649 to 1959. In 1649, the Fifth Dalai Lama began the reconstruction of the palace with the addition of additional structures. The location of the palace on the Red Hill in Lhasa between the Drepung and Sera monasteries made it perfect for the abode of the Dalai Lama. 

The Dalai Lama residence used to be at Norbulingka during the summer, and he would transfer to Potala Palace during winter. The palace was chosen for winter residency because of its suitable environment for conducting various religious ceremonies and government affairs. Within the castle, the White Palace was the living quarters while the Red Palace was the place for administrative affairs and rituals.

It remained the Dalai Lama’s winter palace until 1959 when the current Dalai Lama the 14th was exiled to India during the Tibetan uprising. Now, it is no longer his winter residence ever since the Chinese took charge of the Tibetan territory. This change in authority has shifted the traditional functions of the palace. However, the role of this historic structure in representing the Tibetan heritage still remains as important.

Religious and Cultural Significance

The Potala Palace has played a significant role in embodying Tibetan culture and religion throughout the centuries. As one of the most sacred landmarks in Tibetan Buddhism, the palace has served as a crucial symbol for the cultural identity of the region. Some of the key aspects of the cultural and religious significance of the palace are:

• Close association with Tibetan Buddhism
• Dalai Lama’s resident 
• Presence of sacred relics and artifacts
• One of the famous sacred sites in Tibet for religious pilgrimage
• Unique architectural design
• Emblem of Tibetan culture and traditions
• Listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site

What’s Inside the Potala Palace?

It is a complex structure spreading over several acres of land area. The huge fortress has different sections, each with various functionalities. As a major landmark for Tibetan Buddhism, the palace holds numerous significant religious relics and statues. Besides, some of the notable features inside the palace are:

• White Palace and Red Palace
• Assembly hall
• Great west hall
• Buddhist chapels
• Library and archives
• Living quarters
• Courtyards and gardens
• Murals and Thangkas
• Ancient relics, statues, and scriptures

How to get to Potala Palace?

Potala Palace is located on the Red Hill, at Lasha, Tibet. It is the most prominent landmark in Lhasa and can be seen from afar. There are several ways to get to Potala Palace:

• You can walk there from Jokhang Temple or other nearby attractions, following the signs or the pilgrims who worship at both places. It takes about 30 minutes on foot from Jokhang Temple.
• You can take a bus to the Potala Palace bus stop, which is right in front of the palace. From the bus stop, you can walk north for a few minutes to reach the entrance of the palace.
• You can take a taxi to the palace, but you may have to pay a higher fare as it is a popular tourist destination. You can also ask the driver to drop you off at the back of the palace, where there is a smaller gate and fewer crowds.
• You can join a guided Tibet tour that includes Potala Palace and other attractions in Lhasa. The tour guide will arrange the transportation and tickets for you and also explain the history and culture of the temple.

Best Time to Visit Potala Palace

The best time to visit the Potala Palace is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). These seasons offer delightful weather conditions in the Himalayan region, enhancing the overall experience of exploration. Furthermore, as these periods are considered the off-season for Tibet tours, you can revel in the breathtaking landscapes in a less crowded environment. Additionally, spring and autumn present the opportunity to witness significant Tibetan festivals, including the Shoton Festival and the Tibetan New Year.  

Month	Environmental Condition
January	Less crowded, but cold weather and the potential for snowfall
February	Less crowded, but cold weather and the potential for snowfall
March	Less crowded, cool weather, with occasional snowfall
April	The ideal time to visit with pleasant weather, and less crowded
May	The ideal time to visit with pleasant weather, and less crowded
June	The ideal time to visit with pleasant weather, and less crowded
July	Crowded due to peak tourist season, but the weather is warm
August	Crowded due to peak tourist season, but the weather is warm
September	The ideal time to visit with pleasant weather, and less crowded
October	The ideal time to visit with pleasant weather, and less crowded
November	Less crowded, cool weather, with occasional snowfall
December	Less crowded, cold weather, and potential for snowfall

Please note that the weather conditions and crowd levels can vary due to various factors. Therefore, it is best to check the local weather forecast and plan your trip accordingly.

Nearby attractions from Potala Palace

1. Jokhang Temple

Jokhang Temple is the spiritual center of Tibet and the most sacred temple for Tibetan Buddhists. It is located in the heart of Lhasa, surrounded by Barkhor Street. The temple has a unique architectural style that combines Tibetan, Indian, Nepalese, and Chinese elements. 

2. Norbulingka

Norbulingka is a palace and a park in Lhasa that is considered the largest man-made garden in Tibet. Norbulingka has a unique architectural style that blends Tibetan, Han, and Western elements. Norbulingka is also a place of entertainment and festivals for Tibetans, especially during the annual Sho Dun or Yogurt Festival.

3. Sera Monastery

Sera Monastery is one of the three great monasteries of Lhasa. It has a rich collection of statues, thangkas, scriptures, and relics. It also hosts several festivals throughout the year, such as the Shoton Festival and the Sera Bengqin Festival.

4. Ramoche Temple

Ramoche Temple is a rich cultural and historical site that gives a perfect opportunity to learn about Tibetan Buddhism and art. The history of Ramoche Temple dates back to the seventh century and is considered to be one of the most important temples in Tibet, that showcases ancient Tibetan and Chinese architecture.

What to Eat at Lhasa?

While in Lhasa, you have the opportunity to indulge in a wide array of delicious and mouthwatering dishes ranging from traditional Tibet dishes, and Nepali cuisine to even Western ones. Some of the most tried foods in Lhasa include Tsampa, Thukpa, Tibetan Mo:Mo, and Yak meat. To complete your culinary adventure, don’t miss out on the iconic butter tea. These dishes and snacks give you an opportunity to experience the authentic flavors of the region and are sure to leave you craving more of Lhasa’s culinary delights.

If you have a taste for Western cuisine, you’ll find that many of the hotels in Lhasa offer a variety of Western dishes. However, it is important to be aware of the altitude when eating in Lhasa. The high altitude can pose challenges to digestion, so it’s advisable to opt for smaller, more frequent meals. Additionally, make sure to stay properly hydrated due to the potential for dehydration caused by the high altitude.

Where to Stay at Lhasa?

Lhasa offers a range of accommodation options to suit the diverse needs and preferences of travelers. Whether you seek affordable or luxurious lodging, you can find suitable choices in Lhasa, including budget hostels and high-end resorts. Resorts are particularly appealing if you wish to savor the breathtaking views of Lhasa and the surrounding mountains. Alternatively, if you desire an authentic experience of Lhasa’s traditional culture and lifestyle, staying in a guesthouse or homestay in the old town may be more preferable.

Permits and Entry Requirements for Tibet

Tibet entrance requires an authorized entry permit, without which you cannot cross the border. Due to its unique political and geographical situation, the requirements for obtaining the Tibet travel permits might be a bit of a hassle. But, exploring the mystical land of Tibet is worth your time and energy.  You also need extra permits to visit places like Mount Kailash that are restricted. Most importantly, you cannot apply for these permits by yourself, and you need to book a tour via a local travel agency.

If you want to delve into the Tibetan heritage, the Potala Palace gives you the opportunity to get a deeper understanding of Tibet. From phenomenal architecture to spiritual and cultural representation, the palace is an essential historical monument of the region. So, make Lhasa your next travel destination and be ready for a memorable adventure. Himalayan Glacier is here to help you in planning a hassle-free trip to Tibet. As an authorized and trustable tour organizer, we guarantee you an enjoyable and safe travel experience. Without further delay, contact our team of experts for travel inquiries, or you can also reach us via WhatsApp (+1-410-307-0007). Furthermore, we also have a Tibet Travel Guide for your general information.