Home >> Tibet info >> Potola Palace

Potola Palace

With over 1,000 rooms, the Potala Palace is the living quarters of the Dalai Lamas while they lived, and their majestic golden tombs when they died. As the religious and political centre of old Tibet and the winter residence of Dalai Lamas, the palace witnessed the life of the Dalai Lamas and the important political and religious activities in the past centuries. Potala Palace also houses great amounts of rare cultural relics including the gold hand-written Buddhist scriptures, valuable gifts from Chinese emperors and many priceless antiques. The Potola Palace has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1994.

Tips

Avoid showing pictures Dalai Lama to monks or locals; this could get you into trouble. Show respect; do not wear hats, short pants, and sleeveless shirts in monasteries. Ask before taking pictures and go around sacred objects in a clockwise direction.