Potala Palace, the former seat of government for the Dalai Lama in Lhasa, Tibet, is now open to the public as a museum of Tibetan Buddhist relics and history. Invaluable to visitors, pilgrims, and researchers, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is widely considered to be one of the seven wonders of the world.

Nestled in the foothills at the base of the towering Himalayas, the red and white walls of Potala house a stunning array of stupas, murals, thangkas, statues, and other priceless cultural artifacts. Potala, signifying the abode of Avalokitesvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, is a city within itself, with a vast number of temples, monasteries, and other buildings for you to explore. Everything is connected by stone pathways and spiraling stairways going up and down the face of the palace. Make sure you’re in shape and bring lots of water! Walking around Potala is almost as arduous as walking up the soaring Himalayas in the background.

The first major highlight of Potala is known as the White Palace. Built in 1694, it almost looks like a modern office building. Only the gilt canopies and decorative windows give its historical status away. Inside, you can find a huge collection of paintings telling ancient Buddhist stories such as that of the origin of the Tibetan people and of China’s relationship to Tibet. In another room resides artifacts actually used by the former Dalai Lamas in the administration of Tibet. You can find the Seal of the Fifth Dalai Lama, as well as various historical books and diplomas. Once used for secular, administrative purposes, you can pass through rooms that were once the living quarters, offices, audience halls, and printing press of the Tibetan government. The topmost room, known as the Sunlight Hall, was the Dalai Lama’s private quarters.

Across a courtyard from the White Palace, the Red Palace, the other major part of Potala, held a much different function. As the spiritual, religious center of Tibetan Buddhism, thousands of monks performed religious rituals daily in its halls, chapels and shrines. Today, it holds the majority of the religious relics, such as murals, statues, and tombs for all the previous Dalai Lamas.

Some customs are important to take note of. Don’t take photos without permission, don’t smoke in the halls, don’t step on the door sills, and tour the whole of the palace in a clockwise manner.

Be sure you book your visit to Potala Palace well in advance! It is one of the most sought-after sites in the autonomous region of Tibet, and many Buddhist travelers and seekers make pilgrimages to Potala. As the former home of the Dalai Lama, it holds a sacred, if slightly bittersweet place in the hearts of many Tibetans and Buddhists around the world.

Due to wear and tear on the structure, only 2300 visitors are allowed in each day. You need to show your passport or ID prior to purchasing tickets, which cost either 100 or 200 yuan (about $15-$30), depending on whether you’re visiting on or off season. Expect to spend a good two to three hours touring the palace, and take it slow! The thin Tibetan air, combined with the breathtaking beauty of the history within Potala, can stress and strain your body.

(Images courtesy of desmond kavanagh, jonprcs, treasuresthouhast, stevehicks, watchsmart, luthor522)

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