The Norbulingka — the Jewel Park — contains the summer palaces of the 13th and 14th Dalai Lamas and is characterised by its spacious walled garden, the main throne hall, an audience hall, the Dalai Lama's private apartment and his mother's apartment.
The gardens are now a little run down, but are the favourite site for huge Tibetan gatherings during festivals. The whole place has a ghost town feel, but this is not surprising as it has been empty since the Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959.
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Tibet specialists
These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.
Potala Palace Visit
The Potala Palace is an architectural wonder — a spectacular edifice whose gold roofs soar high above the town and rise more than 300 metres above the valley floor. The palace can be seen from all directions for miles around.
Sera Monastery Visit
Founded in 1419 by one of Tsongkhapa's eight disciples, Sera became famous for its Tantric teachings. The warrior monks of Sera, the ‘Dob-Dobs’, were admired as athletes but also feared.
Walking the Ganden Kora
Walking the Kora — one of the circuits around a monastery — is a traditional way for Tibetan Buddhists to worship, and you will see pilgrims making circuit after circuit of major monastery buildings wherever you are in Tibet.
