Lhasa - Tibet - page 125

History
The seventh Dalai Lama founded the first summer palace in the Norbulingka (whose name
literally means 'jewel park') in 1755. Rather than use the palace simply as a retreat, he de-
cided to use the wooded environs as a summer base from which to administer the country,
a practice that was repeated by each of the succeeding Dalai Lamas. The grand procession
of the Dalai Lama's entourage relocating from the Potala to the Norbulingka became one
of the highlights of the Lhasa year.
The eighth Dalai Lama (1758-1804) initiated more work on the Norbulingka, expand-
ing the gardens and digging the lake, which can be found south of the New Summer
Palace. The 13th Dalai Lama (1876-1933) was responsible for the three palaces in the
northwest corner of the park, and the 14th (present) Dalai Lama built the New Summer
Palace.
In 1959 the 14th Dalai Lama made his escape from the Norbulingka disguised as a
Tibetan soldier. All the palaces of the Norbulingka were damaged by Chinese artillery fire
in the popular uprising that followed. At the time, the compound was surrounded by some
30,000 Tibetans determined to defend the life of their spiritual leader. Repairs have been
undertaken but have failed to restore the palaces to their full former glory.
Sights
Palace of the Eighth Dalai Lama PALACE
( MAP GOOGLE MAP )
This palace (also known as Kelsang Podrang) is the first you come to and also the oldest.
Every Dalai Lama from the eighth to the 13th has used it as a summer palace. Only the
main audience hall is open; it features 65 hanging thangkas and some lovely painted wood.
New Summer Palace PALACE
( MAP GOOGLE MAP )
The New Summer Palace (Takten Migyü Podrang) in the centre of the park was built by
the present Dalai Lama between 1954 and 1956 and is the most interesting of the Norbul-
ingka palaces. You can only enter the walled complex from its east side.