Article Visit of Potala

One of the most beautiful views of the palace are from the south side from the lake neigboring to the Potala square.

Very nice view of Potala is from chortens on a small ridge a short distance from the monastery Palha Lupuk. You will probably not be surprised by a small police checkpost in the lower chorten.     

The palace is really sturdy (450×350 meters). When you approach the stairway leading to the interior, you will really realize its monumentality.

In the crowd of other tourists, mainly Chinese, you ascent along very long staircase and the views are becoming bigger. Directly opposite you is Potala Square with a Chinese monument with really ironic title „Memorial for the Peaceful Liberation of Tibet“. To the right is clearly visible monastery Palha Lupuk stuck on the rock massif of holy moutain Chokpori. The horizon is lined by four thousand high mountains. Distant ridges are still about a kilometer higher.

You finally ascent to the courtyard at the White Palace – a place where Dalai Lama dwelt. Even more important building is the Red Palace Potrang Marpo designed entirely for religious studies and prayer. The interiors are amazing. The tombs of Dalai Lams in stupas surrounded by tons of gold are breathtaking. Especially interesting is watching the locals to replenish yak fat into lamps. Unfortunately, photographing is prohibited here.

Views from Potala are nicer northwards rather than southwards. The lake with park around and mountains in the distance look very nice.

After visiting the amazing interiors awaits you the descend back down. Fortunately, you will go along different staircase, so there are no crowds. The walls towering above you are truly monumental.

An interesting finish of the whole tour is bypassing the whole Marpo Ri hill and an opportunity to carry out the sacred kora – 3/4 of it is surrounded by a wall with thousands of prayer wheels. It takes a lot of energy and time to spin all of them.

Nigh photo of Potala from the lake also has its great charm. The entire palace is nicely lit.

When you think back of Potala and its surroundings, it definitely will not be just a memory of this amazing building, but also of a number of simple Tibetans praying in its surroundings. The fact that you will be passing between them in cordons of Chinese soldiers only enhances the atmosphere, which you will take away from here – lack of freedom and oppression can be really felt here everywhere.