Norbulingka, the Imperial Garden in Tibet
When you plan to visit Lhasa, the Potala Palace will probably be included in your itinerary. About 2 km away from the Potala Palace, there is an imperial garden called Norbulingka comparable to the Potala Palace. So if you are interested in Tibetan-style parks, you can take this opportunity to visit this historic park. In Tibetan, "Norbulingka" means "treasure garden". It’s not just for the collection of cultural relics, but for the amazing variety of plants.
Norbulingka owns a great many historic and religious cultural relics. Eleven-faced thousand-handed, thousand-eyed Guanyin statue is a typical example. The 77cm-tall statue is famous for its exquisite copper gilding process and unique partial painting. The bronze statue is inlaid with precious turquoise, and every part shines brightly. You can also see the most representative Kesi - style Thangka of the Great Compassion Dharma King.
The garden layout of Norbulingka combines the characteristics of the Tibetan Plateau with the traditional style of Jiangnan gardens. The exterior of the buildings is beautifully decorated, and Buddhist stories and myths are depicted in relievos, murals, and paintings. Most of the buildings in the garden are built by water. The ancient trees are towering and the grass is luxuriantly green.
Lush greenery makes it the best summer resort in Tibet. The park is notable for its many ornamental garden plants, covered with more than 100 kinds of plants. In addition to the common flowers and trees in Lhasa, there are also exotic flowers and herbs taken from the northern and southern foothills of the Himalayas. You can enjoy the precious flowers transplanted from China mainland or imported from abroad, such as peonies. Norbulingka is virtually a natural oxygen bar. With fresh air, light breeze and fragrant flowers, wandering in such environment is joyful for you.
Norbulingka is one of the most important event occasions of Shoton Festival, and Shoton Festival also endows Norbulingka with unique cultural charm. The opening ceremony of Shoton Festival will be held on August 23 this year, and the festival will last for a week. Visiting Norbulingka during this time period offers different freshness. The Shoton Festival is the second most important festival in Tibet after the Tibetan New Year. During Shoton Festival, the Norbulingka will hold a grand Tibetan opera performance. Actors in colorful costumes and various masks perform in the Norbulingka for a week. You can join Tibetans to set up tents, enjoy delicious food, and appreciate Tibetan opera. Get together to drink, sing, and have a picnic.
Overall, Norbulingka during Shoton Festival is an excellent place to experience Tibetan traditional culture and folk customs. If you have the opportunity to visit Tibet during Shoton Festival, don't miss the exciting activities in Norbulingka.
Tips for Visiting Norbulingka
There are many precious cultural relics and monuments in the park. Please do not touch the exhibits when visiting. Photography may be prohibited in some areas. Please pay attention to the signs and abide by relevant regulations.
Summer (July-August) is the best season to visit Norbulingka. When the plants is flourishing and you will see the most beautiful scenery.
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37 Comment ON "Norbulingka, the Imperial Garden in Tibet"
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Hey, I'm looking to travel to the Linka festival with my partner. When is the best time to go this year? Thanks!
Asked by Goldliam Soo** from N/A
lm from nyc in the usa how much is your 13 day Mt Kai lash tour in September or June
Hi, lm from nyc in the usa how much is your 13 day Mt Kai lash tour in September or June? And approximately how much would would the airfare be round trip? Thank you
Asked by Liliana Me** from Macau
plan a 7-8days trip for me and my boyfriend in April
Hi! I would like to plan a 7-8days trip for me and my boyfriend in April (3rd to 10th ideally) to Nepal, Tibet, and, if possible, Bhutan. Do you think it would be doable? Based on what I read, there are some places/things to do to consider: Nepal: Everest Base Camp trek and the Annapurna Circuit, ancient temples, sacred sites like Lumbini, Kathmandu, Tibet: The Potala Palace in Lhasa and the Jokhang Temple. eventually the holy Mount Kailash or the high-altitude plains. Bhutan: Thimphu, Paro, and the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery. To take part in cultural traditions, yoga, meditation... Of course I am open to any recommendations you could make. For your reference, we are both based in Asia: him, in Bangkok and myself in Macau. Thank you so much for the information you could provide and, if possible, an estimated budget for your offer.
Asked by Ke** from Singapore
Cycling Tour to Mt Kailash
Hi , we are planning a Cycling Trip once Tibet opens for Tourism. The plan is we shall arrive to Kathmandu , travel to the border and enter via Kerung. Can you pls send a day to day Itinerary starting from Kerung - Lake Manasarovar - Darchen - Asthapath. We shall go around Kailash on foot and resume Cycling back to Kerung. We are a Group of 6-8 persons. Thanks Pls send ur reply to Kevin
Asked by Debo** from USA
Please can you tell me the prices and dates for the Tibet Luxury Tour.
Also, could you please provide a detailed itinerary - I want to see how many hours are spent on buses/vehicles. Thank you! Deborah
Asked by S** from HongKong
Tibet Tour from HK
May I know if holding Mainland Travel Permit for HK Residents. is it also need to get the visa permit to Tibet and what is the procedure if need to apply? Thank you
Asked by Na** from USA
Is Kailash Mansarovar Trip open for Indian Passport Holder?
Is it open for Indian Passport Holder?
Asked by A** from Singapore
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We are planning a trip from Hong Kong to Tibet during the 12th to 21st of April. We want a private tour that covers all the scenic places as well as the EBC. Please advise an itinerary along with the cost breakdown. Thanks.
Asked by Na** from Canada
We would like to take the train from Xining to Lhasa
Asked by Gr** from Canada
The "Tibet Entry Permit" should be apply