Content on this page requires a newer version of Adobe Flash Player.

Get Adobe Flash player


Potala Palace

15 May, 2009

It was impressed to be the best day of the whole trip because we are at a height of around 3,700meters and then we went to the Potala Palace. It is an unbelievable historical thing. I cannot find a other word to describe it. It was first built in the 17th century at the time of Sorongchan Gambo, the great king of his time. In the 7th century the fifth Dalai Lama extended the Palace to leads present size. And what a size, it has more than one thousand rooms although, according to our guide, some says it has only 999 rooms. It is located above the village and has a light of 115.7 meters and has 13 stories. Just try to walk up for all the stairs in a nice day with blue sky and temperature around 20 degrees. Remember we are already at 3700 meters. It was a hard walk especially for me and Ola.


Ulf at infront of Potala Palace


Tibetan Monk debating

Anyhow, it was as fantastic in the Palace as we were very well guided through most of it by our excellent guide. Today around 150 people walking there to keep it repairs it.
Group at Potala Palace
The Potala Palace became the Dalai Lama’s residing place and turned the main political and religious affair for hundreds and hundreds of years. All rooms are filled the statues of different Dalai Lamas. But not only that for me, we were also able to see how they lived and held their meetings and discussions. The Potala Palace is one of the most fantastic historical buildings. I have even seen and a trip here is strongly recommended. After this fantastic experience we went for an as usual very tasty lunch. And then more cultural experiences.

Tibet's Pilgrim

Monks resident at Sera monastery

We went to Sera monastery which started to be built in 1419. It has a big Assembly where their colleagues and around 30 resident houses for Monks. It is one of the largest monasteries of Gelugpa. IT is one of the Tibet sects and is recognized by it yellow hats. Also that was filled of Buddha statues.
The monks there, about five hundreds, are arguing and discussing in groups every afternoon at 3 o’clock for two hours except Sunday. When you want to be a monk, you have to attend and study for 3 years and pass an exam. If you pass the exam you are then a monk and are allowed to take part in the afternoon discussions. Every morning the monks have lessons done by the master for twice hours. It was Interesting but very strange for us from the western world.

We left for the shopping and the dinner in the evening. That dinner was not the best we had but a visit a coffee house made a good and of a fantastic DAY.

 

Previous <> Main <> Next

110
001
spacebar
11


Click Here

 
 
© Copyright 2010 Peak Promotion Pvt. Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
We are a Registered with Goverment of Nepal and The Active Member of
Nepal Tourism Board
Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents
Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal
Everest Summiteers Association
Nepal Mountaineering Association