Lhasa (3) - Potala Palace

Lhasa’s cardinal landmark and home to every Dalai Lama from the fifth to 14th, the Potala is one of the great wonders of world architecture. As has been the case with centuries of pilgrims before you, the first sight of the fortresslike structure will be a magical moment that you will remember for years. It’s hard to peel your eyes away from the place.
The Potala is a structure of massive proportions, with over 1000 rooms, and an awe-inspiring place to visit, but still many visitors come away slightly disappointed. Unlike the Jokhang, which hums with vibrant activity, the Potala lies dormant like a huge museum, and the lifelessness of the highly symbolic building constantly reminds visitors that the Dalai Lama has been forced to take his government into exile.Read more