Originally established as a place of healing for the seventh Dalai Lama who visited it annually due to ill health, Norbulingka became the summer residence of subsequent Dalai Lamas and a place of study prior to officially assuming office in the role. Separable into three parts: the courtyard, palace and forest, Norbulingka is perhaps not on the scale of other residences at just 400 rooms, but is still significant. Today visitors can enjoy daily performances of Tibetan opera, with additional special operatic events during the Shoton Festival. Now a public park, Norbulingka carries forward the horticultural tradition of exquisite gardens which were established centuries previously when the palace functioned as a residence for the Dalai Lama.
Update: May 11, 2023
