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  3. Tibet

Potala Palace

The Potala Palace in Lhasa is the home of the Dalai Lama. The white portion was completed in 1649, and the red in 1694. Formerly the seat of government and home to about 1000 monks, there are now about 400 monks in residence. It is one of the most striking buildings in the world.
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  • Front view.

    Front view.

  • Front view. Entrance is at far right where the large black and white tapestry is hanging.

    Front view. Entrance is at far right where the large black and white tapestry is hanging.

  • Front view.

    Front view.

  • Front center section.

    Front center section.

  • Front view.

    Front view.

  • Front view.

    Front view.

  • Front view, right side.

    Front view, right side.

  • Potala Palace, center section.

    Potala Palace, center section.

  • Potala Palace from park across the street.

    Potala Palace from park across the street.

  • Potala Palace from roof of Jokhang Temple

    Potala Palace from roof of Jokhang Temple

  • Prayer wheels on palace grounds.

    Prayer wheels on palace grounds.

  • Details from exit path.

    Details from exit path.

  • Prayer flags on exit path.

    Prayer flags on exit path.

  • Roof details from exit path.

    Roof details from exit path.

  • From the exit path.

    From the exit path.

  • Left front section.

    Left front section.

  • Front view from park across the street.

    Front view from park across the street.

  • Details from exit path.

    Details from exit path.

  • From exit path.

    From exit path.

  • Window

    Window

  • Window

    Window

  • Right front. Zig-zag wall marks the entrance path. The entrance is in the trapezoid tower on the right.

    Right front. Zig-zag wall marks the entrance path. The entrance is in the trapezoid tower on the right.

  • Right front

    Right front

  • Far right front view.

    Far right front view.

  • Rear view of Potala Palace.

    Rear view of Potala Palace.

  • Rear view of Potala Palace.

    Rear view of Potala Palace.

  • Front from park.

    Front from park.

  • Detail center section, front.

    Detail center section, front.

  • Right front detail.

    Right front detail.

  • Entrance is straight ahead. No photography is permitted inside.

    Entrance is straight ahead. No photography is permitted inside.

  • Building detail from exit path.

    Building detail from exit path.

  • Details from exit path.

    Details from exit path.

  • View from about halfway up the entrance path. Palace buildings in foreground with a park across the street.

    View from about halfway up the entrance path. Palace buildings in foreground with a park across the street.

  • There are 354 steps to the entrance at an altitude of 12,500 feet.

    There are 354 steps to the entrance at an altitude of 12,500 feet.

  • Right front.

    Right front.

  • About half way to the entrance.

    About half way to the entrance.

  • Potala palace from the rear.

    Potala palace from the rear.

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    Window
    Window
    Right front. Zig-zag wall marks the entrance path. The entrance is in the trapezoid tower on the right.