The Norbulingka Summer palaces

Actually this is a park with a number of palaces. The first palace was build by the 7th Dalai Lama in 1755. He thought it would be a good idea to rule the country from the wooden palace in the park Norbunigka.
The next Dalai Lama followed his example and improved the park and the palace.
Today there are three palaces in the park. The oldest palace known as the Kelsang Potrang is in the south east part of the park and is not so impressive. It is very close to the entrance of the park. In the north west of the park the 13th Dalai Lama build an other palace known as the Chensek Potrang. But the most beautiful palace was build by the present 14th Dalai Lama the Takten Migyu Potrang . It is located in the north east of the park. It was build between 1954 and 1956.
The Dalai Lama did not enjoy it for a very long time because he was forced to leave in 1959. He than fled from the Norbulingka New summer palace dressed as a soldier.
In the park you can also find a zoo and a lake. The lake was dug during the days of the 8th Dalai Lama. For the Tibetan people the Norbulingka park is special. During the Shotun festival (yoghurt festival ) many people go there to celebrate.