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Lingkhor Kora Path

4.5
·295 reviews·La Sa Shi, China

Tibet's largest man-made garden & 374-room palace from 1755, the Dalai Lama's ritual summer home.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, more peaceful strolls

CrowdLow
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Norbulingka

Lingkhor Kora Path

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, more peaceful strolls

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Tibet's largest man-made garden & 374-room palace from 1755, the Dalai Lama's ritual summer home.

4.5
(295 reviews)

"Good for an afternoon stroll, spacious gardens - they are probably much nicer after spring."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Local Family Spot

See locals enjoying picnics on weekends, especially during the Yogurt Festival. Great for people-watching!

🌿 Spacious Afternoon Stroll

Perfect for a relaxed afternoon walk after visiting busier tourist spots.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dalai Lama's Summer Palace

Dalai Lama's Summer Palace

Main Palace Complex

Explore the former summer residence of the Dalai Lamas, featuring chapels, study rooms, and meditation spaces.

Lush Tibetan Gardens

Lush Tibetan Gardens

Garden Grounds

Wander through Tibet's largest man-made garden, a serene landscape dotted with beautiful pavilions.

Yogurt Festival (Sho Dan)

Yogurt Festival (Sho Dan)

Garden Grounds

Experience a vibrant local tradition with families picnicking and celebrating during this unique festival.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

Consider visiting during the Yogurt Festival (Sho Dan) for a unique cultural experience with local families picnicking. Weekends are popular with locals, so weekdays might offer a more serene visit.

Exploring the Grounds

The Lingkhor Kora Path is Tibet's largest man-made garden, offering a spacious retreat. Allow ample time to wander through the lush greenery and explore the various pavilions and chapels within the former summer palace.

Best Times

When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful strolls
Crowd
Low
When
During Yogurt Festival
Why
Vibrant local culture and festivities
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s bodyguards, famed for their imposing size, kept vigilant watch over the Norbulingka festivals. _ Clad in heavily padded garments that further accentuated their already legendary stature, these guards, many of whom stood well over six feet tall and were as much a part of the grandeur as the ceremonies themselves. _ #tibet #tibetinhistory #tibethistory #tibetan #giant ...
@tibetinhistory
11K likes • 219.2K views

🎯 Local Family Spot

See locals enjoying picnics on weekends, especially during the Yogurt Festival. Great for people-watching! Reddit

🌿 Spacious Afternoon Stroll

Perfect for a relaxed afternoon walk after visiting busier tourist spots. Reddit

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@sangay101
10.6K likes • 211.8K views
Badiyasi, a tale of emotions, melody, and magic, releasing on 1st August exclusively on @Norbulingka Multimedia YouTube channel! 🎬🎶 Featuring the incredibly talented @Samten Wangmo ✨ Get ready to feel every beat and every frame. Stay tuned something truly special is coming your way. Music @VMUSICBHUTAN🇧🇹 Vocalist @Gem Gyeltshen @K☁️ Choerographer @(Nj)Ngawangtshetrim #bhutanesetiktok #xyczb...
@kaldendorji_
3.9K likes • 73.4K views

🛍️ Souvenir Shopping

Discover high-quality Tibetan items at affordable prices in the onsite souvenir shop. Reddit

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@sangaywangmotshering
1.2K likes • 47.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Local Family Spot

See locals enjoying picnics on weekends, especially during the Yogurt Festival. Great for people-watching! Reddit

🌿 Spacious Afternoon Stroll

Perfect for a relaxed afternoon walk after visiting busier tourist spots. Reddit

🛍️ Souvenir Shopping

Discover high-quality Tibetan items at affordable prices in the onsite souvenir shop. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(295 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors appreciate Lingkhor Kora Path as a spacious and beautiful retreat, particularly enjoying the lush gardens and the historical significance of the Dalai Lama's former summer palace. It's seen as a good spot for a relaxed afternoon stroll and a glimpse into local life, especially during festivals. Some find the palace itself interesting but not overly grand.

"Came here during the yoghurt festival ( Sho Dan), many families came here for picnic . Everyone brought their sitting mats and food for the festivities .

This place used to be the summer palace for the Dalai Lama .
There are different building spread out on the compound for you to visit . You can see where the Dalai Lama used to study , mediate and rest .
There are the different chapels with Buddhist statues for you to pay respect too ."

Whiskey Tea

"Largest Tibetan garden, used to be Dalai Lama’s summer palace. Lush green landscape scattered with beautiful pavilions."

Jun Deng

"A specious place to visit after queuing for tickets to many tourist spots. It used to be a summer palace for the Dalai Lamas."

Kay Zhang

What People Like

Spacious gardens
Former summer palace
Relaxing strolls

What People Dislike

Palace not overly grand

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Information on public transport or taxi services to reach the Lingkhor Kora Path is not widely available in the provided social media content. It's recommended to inquire locally or with your accommodation for the best transportation options.

While specific details are scarce, it's likely accessible by car or taxi. Local advice would be best for parking availability and road conditions.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The provided reviews suggest that Lingkhor Kora Path is a spacious place to visit, implying there might be an admission fee, similar to other tourist spots. It's advisable to check for ticket requirements upon arrival or beforehand.

Specific opening hours are not mentioned in the provided content. However, as a garden and former palace, it's likely open during daylight hours. Local inquiries are recommended.

There is no mention of online ticket booking for Lingkhor Kora Path in the provided sources. It's best to assume tickets are purchased on-site.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Visitors can explore the former summer palace of the Dalai Lamas, including chapels with Buddhist statues, study rooms, and meditation areas. The expansive Tibetan gardens with pavilions are also a major attraction. Reddit

Yes, it's described as a spacious place perfect for an afternoon stroll through its lush gardens and pavilions. Reddit

The Yogurt Festival (Sho Dan) is a notable event where many local families gather for picnics, offering a glimpse into local traditions. Reddit

The palace is described as large but not overly ostentatious, reflecting traditional Tibetan architecture. Specific details on architectural styles are not elaborated upon.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While the Yogurt Festival involves families bringing their own food for picnics,Reddit there's no explicit mention of restaurants or food stalls within the provided content. It's advisable to bring your own snacks or plan to eat elsewhere.

Absolutely! The Yogurt Festival is a prime example of locals enjoying picnics in the gardens, making it a perfect spot for your own picnic. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The pavilions scattered throughout the lush gardens offer picturesque scenes. The palace architecture itself also provides great photographic opportunities. Consider visiting after spring for potentially more vibrant garden scenery.

Photography rules inside the palace buildings are not specified. It's best to look for signage or ask permission before taking photos inside.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Lingkhor Kora Path is an excellent destination for families. The spacious gardens provide ample room for children to explore and play safely, especially on weekdays when crowds are lower. The Yogurt Festival is a particularly engaging time for families, as it's a local tradition for families to gather for picnics and celebrations. Reddit

Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy in the gardens, mirroring the local custom. The relatively calm atmosphere and the natural beauty of the grounds make it a relaxing outing for all ages. The souvenir shop also offers a chance for kids to pick out a small memento.

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Peace Seekers

For solo travelers seeking tranquility, weekdays at Lingkhor Kora Path are ideal. The expansive gardens offer a peaceful escape for contemplation and a leisurely stroll. You can explore the former summer palace at your own pace, absorbing the historical and spiritual ambiance without the rush of larger crowds. Reddit

It's a great spot to simply sit, relax, and observe local life, especially if you visit when families are enjoying their weekend outings. The serene environment makes it perfect for quiet reflection or enjoying a good book amidst nature.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of the Summer Palace

The Lingkhor Kora Path is home to a significant historical site: the former summer palace of the Dalai Lamas, dating back to 1755. This 374-room complex served as a retreat for the spiritual leader, offering spaces for study, meditation, and rest. Visitors can still explore these areas, gaining insight into the daily life and spiritual practices of the Dalai Lamas. The palace itself is noted for being large but not excessively ornate, reflecting a more personal and functional design compared to some other grand Tibetan structures. Reddit

Beyond the palace walls, the surrounding grounds are equally important. The Lingkhor Kora Path itself is a significant pilgrimage route, and the gardens were designed to complement this spiritual aspect. The lush greenery, dotted with various pavilions, creates a serene environment conducive to contemplation and relaxation. This blend of spiritual significance and natural beauty makes the site a unique destination.

While the provided content doesn't delve into the specific historical events that took place here, its function as a summer residence highlights its importance in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. The presence of chapels with Buddhist statues further underscores its religious and cultural relevance. Reddit

Experiencing Local Culture at Lingkhor Kora Path

Lingkhor Kora Path offers a fantastic opportunity to witness and engage with local Tibetan culture. During weekends, especially, the gardens come alive with families enjoying picnics and leisure time. This is particularly evident during the Yogurt Festival (Sho Dan), a vibrant celebration where the grounds become a hub for community gatherings. Visitors can observe families spreading out mats, sharing food, and enjoying the outdoors, providing a genuine glimpse into local life. Reddit

The presence of a souvenir shop on-site also contributes to the cultural experience. It's noted for offering high-quality Tibetan items at affordable prices, allowing visitors to take home authentic crafts and mementos. This provides a direct way to support local artisans and businesses. The overall atmosphere, especially when locals are present, is one of community and shared enjoyment of this beautiful space. Reddit

While social media content like TikTok and Instagram often focuses on broader Tibetan themes or specific events, the Reddit tips consistently highlight the local aspect of Lingkhor Kora Path. This suggests that experiencing the site as a place for local recreation and cultural celebration is a key part of its appeal, beyond just its historical significance. Reddit

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