Tibetan society was traditionally made up of nomads and farmers. Both groups were busy during spring, summer, and autumn,either tending to their yaks or working the fields. Only in winter they are free, that’s why so many people would come to Lhasa during the winter.

About Norbulingka
Norbulingka, meaning, “Park of the treasure” in English, served as the summer palace of the Dalai Lamas. It was a place for handling government affairs, religious activities, and relaxation.
The Fifth Dalai Lama first visited the area to rest because of its natural beauty, lakes, trees, and open landscapes, though no buildings existed there at the time.

The site’s history truly began when the Seventh Dalai Lama (Kelsang Gyatso) came to treat his health issues (particularly a knee ailment) at a local spring. In 1755, his advisors built the Kelsang Potrang (བསྐལ་བཟང་ཕོ་བྲང་།) for him, marking Norbulingka’s official establishment. From then on, it became both a school for young Dalai Lamas and a summer retreat for the adult Dalai Lamas.

Later, the Eighth Dalai Lama (Jampel Gyatso) expanded Norbulingka, adding gardens, lakes, and new structures. The Takten Migyur Potrang (Palace of Eternal Stability-1954s-1956), which featured living quarters and audience halls. Over time, successive Dalai Lamas, up to the Thirteenth Dalai Lama, continued to develop the complex.
Norbulingka also housed a zoo, originally created to keep animals gifted to the Dalai Lamas, and even had a movie theater built in the 1950s.

Shoton Festival (Yogurt Festival)
If you visit Lhasa during the Shoton Festival, Norbulingka becomes a lively hub of celebration. Tibetan families gather here for picnics and to watch Lhamo (Tibetan opera) performances.