Old Town Barkhor
Lhasa's spiritual heart, Barkhor Street is a sacred pilgrimage route and bustling market, offering a profound glimpse into Tibetan Buddhism and cultur...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Serene atmosphere, fewer crowds
Old Town Barkhor
Best Time
Serene atmosphere, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Lhasa's spiritual heart, Barkhor Street is a sacred pilgrimage route and bustling market, offering a profound glimpse into Tibetan Buddhism and culture.
"A truly immersive cultural and spiritual journey, Barkhor Street is the vibrant soul of Lhasa."
🙏 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for the religious significance of the area. :pray:
📸 Ask Before Photographing
Always seek permission before taking photos of people, especially monks and pilgrims. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Barkhor Street Circuit
Circumambulation route around Jokhang Temple
Walk the sacred kora, a spiritual journey filled with prayer wheels, chanting monks, and devout pilgrims. A truly immersive cultural experience.
Jokhang Temple
Center of Barkhor Street
The spiritual heart of Lhasa, this ancient temple is a masterpiece of Tibetan architecture and a vital pilgrimage destination.
Local Market Stalls
Along Barkhor Street
Discover vibrant Tibetan crafts, prayer flags, incense, and local snacks. Perfect for unique souvenirs and experiencing daily life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Exploration
Navigating the Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🙏 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for the religious significance of the area. :pray:
📸 Ask Before Photographing
Always seek permission before taking photos of people, especially monks and pilgrims. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Walk Clockwise
Follow the pilgrims' direction (clockwise) for the sacred kora. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Stay Hydrated
The high altitude can be dehydrating. Carry water with you. :droplet:
Tips
from all over the internet
🙏 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for the religious significance of the area. :pray:
📸 Ask Before Photographing
Always seek permission before taking photos of people, especially monks and pilgrims. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Walk Clockwise
Follow the pilgrims' direction (clockwise) for the sacred kora. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Stay Hydrated
The high altitude can be dehydrating. Carry water with you. :droplet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Old Town Barkhor for its profound spiritual atmosphere and vibrant cultural immersion. The Jokhang Temple is a highlight, offering a glimpse into Tibetan Buddhism. While the crowds can be intense, the unique market experience and the opportunity to witness devout pilgrims make it an unforgettable destination.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Old Town Barkhor is centrally located in Lhasa and is easily accessible by taxi or local bus. Many visitors choose to walk from nearby hotels. It's a well-known landmark, so most drivers will know the way.
Barkhor Street is a large, circular street. The main circuit (kora) is straightforward to follow, usually done clockwise. Smaller alleys branch off, offering more exploration.
The best way is to walk the Barkhor circuit, observing the pilgrims and soaking in the atmosphere. Allow ample time to explore the shops and Jokhang Temple.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, walking around Barkhor Street itself is free. However, there is an entrance fee for Jokhang Temple. :ticket:
Jokhang Temple typically opens early in the morning and closes in the late afternoon. It's best to check current hours upon arrival as they can vary. :clock1:
The entrance fee for Jokhang Temple is relatively modest. Prices can change, so it's advisable to confirm the current fee at the ticket counter. :moneybag:
Photography is often restricted inside the main prayer halls of Jokhang Temple. Look for signage or ask for guidance. Respect the sacredness of the space. :camerawithflash:
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
It's important to dress modestly out of respect for the religious site. Cover your shoulders and knees. Avoid revealing clothing.
You can find a variety of Tibetan handicrafts, prayer flags, thangkas, incense, yak butter products, and local snacks. Bargaining is common. :shopping_cart:
While many enjoy the local snacks, it's wise to choose vendors that appear clean and busy. Stick to well-cooked items if you have a sensitive stomach. :knifeforkplate:
The prayer wheels contain mantras. Spinning them clockwise is believed to send prayers and blessings out into the world. You'll see many pilgrims spinning them as they walk the kora. :pray:
To truly experience it, allocate at least 2-3 hours. This allows time for the kora, exploring shops, and visiting Jokhang Temple.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings offer soft light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the spiritual atmosphere. Late afternoons provide golden hour light and vibrant street scenes.
The main restriction is inside Jokhang Temple. Always be respectful and ask permission before photographing individuals, especially monks and elderly pilgrims.
Expect to capture vibrant street life, devout pilgrims performing rituals, intricate temple architecture, and colorful market stalls.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing snacks and water, as the high altitude can affect energy levels. While Jokhang Temple is a must-see, the intense devotion and rituals might be better appreciated by older children who can understand the cultural context. Focus on the vibrant colors of the prayer flags and the unique crafts in the market to keep younger ones engaged.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
Take your time to observe the rituals, interact with vendors (respectfully), and perhaps strike up conversations with other travelers or locals. The Jokhang Temple is a focal point for reflection, and the surrounding alleys offer opportunities for independent exploration and discovery.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Spiritual Significance of Barkhor
The Jokhang Temple itself is an architectural marvel, blending Tibetan, Nepalese, and Indian styles. Inside, visitors can marvel at ancient statues, intricate murals, and the revered statue of Jowo Shakyamuni, believed to have been brought to Tibet by Princess Wencheng. The air is thick with the scent of incense and the murmur of prayers, creating an atmosphere of deep reverence.
Beyond its religious importance, Barkhor Street is a bustling hub of daily life. The surrounding alleys are filled with shops selling traditional Tibetan crafts, religious artifacts, colorful textiles, and local delicacies. It’s a place where the sacred and the secular intertwine, offering a unique glimpse into Tibetan culture.
Navigating and Experiencing the Barkhor Market
Bargaining is an expected part of the shopping experience here. Don't be afraid to negotiate prices politely, but always aim for a fair deal that respects the artisan's work. It's also a great place to sample local snacks, such as tsampa (roasted barley flour) or sweet yak butter tea, though it's wise to choose vendors with good hygiene practices.
When exploring the market, be mindful of the crowds, especially during peak hours. It’s easy to get lost in the maze of stalls, so keep your bearings or consider a guided tour if you prefer a more structured experience. The vibrant energy and the sheer variety of goods make shopping at Barkhor a truly engaging cultural immersion.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit