Barkhor Street, also known as “Bajiao Street,” is a must-visit landmark for anyone traveling to Lhasa. The street encircles the iconic Jokhang Temple, a 1,300-year-old structure that holds supreme importance in Tibetan Buddhism.
In front of Jokhang Temple, crowds of devoted pilgrims prostrate and pray, often filling the square so densely that there’s hardly space to walk. This sacred area is not only a religious hub but also a vibrant center for exploring Tibetan culture and pilgrimage life.
Barkhor Street, also known as “Bajiao Street,” is a must-visit landmark for anyone traveling to Lhasa. The street encircles the iconic Jokhang Temple, a 1,300-year-old structure that holds supreme importance in Tibetan Buddhism.
In front of Jokhang Temple, crowds of devoted pilgrims prostrate and pray, often filling the square so densely that there’s hardly space to walk. This sacred area is not only a religious hub but also a vibrant center for exploring Tibetan culture and pilgrimage life.
Behold the sacred Jokhang Temple—its golden prayer wheels on the rooftop gleam brilliantly under the sunlight. Along the bustling streets, crowds of devoted Buddhist pilgrims gather. Some chant sacred mantras, some clasp their hands in prayer toward the heavens, others spin prayer wheels, and many prostrate their entire bodies on the scorching ground as an act of deep devotion.
These pilgrims circle the Jokhang Temple, following a full kora around the temple complex—this path runs through Barkhor Street. In fact, there are three main pilgrimage circuits (koras) around the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street is one of them.
As you walk along Barkhor Street, you’ll be surrounded by traditional Tibetan architecture—white walls and red roofs are the signature style here. If you’re feeling tired, step into a cozy teahouse, where friendly locals will serve you a warm cup of smooth Tibetan sweet tea.
Sitting on a long wooden bench, listening to Tibetans share stories from their lives, you’ll feel as though time itself slows down, offering a genuine glimpse into the rhythms of daily life in old Lhasa.
Take a short rest, then walk on with the stream of pilgrims. After a full circle, you return to where you began—as if nothing ever happened. (A spiritual journey, like life, comes full circle—only to meet yourself again.)
