Attraction Guide: Barkhor Street, Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region, China

Barkhor Street Guide

Barkhor Street: The Heart and Soul of Lhasa Guide

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and spiritual atmosphere of Barkhor Street, a bustling pilgrimage circuit surrounding the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, Tibet. This ancient street is the heart and soul of the city, a place where pilgrims, monks, and locals converge to pray, shop, and socialize. Experience the sights, sounds, and smells of traditional Tibetan life as you wander through this captivating marketplace. Barkhor Street's history is deeply intertwined with the Jokhang Temple, the most sacred temple in Tibetan Buddhism. For centuries, pilgrims have walked the Barkhor circuit, spinning prayer wheels and chanting mantras as they circumambulate the temple. The street has also served as a vital trading hub, where merchants from across Tibet and beyond have gathered to exchange goods. A visit to Barkhor Street is a sensory feast. Join the pilgrims as they walk the circuit, spin the prayer wheels, and prostrate themselves before the Jokhang Temple. Explore the countless shops selling Tibetan handicrafts, religious artifacts, clothing, and souvenirs. Sample traditional Tibetan snacks and drinks from the street vendors. Be sure to bargain respectfully when purchasing goods. Tibetan cuisine is unique and hearty, featuring dishes like tsampa (roasted barley flour), momos (dumplings), yak butter tea, and thukpa (noodle soup). Many restaurants around Barkhor Street offer these traditional dishes.