Jokhang Temple

Address: Barkhor (Jokhang) area, Lhasa, Tibet (Lhasa city center)

Jokhang is a central Buddhist temple in Lhasa, Tibet, founded in the 7th century and regarded as the holiest shrine in Tibetan Buddhism. It occupies a place in the spiritual life of Tibetan Buddhists and draws pilgrims and visitors to its chapels and sacred image.

The temple complex contains multiple chapels, murals, ritual objects and the inner sanctum that houses the venerated Jowo Shakyamuni statue. The surrounding Barkhor circuit and square form an active pilgrimage route where devotees perform kora (circumambulation) and prostrations.

Construction of the temple is traditionally attributed to the reign of King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century; it has been rebuilt and enlarged over later centuries and has remained the focal point of Tibetan Buddhist worship in Lhasa. The site continued to function as a living religious complex through successive Tibetan and Chinese administrations.

Jokhang stands in Lhasa’s old town at the heart of the Barkhor area, within walking distance of the Potala Palace and other central Lhasa landmarks; the city sits at high altitude on the Tibetan Plateau.

• Age and significance: Built in the 7th century, the temple is the spiritual heart of Lhasa and a major pilgrimage destination for Tibetan Buddhists.
• Pilgrimage practice: The Barkhor kora around the temple remains a living devotional route-best experienced early morning or at dusk when pilgrims perform prostrations and circumambulation.

What to See#

• Inner sanctum (Jowo statue): The temple’s inner sanctum housing the revered Jowo Shakyamuni statue, regarded as the most sacred image in Lhasa and visited by large numbers of pilgrims.
• Barkhor circuit: The surrounding Barkhor circuit and square form the traditional circumambulation route used by pilgrims and local worshippers and are lined with shops and prayer flags.
• Main temple complex: The main assembly hall and various chapels that contain murals, thangkas and smaller statues used in daily religious practice.

Jokhang Temple is in Barkhor Square in the centre of Lhasa. From Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA) about 60 km south of the city, take the airport shuttle or a taxi into central Lhasa (the drive typically takes around an hour to 90 minutes depending on traffic). From Lhasa Railway Station a short taxi or local bus will take you to Barkhor Square; the temple is in the pedestrian core of the old city and is a short walk from central bus stops and the Potala Palace area.

• Arrive at the Jokhang early in the morning when Tibetan pilgrims are most active - the Barkhor pilgrimage circuit around the temple is busiest later in the day, so mornings offer a more contemplative experience.
• Remember that all foreign visitors to Lhasa must hold a valid Tibet Travel Permit in addition to a Chinese visa; without it you will not be allowed proper access to many sites in Lhasa.
• Pay attention to local rules: photography inside the main shrine halls is restricted and security checks are standard at temple entrances; spend time observing pilgrims on the Barkhor circuit and visit smaller side chapels, which many tourists overlook.