Barkhor Street
Barkhor Street, Lhasa, Tibet, 850004
Ancient Barkhor Street circles the square surrounding Lhasa’s Jokhang Temple. The street doubles as a thoroughfare for pilgrims on their way to the temple, as well as home to the bustling Tromzikhang Market, host to a wide variety of vendors selling everything from prayer wheels to yak butter to tea kettles.
The basics
Buddhist pilgrims from around Tibet come to Barkhor Street to walk clockwise around the temple, prayer wheels in hand. A visit to Barkhor Street is an immersion in Tibetan culture, a multi-colored and fascinating glimpse into the diversity of the people who inhabit this land. Just about every tour to Lhasa includes the temple and surrounding street, along with other essential sites like the Potala Palace, Sera Monastery, and Norbulingka, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama.
Things to know before you go
- Barkhor Street is quite narrow so be sure to walk in a clockwise direction to go with the flow of pilgrims.
- Bargaining is acceptable so don’t be afraid to haggle with the vendors.
- Always ask before photographing local people, especially the pilgrims circumambulating the temple.
How to get there
Barkhor Street is at the heart of Lhasa and is easy to reach via public transportation. Dozens of buses will drop you off at Lugu or Cuomeilin Stations nearby.
When to get there
Visit Barkhor Street during daylight hours when all the shops will be open for business. The tight web of lanes and alleyways surrounding the street can be confusing and it’s easy to get turned around after dark.
The Legend of Barkhor Street
According to local history, when Songtsen Gampo built the Jokhang Temple, its grand scale immediately began to attract millions of pilgrims from the area. So many walked around the temple that they wore a path, which turned into the original Barkhor Street.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!