Highlights of Tibet Group Tours – Jokhang Temple

Jokhang Temple, also called the Jokang, Jokhang Monastery, Qokang Monastery or Zuglagkang, is located on Barkhor Square in the central area of old Lhasa. It is the most sacred and important temple for most Tibetans. Most tourists will make a visit to Jokhang Temple when joining Tibet group tours.

Brief Introduction of Jokhang Temple

Located in the central part of the old Lhasa, Jokhang Temple is the spiritual center of Tibet. It was constructed by Songtsen Gampo in 647 with a history of more than 1,300 years. The architectural style of the temple is a mixed designation of India, Tang Dynasty of China and Nepal. Visitors can appreciate various exotic and sacred sculptures. Jokhang Temple also has many invaluable cultural relics. Great Prayer Festival is held here every year.

Jokhang Temple – Buddhist Ceremonies Center

Jokhang Temple is the activity center where significant Buddhist ceremonies are hold. After Dalai Lama V established a new regime, the government office of Kashag was set up in the temple. It mainly concentrates around the two floors above the courtyard. Many significant activities are hold here, such as political activities, religious activities, etc. In Lhasa, Tibetans like to call the zones around the Jokhang Temple as “the Lhasa”, which means buddha-stage in Tibetan languages. You can watch many pilgrims kneeling on the ground before the door of Jokhang Temple, kowtow to worship the Buddha. The scene is very touching. You will feel that the status of Jokhang Temple is high in the heart of Tibetans. Everyday, more people circle around the Jokhang Temple on the Barkhor Street for praying. Many Buddhists recite or chant scriptures and beg alms to the passersby.

Barkhor Street around Jokhang Temple

Barkhor Street is around Jokhang Temple, which is the oldest street in Lhasa. There are four circumambulations in Lhasa, Langkuo, Bakuo (Barkhor), Linkuo and Zikuo circumambulations respectively. The Barkhor Street is just one of them. It's said that after Jokhang Temple was constructed, thousands of Buddhist pilgrims were attracted by its magnificent. Thus, a trodden path appeared, which is known as Barkhor Street presently. in the past, Lhasa only means the Jokhang Temple and its surrounding street, Barkhor street. Now it is not only the circumambulation, but also the place where tourists can purchase Tibetan specialties.