Overview
Barkhor Street, located in the heart of Lhasa, is an ancient street with over 1300 years of history, encircling the Jokhang Temple. Its Tibetan name means "Middle Circumambulation Route," and it is the most important circumambulation route and commercial center of Tibetan Buddhism. The street is approximately 1000 meters in circumference and paved with hand-polished stone slabs, lined with traditional Tibetan buildings featuring white walls and red windows.
A visit of 1 to 3 hours is recommended. The best time to visit is from August to October, when the weather is pleasant and the lighting is optimal. When visiting, please be sure to circumambulate clockwise, aligning yourself with other pilgrims and respecting local beliefs.
How to Get There
Barkhor Street is located in the heart of Lhasa's old city and is easily accessible. If you are staying in the city center, walking is the best option; it's about a 15-minute walk from the Potala Palace. Taking public transportation is also convenient; take bus routes 7, 8, 20, 23, or 25 to "Cuomeilin Station" or "Lhasa Maternal and Child Health Hospital Station," and then walk for about 5 to 10 minutes. Taxi fares in Lhasa start at 10 yuan; simply tell the driver you want to go to "Barkhor Street" or "Jokhang Temple."
A suggested route is to start at Jokhang Temple Square and proceed clockwise along the pilgrimage route, passing through Barkhor East Street, South Street, West Street, and North Street. Experience the religious atmosphere and everyday life of this circular street, and visit famous landmarks along the way, such as Makye Ame and the former residence of the Qing Dynasty's Resident Minister in Tibet.
What to Expect
Barkhor Street features standardized multilingual signage and a guided tour system. Popular shops offer QR codes for audio guides in three languages. Small visitor service points and volunteer service points are located at street corners, providing multilingual assistance. Restrooms are distributed at major intersections and public areas around the street, with directional signs along the way. The street boasts a wide variety of gift shops, with over 120 handicraft shops and more than 200 stalls offering over 8,000 kinds of goods, including Thangka paintings, Tibetan incense, prayer wheels, and Tibetan carpets. Remember to bargain when shopping. Please note that Barkhor Street requires security checks; please carry your passport for verification.
Practical Tips
- Walk clockwise around Barkhor with the pilgrim flow; moving against the kora is considered disrespectful.
- Barkhor Street itself is free in 2026, but if you also plan to enter Jokhang Temple, carry cash or mobile payment and budget about ¥85 for foreign visitor admission, subject to same-day policy.
- Go early, around 07:30-09:00, for softer light, fewer tour groups, and the strongest local prayer atmosphere.
- You can carry spare change with you at any time, making it convenient to offer lamps and make donations according to your own preferences.
