Jokhang Temple: Visit Lhasa’s Sacred “House of the Lord” & Pilgrims’ Heart at Tibet’s Spiritual Core

Photos of Jokhang Temple

Nestled in Lhasa’s old town, Jokhang Temple stands as the spiritual nexus of Tibetan Buddhism. Pilgrims from across the plateau circumambulate its crowded courtyards, spinning prayer wheels and chanting mani mantras as they approach the inner sanctum. The temple’s fusion of Indian vihāra, Nepalese pagoda, and Tang‐dynasty Chinese architecture houses priceless murals and the revered Jowo Rinpoche—said to be the earliest likeness of the Buddha, brought by Princess Wencheng in the 7th century.

What to Expect

Enter through the grand West Gate onto Barkhor Square—join the kora, a 1 km clockwise circuit around the temple’s outer walls, passing dozens of prayer wheels set into the courtyard balustrades. Inside the main assembly hall, pause before the gilded Jowo Śākya‐Muni statue on its 3 m lotus throne. Admire the gold‐inlaid murals depicting Avalokiteśvara’s compassion and the eight Tibetans who first built the temple. Explore the inner chapels—Vasudhara’s shrine of abundance, the protector deities’ enthroned wrathful forms, and the serene Maitreya Buddha in the north pavilion.

Background and Cultural Context

Commissioned by King Songtsen Gampo in 652 CE to honor his Nepalese and Chinese consorts, Jokhang was Tibet’s first Buddhist temple. Over centuries it has been expanded and renovated by successive Dalai Lamas, preserving its original core. As the focus of the Great Prayer Festival (Monlam) and daily Devotion Hours, Jokhang embodies Tibet’s fusion of religious devotion, political identity, and artistic heritage under the UNESCO‐protected “Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace.”

Best Time to Visit

Early mornings (6–8 AM) offer quieter kora circuits before tourist buses arrive and soft light on the gilded roof. Late afternoons (4–6 PM) reveal long shadows across Barkhor Square and active butter‐lamp offerings in the inner sanctum. During Saga Dawa (May–June) and the New Year festival Losar (February–March), the temple overflows with pilgrims performing full‐body prostrations and butter‐lamp ceremonies—arrive at least an hour before rituals begin to secure space.

How to Get There

Jokhang Temple sits at Barkhor Street in Lhasa’s Old Town. From the Potala Palace, it’s a 15-minute walk down the Prayer Path. Taxis drop off at the East Gate of Barkhor; foot and yak-cart access only within the pedestrianized square. Modest dress covering arms and legs is required; women must remove hats before entering. The main hall is accessed by a few shallow stone steps—assistive ramps are limited, so plan ahead if mobility is an issue.

Photo Opportunities

• Wide shot of the gilded roof and fluttering prayer flags at dawn above Barkhor Square
• Pilgrims spinning the wall-embedded prayer wheels along the kora path under morning sun
• Close-up of the Jowo Śākya‐Muni statue’s serene face illuminated by butter lamps
• Crowded butter‐lamp offerings in the inner assembly hall, with gilded pillars in the background
• Sunset glow on the temple façades framed by red‐gold prayer wheels and turquoise ceramics

Travel Tips

• Obtain your Tibet Travel Permit in advance and book a guided tour—independent entry is not permitted.
• Carry small bills for butter-lamp offerings and purchase temple scarves (khatags) to lay before the shrine.
• Respect photography restrictions—no flash or interior photography of the Jowo statue is allowed.
• Acclimatize to Lhasa’s altitude (3,650 m) before visiting—keep water and rest breaks in mind.
• Wander the surrounding Barkhor bazaar for yak‐butter tea, traditional incense, and authentic Tibetan handicrafts.

FAQs

Is admission required?
Yes—entry tickets cost 85 CNY; include access to the main hall and inner chapels.

Can women enter?
Yes—the Avatamsaka rule barring women on Mount Athos does not apply here; all believers are welcome.

Are guided tours available?
Official Tibetan Buddhist guides offer hour-long temple tours in Mandarin and English—book at least one day in advance.

Is photography allowed?
Non-flash photography is permitted in courtyards; interior camera use is restricted in the sanctum—follow posted signage.

Final Thoughts

Jokhang Temple is more than an architectural marvel—it’s Tibet’s living heart of faith, where every prostration, prayer flag, and butter lamp connects pilgrims to over 1,300 years of Buddhist devotion. Whether you come seeking spiritual solace or cultural insight, this “House of the Lord” offers an unforgettable encounter with Tibet’s soul.