Jokhang Temple

大昭寺

Considered the most sacred temple in Tibet, built in the 7th century and housing a statue of Buddha brought by a Chinese princess. Pilgrims circumambulate the temple constantly, making it the spiritual epicenter of Tibetan Buddhism.

Things to do

• Circumambulate the Temple — Join thousands of pilgrims walking the kora (clockwise pilgrimage path) around Jokhang Temple, the most sacred ritual at this spiritual center.
• Visit the Jowo Shakyamuni Buddha Statue — Venerate the 7th-century golden Buddha statue brought by Princess Wencheng, housed in the inner sanctum and considered the most sacred image in Tibetan Buddhism.
• Climb to the Temple Roof — Ascend to the golden roofs adorned with prayer flags and religious symbols for panoramic views of central Lhasa and the surrounding Barkhor pilgrimage circuit.
• Observe Monk Debates — Watch Tibetan Buddhist monks engage in animated philosophical debates in the temple courtyards, a centuries-old tradition of religious scholarship.
• Light Butter Lamps — Participate in the ritual of lighting yak butter lamps throughout the temple's shrines as an offering for enlightenment and merit.
• Explore the Barkhor Street Market — Browse the pilgrimage circuit surrounding Jokhang Temple for Tibetan crafts, prayer beads, religious texts, and souvenirs sold by local vendors.

Food to try

• Buttered Tea (Po Cha) — A salty, creamy beverage made from tea, yak butter, and salt that Tibetan pilgrims drink throughout the day while circumambulating the temple.
• Momos — Steamed dumplings filled with yak meat or vegetables, commonly sold by vendors around Barkhor Street near the temple entrance.
• Tsampa — Roasted barley flour mixed with buttered tea or yogurt, the staple food of Tibetan pilgrims making the rounds at Jokhang.
• Yak Meat Noodles — Hearty noodle soup made with local yak meat served at small restaurants in the Barkhor district surrounding the temple.
• Tingmo — Steamed Tibetan bread rolls often served with curry or meat sauce at food stalls near the temple.

Local customs & good to know

• Remove Your Shoes When Entering — Most inner temple areas require removing footwear as a sign of respect, so wear shoes that slip on and off easily.
• Walk Clockwise Around the Temple — Always circumambulate the temple and all its shrines in a clockwise direction, as walking counter-clockwise is considered highly disrespectful in Tibetan Buddhism.
• Photography Restrictions Inside — Photography is prohibited in the main temple hall and many inner chambers; always ask monks or guides before taking photos in spiritual spaces.
• Dress Respectfully — Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees out of respect for the sacred site and to blend respectfully with pilgrims.