Jokhang Temple - A World Heritage Sanctuary of Tibetan Buddhism

Jokhang Temple (or Jokhang Monastery) is the spiritual center of Tibet and the holiest destination for all Tibetan pilgrims. It is listed in the World Cultural Heritages with Potala Palace and Norbulingka.

Situated at the heart of the old town of Lhasa and surrounded by Barkhor Street, this 4 storied building, built in the 7th century by Songtsan Gambo with roofs covered with gilded bronze tiles, demonstrates a combination of the architectural style of Han, Tibet, India and Nepal, as well as a Mandala world outlook of Buddhism. It was originally called the 'Tsuklakang' (Tsulag Khang) - 'House of Religious Science' or 'House of Wisdom' during the Bon period of Tibet, which refers to geomancy, astrology, and divination of Bon. Today it is more commonly known as the Jokhang, which means the 'House of the Buddha'. Visiting Jokhang Temple for a real discovery tour in the mysterious and sacred land, you can get close to the religious part of Tibet and experience the devotion of Tibetans.

Jokhang Temple was constructed by Tibetan King Songtsan Gambo in the 7th century to house the sacred image of the Buddha-Jowo Rinpoche, which was the dowry of Chinese princess Wencheng, the second wife of Songtsan Gambo married in 641.

Legend has it that the King threw his ring into the air to show where to build the temple. The ring fell into a lake and a stupa emerged from the water. Then the lake was filled up by sand and soil carried by thousands of white rams. This construction lasted over three years, and the temple at first was called Rasa, which means the land of ram, to commemorate the contribution of the rams. After many Buddha enshrined, the temple changed its name to Jokhang, means the house of Buddha. And the city was named Lhasa, which means the land of Buddha.

Jokhang Temple went through twice destructions in the Anti-Buddhist activities which took place in late 7th century and the middle period of 9th century. During those times, Jokhang Temple was closed and the Jowo Rinpoche was buried under earth for two times to avoid the damage.

As the first civil structure construction, Jokhang Temple had several reconstructions in Yuan, Ming, Qing dynasties, and becomes a massive building consisting of four floors and an open roof all filled with chapels and chambers. For over 1300 years of history, the Jokhang Temple has some well-preserved architecture of Songtsan Gambo period and the Jowo Tinpoche statue is still enshrined within the temple as the holiest object in Tibet.

The Jowo Rinpoche (or Jowo Shakyamuni), a life-sized (5 foot/1.5m) statue of the Shakyamuni of age 12, is the treasure of Jokhang Temple as well as the great collection of Tibet. It is one of the “Three Life-Sized Statues of the Buddha”, alongside the 25-year-old life-sized statue from Bodh Gaya, India (now lost), and the 8-year-old life-sized statue enshrined in the Little Jokhang Temple in Lhasa. Among them, the 12-year-old statue is the most well-preserved and holds the highest religious significance.

It is said that the Jowo Rinpoche was made in India and later was given to China as a gift. When Tubo King Songtsan Gambo married Chinese Princess Wenchen in the Tang Dynasty, Jowo Rinpoche, along with extraordinary Tibet religious art treasures was brought to Lhasa as dowry in A.D. 641. The statue is crafted from a special alloy and is entirely gilded with gold, depicting a serene and compassionate countenance. The Jowo Rinpoche is seated in the full lotus posture, with its right hand extended in the earth-touching gesture, while the left hand rests in the meditative gesture. The figure is adorned in monastic robes, embodying both solemnity and profound tranquility. There are many pilgrims coming to Jokhang Temple from different places in the world to pay homage to Jowo Rinpoche. They believe that one devoted prayer will bring them blessedness.

Artistic Treasury - Statues, Murals and Thangkas

The interior of Jokhang Temple is an atmospheric labyrinth of chapels dedicated to various gods and bodhisattvas, illuminated by votive candles and thick with the smoke of incense. There are thousands of Buddhist statues and images which were brought by the two princesses (Wencheng & Bhrikuti) as part of their dowries. While walking through those atmospheric labyrinthes of chapels for various gods and bodhisattva, you may feel like getting back to the ancient mysterious land and find all around you is religion. On the right side of the front gate of Jokhang Temple are two murals, one depicting the procession of princess Wencheng arriving in Tibet and the other describing how the Jokhang Temple was built. Some other fine murals and Thangkas hanging on the walls are also worthy of your visit.

Architectural Marvel - A Millennia-Old Model of Tibetan-Han Fusion

Jokhang Temple enjoys a long history of over 1,300 years and holds a high status in Tibetan Buddhism. It is the existing most resplendent monastery built in the Tubo Dynasty and the earliest civil structure in Tibet. Combining the features of Chinese, Tibetan, and Nepalese architecture, Jokhang Temple becomes a model of Tibetan Buddhist building. As you get close to Jokhang Temple, your eyes will first be caught by the beautiful golden roof. There is still something preserved in spite of several destructions. Under the roof, you can find the original wooden beams and rafters. In the lobby, there are Newari door frames, columns, and finials from the 7th and 8th centuries.

Historic Witness - Jokhang Temple Square and Alliance Stele

Jokhang Temple Square is an extension of the Jokhang Temple, serving as both the starting and ending point for pilgrims' kora (the Barkor circuit). Historically, it has been a site for major religious ceremonies as well as a public space for issuing decrees, trade, and social gatherings. Today, it has also become the best spot for visitors to experience the atmosphere of Lhasa and capture the magnificent golden roofs of the Jokhang Temple. Standing on the western side of the square, protected by glass, is the Tang-Tibet Alliance Stele, one of the most precious material testimonies to ethnic relations in ancient Chinese history. Erected in 823 CE, the stele is inscribed in both Chinese and Tibetan scripts, detailing the reasons and process of the alliance and swearing to "unify as one nation".

Cultural Immersion - Pilgrimage and Prayer Wheel Rituals

As the spiritual heart of Tibet, the Jokhang Temple attracts endless pilgrims and holds profound significance for Tibetans. Devotees constantly walk clockwise around it, many spinning handheld prayer wheels as they murmur mantras, while others prostrate themselves in full devotion at its gates. For them, each step and every turn of the wheel is an act of merit accumulation and karma. The praying outside the temple is worth seeing and it will give you a great visual impact than words. If you want to see the pilgrims do their prayers, you can tour around the exterior of Jokhang Temple in the morning. There are two gates of the temple, one is for locals with a big queue lining up; the other is for tourists to get in.

The concentric paths encircling the Jokhang Temple define the sacred geography of Lhasa. These three circuits, known as the kora, guide pilgrims in a ritual of walking meditation. By circling the temple, spinning prayer wheels, and chanting mantras, devotees accumulate merit, purify karma, and embody the Buddhist ideals of cyclical existence and ultimate fulfillment. The most devout express this through full-length prostrations, measuring the sacred path with their bodies.

Nangkhor - The Inner Circuit

This route lies inside the temple complex, circling the Jowo Khang, the main chapel housing the sacred statue of the 12-year-old Shakyamuni Buddha. As the most sacred of the three circuits, devotees walk this path while turning the prayer wheels lining the chapel walls.

Barkhor - The Middle Circuit

This is the circular path formed by the bustling Barkhor Street, which wraps around the outer walls of the Jokhang Temple. More than just a pilgrimage route, the Barkhor is the social, commercial, and cultural heart of old Lhasa.

Lingkhor - The Outer Circuit

This is the largest circuit, roughly tracing a loop around the whole of historic Lhasa, encompassing landmarks such as the Jokhang Temple, Potala Palace, and Chakpori Hill (Yaowang Mountain). Devotees often choose this longer route during major religious festivals as an act of deep devotion.

Buddhist Debating at Sera Monastery

The Thousand-Buddha Courtyard in Jokhang Temple

Prayer Wheel Corridor in Drepung Monastery

Seeing Ganden Monastery from Distance

Jokhang Temple is located at No. 2 Bakuo West Street, Chengguan District, Lhasa (拉萨市城关区八廓西街2号). It is the center of Lhasa old town and still a landmark in Lhasa. Reaching Lhasa is convenient via non-stop flights or the scenic Qinghai-Tibet Railway. Once you arrive in Lhasa city center, you can easily get there by bus, taxi, or private car.

● about 1.6 km away from Potala Palace, 12 mins by car
● about 4.5 km away from Norbulingka Park, 20 mins by car
● about 10 km away from Lhasa Railway Station, 30 mins by car
● about 60 km away from Lhasa Gonggar International Airport, 70 mins by car

Private Transfer with Tibet Discovery

● Admission Fees: The ticket is CNY 85 per person. Please note that advance reservation is required one day prior to your visit. If you would like professional assistance with booking, we at Tibet Discovery is a reliable option. Feel free to contact us for ticket reservations or customized tour arrangements.

● Opening Time: 08:30~18:30 all year round. It is advisable to allocate 1~2 hours for your visit to fully experience the main halls, iconic artifacts, and the spiritual ambiance.

● Altitude and Acclimatization: Jokhang Temple is situated in the heart of Lhasa city at an elevation of approximately 3,650 meters above sea level. It is recommended to rest well on your first day upon arrival in Lhasa and plan your visit to the Jokhang Temple for the second or third day. Stay well-hydrated, avoid alcohol, take it slow, and consider bringing altitude sickness medication.

Potala Palace - A World Heritage Architectural Masterpiece

Location: No. 35, Beijing Middle Road, Chengguan District (拉萨市城关区北京中路35号); about 1.5km away from the Jokhang Temple for 5 minutes' drive

Potala Palace, the must-visit site of Lhasa, regarded as a landmark and the symbol of Tibet, is a great giant palace consisting of many houses, towers, chapels, etc. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Potala Palace is the highest palace in the world. Because of its spectacular architectural style, it is honored as one of the most beautiful architectural buildings in the world. As the historic ensemble of Lhasa, Potala Palace, together with the exceptional Jokhang Temple and Norbulingka is the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Barkhor Street - Best Place to Feel Tibet's Local Vibe

Location: Yutuo Road, Chengguan District, Lhasa (拉萨市城关区宇拓路); about 200m away from the Jokhang Temple for 5 minutes' walk

Barkhor Street beside Jokhang Temple is the popular circumambulation for pilgrims and a commercial center. Being “a saint road” in the eyes of Tibetan, you can feel the local spiritual belief when you see different pilgrims from all over Tibet in different dresses and dialects to pray devoutly along Barkhor Street. Like a miniature of Lhasa, it shows you another aspect of the Tibetan life. There are an eyeful of fantastic stores and shops to display most characteristic items and commodities such as thangkas, prayer wheels, prayer flags and milk tea. Barkhor Street is such a great place to buy some souvenirs and suck up the local Tibetan lifestyle.

Location: No. 8, Little Jokhang Temple Road, Chengguan District, Lhasa (拉萨市城关区小昭寺路8号); about 1km away from the Jokhang Temple for 10 minutes' walk

Though relatively small in scale, its historical significance, religious importance, and architectural artistry are profound, making Little Jokhang Temple one of the most important temples in Tibet. It is a perfect example of the fusion of Han and Tibetan architectural styles. It features typical Tibetan stone walls and fortress-like structures, giving it a solid and imposing presence. The layout and decorations of the sutra halls and Buddha halls adhere to Tibetan Buddhist traditions, with exquisite murals, some of which depict the story of Princess Wencheng’s journey to Tibet. Unlike the bustling pilgrimage scene at the Jokhang Temple, the Little Jokhang Temple is often more serene. With fewer tourists, visitors can better appreciate the solemnity of the temple itself and experience the daily monastic life of the monks.