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.

In the eyes of Tibetans, Lhasa city was named after the Jokhang Temple after it was constructed. Survived from the Anti-Buddhist activities, it went thought several reconstructions and becomes a massive building of earth & wood structure, covering an area of 2.51 hectares.

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 Shayamuni), 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 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. 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 visiting.

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 Tubo Dynasty and the earliest civil structure in Tibet. Combining the feature of Chinese, Tibetan and Nepalese architecture, Jokhang Temple becomes a model of Tibetan Buddhist building. As you get close to Jokhang Temple, you eyes will firstly be caught by the beautiful golden roof. There are 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.

Cultural Immersion - Pilgrimage and Prayer Wheel Rituals

As the spiritual center of Tibet, Jokhang Temple always attracts endless pilgrims an is of great importance to Tibetan. People walk clockwise around it constantly and prostrating themselves in front of it. 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.

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.

Get to Lhasa from Chengdu, Chongqing, Beijing, Xian...by Flight

The most convenient way to get to Lhasa is by flying into Lhasa Gonggar International Airport, which is well-connected to major cities across China, including Chengdu (about 3 hours), Chongqing (about 3 hours), Beijing (about 4.5 hours), Xining (about 2.5 hours), etc. With a distance of around 60 km from airport to Lhasa city center, you can take the airport shuttle bus or car to get there in 1~1.5 hours.

Get to Lhasa from Chengdu, Chongqing, Beijing, Xining...by Train

Taking the train is a classic and scenic way to reach Lhasa, though journeys can be quite long. The Qinghai-Tibet Railway connects Lhasa to domestic cities like Chengdu (about 34.5 hours), Chongqing (about 34 hours), Beijing (about 40.5 hours), and Xining (about 20~21.5 hours). Upon arrival at Lhasa Railway Station, it's only about a 9-kilometer drive for 0.5 hours to the city center.

Warm Tip: It is generally advised that tourists avoid heading straight to the Jokhang Temple from the airport or train station. Instead, rest at the hotel to allow for acclimatization. A visit to the temple is better scheduled for the second or third day.

Check more about Flights to Lhasa | Trains to Lhasa 丨 How to Get to & Around Lhasa

Private Transfer with Tibet Discovery

If you book a Tibet tour with us, we can arrange seamless private transportation, from your airport or train station pickup to transfers between your hotel and all attractions. We also offer customized itineraries that will take care of detail of your trip including tickets, meals, accommodation, etc. Feel free to contact us for details.

● Accommodation: There are numerous accommodation options in downtown Lhasa. The top recommendation is the area around Barkhor Street, which offers the most classic and convenient experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the old city. Stepping outside, you’ll find yourself right on the Barkhor pilgrimage circuit, and it’s only a 5~15 minute walk to Jokhang Temple Square. The second recommended area is around the Potala Palace, which balances convenience with modern comfort.

Check more about Lhasa Accommodation - Recommended Hotels in Lhasa

● Manners & Taboos: As the Jokhang Temple is a sacred site, visitors should dress modestly, remove hats and sunglasses before entering, follow local customs such as walking clockwise, and be respectful of worshippers. Taking photos is not allowed inside the temple, unless there is a permission sign (normally need to pay). However, you are permitted to take photos in the square and golden roof.

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.