Barkhor Street Travel Guide
Circumambulation Path · Old Courtyard · Sweet Tea House
Barkhor Street is a ring of old streets surrounding the Jokhang Temple. It is not only the most central kora path in Lhasa but also the commercial and living center of the old town. The stone-paved roads, white walls, prayer wheels, and butter tea houses make up the most everyday scene of Lhasa.
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Destination Details
Barkhor Street was formed after the construction of the Jokhang Temple and is a route created by devotees walking around the temple in prayer, with a total length of about 1 kilometer. On both sides of the street are Tibetan-style white-walled courtyards, most of which are now shops and restaurants, but their residential function still remains.
Key Highlights
Morning Kora
The best time to wake up early is around dawn: people doing the kora move clockwise, and the sound of prayer wheels mixes with the chanting. These are the real stars of Barkhor Street, while during the day, it is covered by commercial activity.
Old Courtyards
There are several traditional courtyards open to the public along the street (such as some converted old noble residences), where you can see the wooden structures and courtyards of Tibetan architecture.
Sweet Tea Houses
There are many old sweet tea houses around Barkhor Street where locals sit on long benches to drink tea and chat. Entering, ordering a pot of sweet tea, and sitting for half an hour is the best way to rest in Lhasa.
Suggested Stay
- 1 hour: Walk a round and drink sweet tea.
- 3 hours or more: Add the old courtyards and surrounding alleys.
Local Tips
- Always go clockwise; going the opposite way will disturb the devotees doing kora.
- Ask for permission before photographing devotees; taking pictures from a distance with a telephoto lens is impolite.
- Ultraviolet rays are strong on the plateau, so sunscreen is essential.
