About Jokhang Temple
The Jokhang Temple is Tibet's most sacred Buddhist temple, built in 647 AD by King Songtsen Gampo to house the Jowo Rinpoche — a Buddha statue brought to Tibet by his Chinese wife, Princess Wencheng. The statue is considered the most sacred object in Tibetan Buddhism, and pilgrims travel from across the plateau to prostrate before it.
The temple is a four-story golden-roofed structure in the center of old Lhasa, surrounded by the Barkhor Street pilgrim circuit. The temple's architecture blends Tibetan, Chinese, and Indian styles. Inside, the halls contain numerous chapels, murals, and statues. The atmosphere is one of deep devotion, with pilgrims circling the temple, spinning prayer wheels, and prostrating. The temple's rooftop offers views over the old city and the Potala Palace in the distance.
What Not to Miss
The Jowo Rinpoche — the most sacred Buddha statue in Tibet.
The pilgrims — observe the deep devotion of Tibetan Buddhists.
The rooftop views — panoramic views of old Lhasa and Potala Palace.
