About Barkhor Street
Barkhor Street is the ancient pilgrim circuit around Jokhang Temple, where Tibetan Buddhists walk clockwise while spinning prayer wheels. The street has been the spiritual and commercial heart of old Lhasa for over 1,300 years, and today it remains the most authentic place to experience Tibetan culture in the city.
The street is lined with shops selling religious artifacts — prayer wheels, thangkas (Buddhist paintings), incense, and textiles — as well as local goods and souvenirs. Pilgrims from across the Tibetan plateau walk the circuit, some prostrating full-length with each step. The atmosphere is one of deep devotion mixed with bustling commerce. Visitors should walk clockwise (the direction of pilgrimage) and respect the religious nature of the street. The surrounding alleyways contain traditional Tibetan houses and hidden chapels.
What Not to Miss
The pilgrims — observe the deep devotion of Tibetan Buddhists walking the circuit.
The incense smoke — the air is thick with the scent of juniper incense.
The shops — religious artifacts, thangkas, and traditional Tibetan goods.
