Must Visit Barkhor Street among Tibet Travel Package

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The Barkhor (pilgrims' circuit) is found in the heart of Lhasa encircling Jokhang Temple along Trips to China. It dates back to the founding of Jokhang Temple and is an essential pilgrim route. The Barkhor circuit consists of East Street, West Street, North Street, and South Street. This street retains the ancient Lhasa look: Tibetan houses line the streets, and the ground is paved with flagstones.

Barkhor Street Tibet Travel is one of the most ancient streets in Lhasa city, which has a history of more than 1300 years. It is closely associated with the development of Jokhang Temple. Since Jokhang Temple was built under the supervision of Songtsen Gambo - the first Tibetan King of Tubo Kingdom in the 7th century, the city Lhasa has become the religious center of Tibet. Lots of pilgrims came to prostrate themselves in Jokhang Temple, they needed to pass an alley to get to the temple, and that alley was considered to be the original Barkhor Street. After hundreds of years' development, many 18 family-style architectures were constructed around Jokhang Temple, to allow the pilgrims and businessmen lodge in when they visited the temple. Living quarters of Buddhists, religious academies and small monasteries, dwellings, and stores also sprung up like mushrooms.

It is during the time of Saka Dawa, the Tibetan holy month (the fourth month of Tibetan calendar), there will be biggest crowd of people walking around the street, especially on the 15th day of the Tibetan month. Apart from its spiritual significance for centuries, the Barkhor Street in the modern days has also become a popular commercial area for shopping Tibetan handicrafts and all kind of mementos. One can almost purchase anything ranging from Tibetan carpet to Thangka painting to popular Tibetan singing bowl. With its ancient history and vibrant culture, Jokhang should remain top of your must-visit China tour Destinations in Lhasa.