Jokhang Temple in Tibet: How to Visit & Travel Tips
The Jokhang Temple is known as Tibet's spiritual heart. It's one of the holiest places in Lhasa and full of stunning treasures and rare Buddhas, making it a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Tibet. In addition to the artifacts and priceless relics inside the temple, visitors enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas from the temple's golden roof. Learn what makes this temple so special and how you can visit it for yourself.
Golden roof of Jokang Temple
What to See in Jokhang Temple
Admire Tibetan decorations in Jokhang Temple
The 1,400-year-old Jokhang Temple is sacred to Tibetan Buddhists. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and contains a statue of the young Buddha, known as Jowo Shakyamuni. Pilgrims regularly visit Joktang Temple to pay their respects to this Buddha. You can see Jowo Shakyamuni on the ground floor. It's the temple's highlight and one of the most important religious icons in all of Tibet.
In addition to the Jowo Shakyamuni, visitors can see thousands of other Buddha statues, engraved sandalwood pillars, and art, as well as massive murals depicting stories of the Buddha and the Tang Dynasty. One of the key features is the building's golden roof, which offers stunning views of Lhasa, including the Potala Palace. We recommend that visitors plan to spend approximately 2 hours exploring the temple.
- Cost: 85 RMB during peak season (May to September), 35 RMB during off-season
- Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
- Address: No. 2 Barkhor Street, Lhasa
Best Time to Visit
In the courtyard of Jokhang Temple
The best time to visit Jokhang Temple is between April and October, when the days are relatively warm and you can comfortably explore the grounds and temple. Even though the weather tends to be milder during these months, nights can still get chilly. It's a good idea to pack layers for your trip.
Festivals
In February, at the beginning of the Tibetan New Year, the Monlam Chenmo festival is celebrated at the Jokhang Temple. Also known as the "Great Prayer Festival", this is a deeply important time for Tibetan Buddhists to pray and give offerings.
The temple will be crowded around this time, and it's extra essential to respect religious customs and modesty when visiting. Additionally, the Butter Lamp Festival (Chunga Chopa) takes place during this time, when visitors can witness the temple adorned with many butter lamps.
During May and June, Tibetan people celebrate Saga Dawa, one of the biggest festivals in the country. This festival pays homage to the Buddha's life and enlightenment. There are important ceremonies at Jokhang Temple, and you'll find many pilgrims visiting.
Nearby Attractions Around Jokhang Temple
Barkhor Street
Barkhor Street
The Jokhang Temple is also near bustling Barkhor Street, which is one of the most exciting parts of Lhasa's old town. It's also the route that pilgrims take on the way to Jokhang Temple. If you visit during the peak season, you're likely to see them there, walking clockwise around the temple, which takes about half an hour. If you want to see the pilgrims, visit the temple early in the day.
Barkhor Street is notable for its ancient architecture, restaurants, and souvenir shops. It's a good place to go before or after you see the Jokhang Temple. Make sure to enjoy a cup of yak butter tea, a specialty in Lhasa, which will warm you right to your bones.
Potala Palace
The Potala Palace in Lhasa
Potala Palace is close to Jokhang Temple, and it's easy to combine both of these landmarks in one day trip. This gorgeous, 7th Century landmark was also the Winter Palace for Dalai Lamas and contains 999 rooms. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a wonderful place for visitors to learn about Tibetan culture and religious history.
You can explore the Dalai Lama's living areas in the White Palace area and see priceless historical relics, arts, and stupas in the Red Palace. Visitors can also tour the Chapel of the Dharma King, the oldest part of the palace that dates back to its founding.
How to Get to Jokhang Temple
You need a Tibet Travel Permit to visit Jokhang Temple, as individual travel is not allowed. We can help you get all of the documentation that you need, plus an exclusive local guide and private car. This way, you'll be able to explore all of Lhasa and beyond and make the most out of your trip to Tibet.
The temple itself is in the middle of the old town. It's easy to pair your trip to Jokhang Temple with other must-see destinations in Lhasa. You can walk to places like Norbulingka, Potala Palace, Barkhor Street, and Ramoche Temple.
Top Travel Tips
Jokhang Temple in Tibet
- Jokhang Temple is an important religious site for Tibetan Buddhists. As such, photography is discouraged and restricted in most areas of the temple, although you can photograph it from the street. We advise you not to take pictures of monks or pilgrims, especially without their knowledge, even outside the temple of Barkhor Street.
- Walk clockwise to enter the temple, and wear modest clothing when you enter. There will be signage that directs you on which way to walk. Don't point your feet at the Buddha statues, and use a quiet voice when talking. Don't interrupt anyone praying.
- Smoking is prohibited in the temple. It's a good idea to make reservations in advance during the peak season. We can help you with all of your arrangements and answer any additional questions you may have about how to visit the Jokhang Temple respectfully.
Jokhang Temple: Lhasa's Key Religious Site
Visiting Jokhang Temple will provide you with a profound understanding of and appreciation for Tibetan Buddhism. It's one of the most important religious sites in Tibet, and bound to be the highlight of your trip to Tibet. Let us help you with everything you need to make your journey happen. Visit our contact page or email trip@odynovotours.com today.
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