Jokhang Temple is located in the center of the old city of Lhasa. It is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery with a history of over 1,300 years and holds a supreme position in Tibetan Buddhism. It was built by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo in memory of Princess Bhrikuti’s entry into Tibet. Inside the temple, there is a 12-year-old statue of Sakyamuni brought by Princess Wencheng from Chang’an of the Tang Dynasty, attracting numerous believers and tourists to come for pilgrimage and visit.
Architectural Style
It combines the architectural styles of Tibet, Tang Dynasty, Nepal and India. Its main hall is four stories high with brilliant golden roofs, having strong Tibetan characteristics. The architectural details inside the temple, such as wood carvings and murals, are all of extremely high artistic level.
Visiting Routes and Highlights
Entering the Main Gate
After entering through the main gate, you can first visit the courtyard, which is an important place for religious activities and pilgrimages of believers, where you can feel a strong religious atmosphere.
Inside the Main Hall
Inside the first-floor hall, there are many Buddha statues and precious cultural relics enshrined, among which the 12-year-old statue of Sakyamuni is the most famous and is the treasure of Jokhang Temple. When visiting, it is necessary to abide by the regulations of the temple and keep quiet and respectful.
Going up the stairs to the second and third floors, you can enjoy the exquisite murals here. The contents cover Buddhist stories, historical legends, etc., with bright colors and smooth lines, having high artistic value.
The fourth floor is the golden roof, which is one of the landmark landscapes of Jokhang Temple. Standing on the golden roof, you can overlook part of the scenery of Barkhor Street and the urban area of Lhasa and appreciate the unique architectural craftsmanship and decoration of the golden roof at the same time.
Tickets and Opening Hours
Tickets: 85 yuan per person.
Opening Hours: Generally from 09:00 18:00 (the specific time may be adjusted according to the season and actual situation).
Precautions
Religious Etiquette
Jokhang Temple is a religious holy land. During the visit, tourists should respect the local religious beliefs and customs. For example, do not make loud noises, do not dress revealingly, and do not touch Buddha statues and religious instruments and other items without permission.
Altitude Sickness Prevention
Lhasa is located on the plateau, and some tourists may have altitude sickness. Before visiting Jokhang Temple, it is recommended to adapt to the high-altitude environment in advance, and you can appropriately prepare some anti-altitude sickness drugs and avoid strenuous exercise during the visit.
Food Guide
Traditional Tibetan Cuisine
Buttered Tea
Introduction: A Tibetan specialty drink made from butter and strong tea. It has a rich flavor, with both the fragrance of tea and the mellowness of butter. It can quench thirst and replenish energy and helps relieve altitude sickness.
Recommended Store: Guangming Gangqiong Sweet Tea House. This is a very famous sweet tea house in Lhasa, where you can taste authentic buttered tea at an affordable price and experience the living atmosphere of local Tibetans.
Tibetan Noodles
Introduction: Made from highland barley flour, the noodles are relatively thin and have a chewy texture. The soup is made by boiling yak bones, which is rich and delicious. Served with diced beef and chopped green onions, it is a classic Tibetan breakfast.
Recommended Store: Canggu Temple Sweet Tea House. The Tibetan noodles in this store are very popular among the locals, with chewy noodles and rich soup.
Yak Jerky
Introduction: Made from the meat of highland yaks through processes such as pickling and drying. The meat is firm and tastes delicious. There are various flavors such as original flavor and spicy flavor. It is a very popular Tibetan specialty and can be taken home as a souvenir.
Recommended Store: Qisheng Yak Jerky Specialty Store. The store has a rich variety of yak jerkies with guaranteed quality.
Other Specialty Cuisines
Nepalese Cuisine
Introduction: Due to the regional and cultural exchanges between Lhasa and Nepal, Nepalese cuisine is also very popular here. Among them, Nepalese curry rice is a typical representative. The rich curry is paired with various vegetables and meats, and served with special baked bread, with a unique flavor.
Recommended Store: Namaste Restaurant. The Nepalese cuisine in this restaurant is very authentic and the environment is also good.
Yogurt
Introduction: The yogurt in Tibet has a thick texture and a sweet and sour taste, usually with a layer of golden milk skin on top. Compared with ordinary yogurt, Tibetan yogurt is thicker and rich in nutrition.
Recommended Store: Gushu Yogurt. Located near Barkhor Street, its yogurt has various flavors to choose from and can be added with various nuts and fruits.
