Barkhor Street

Introducing Barkhor Street
Barkhor is an area of narrow streets and a public square located around Jokhang Monastery in the old town of Lhasa. Barkhor Street is the most prosperous business street. The oldest street appeared about 1,300 years ago after the Jokhang Temple was built in 647, attracting thousands of Buddhist pilgrims. Barkhor is the most vibrant street in Lhasa or even in Tibet.

Barkhor Street Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Ba Kuo Jie 八廓街
• Best Time to Visit: March to October
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 1 to 2 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Architecture, Culture, Shopping
• Opening Hours: All day
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Address: Around Jokhang Monastery, Chengguan District, Lhasa, Tibet

What to expect at Barkhor Street

Barkhor Street consists of the east Barkhor Street, the west Barkhor Street, the south Barkhor Street and the north Barkhor Street. Here, tourists can appreciate the appearance of the old town, like the red wooden mansion; enjoy rich kinds of local foods, like Qingke alcohol and buy some native handicrafts, like hats, shoes and special jewelries.

With stalls and shops lined on both sides, where shaggy nomads, traders, robed monks and chanting pilgrims are together, mixing in shops and stalls. Barkhor is also the holy ritual walk path for pilgrims to worship and do the kora. Lhasa Barkhor Streets are in religious atmosphere and a symbol of the original Lhasa. Shops offer prayer wheels, chubas (traditional Tibetan clothing), Tibetan knives and religious articles for sale.

How to get to Barkhor Street
• By Bus: take bus 3, 5, 9, 11, 15, 18, 19, 24, 33, 35 or 38 and get off at Lugu station; take bus 7, 8, 20, 22, 23, 25, 28, 29 or L2 and get off at Chongsaikang Station.
• Rent a car/bus from GGC to enjoy a hassle free private transfer from hotels in Lhasa to Barkhor Street.

Additional travel advice on Barkhor Street
• According to the principle of Tibetan culture, visitors should walk in a clockwise direction along the Barkhor Street.
• There are many narrow alleys in Barkor Street. For your safety, it is better not stroll around the street too late to avoid getting lost.
• Sunglasses and sun cream are always needed to protect from the sunburn and strong ultraviolet radiation in the daytime.