Nagarze County

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Jokhang Temple
No. 1 of Global Traveller-Picked Attractions in Lhasa

Jokhang Temple

7.1
4.5/5
4.6k reviews

Jokhang Temple, known as "Jokhang" in Tibetan and also called "Tsulag Khang," is the ultimate destination for Tibetan Buddhist devotees. In their hearts, Jokhang Temple is as sacred as the Potala Palace. Both geographically and spiritually, Jokhang Temple is the true holy site and center of Tibetan Buddhism, holding an exceptionally lofty and pure status in Tibetan Buddhist history. Built in the mid-7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to enshrine the 8-year-old life-sized statue of Sakyamuni brought by his Nepalese princess Bhrikuti from her hometown of Kathmandu, Jokhang Temple gained further prominence in 1409 when Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school, propagated Buddhist teachings and held the Great Prayer Festival here, solidifying its pivotal role in Tibetan Buddhist history. In the 8th century, the 12-year-old life-sized statue of Sakyamuni brought by Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty from Chang'an was enshrined in Jokhang Temple, becoming its most treasured relic and a must-see for travelers and pilgrims alike. In addition, the temple houses nearly 1 km-long Tibetan-style murals depicting "Princess Wencheng's journey to Tibet" and "The construction of Jokhang Temple," as well as two embroidered thangkas of guardian deities from the Ming Dynasty, which are rare artistic treasures. Lhasa has three circumambulation routes—inner, middle, and outer—all centered around Jokhang Temple. The inner route, called "Nangkhor," circles the Jokhang Hall within the temple. The middle route, called "Barkhor," goes around the outer perimeter of Jokhang Temple. The outer route, called "Lingkhor," encompasses the Potala Palace, Chakpori Hill, Ramoche Temple, and Jokhang Temple. Attraction guide: Entering Jokhang Temple through the main gate leads to a courtyard. On the east side of the courtyard are rows of butter lamps, which remain lit year-round as devotees replenish the butter daily. Behind the butter lamps is the main entrance to Jokhang Temple's central hall. To the left of the entrance is a statue of Padmasambhava, founder of the Nyingma school, and to the right is Jampa Buddha, also known as Maitreya or the Future Buddha. The right wall features murals depicting the temple's founding, including scenes of the Potala Palace in the 7th century and the lake-filling construction of Jokhang Temple. Proceeding clockwise, visitors encounter the chapel dedicated to Tsongkhapa, founder of the Gelug school, and his eight disciples. Continuing right, passing the Yaksha and Naga chapels, and beyond hundreds of butter lamps lies the renowned "Jokhang" Hall—the heart and essence of the temple. At its center is the main assembly hall, where monks chant and meditate, surrounded by smaller chapels. The unmissable highlight is the central chapel housing the 12-year-old life-sized golden statue of Sakyamuni, brought by Princess Wencheng. This sacred center of Jokhang Temple is the ultimate destination for devout pilgrims. Stairs beside the courtyard lead to the second and third floors. The second floor features the Dharmaraja Chapel, with statues of King Songtsen Gampo, Princess Wencheng, and Princess Bhrikuti, as well as the Palden Lhamo Chapel dedicated to the protective deity. The spacious terrace on the second floor offers a panoramic view of the Potala Palace, making it an ideal photo spot. The third floor's golden roofs are another attraction, though this level is rarely open to the public. If fortunate enough to ascend, visitors are awestruck by the four resplendent golden pinnacles.

China · Lhasa

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What travellers say about Nagarze County

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格格巴16 October 2020
4.0
Kongmu Co was accidentally encountered during a self-driving tour around Yanghu Lake. At that time, the car was turning around in Dongla Township along the dirt road. Just when I felt uncomfortable, a lake view suddenly appeared in front of me, and my mood immediately became much better. I thought this was still Yanghu Lake, but when I got closer, I found that although the scenery was very similar, the lake was obviously much smaller. Here you can drive the car to the fork on the road and get directly close to the lake. So that's it. Kongmu Co is a very good mirror.

Kongmucuo

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李肢强8 October 2026
5.0
Visiting Jokhang Temple again after many years, the entrance has been significantly improved, making it look more like a proper tourist attraction. The interior remains the same, but the management is more comprehensive; however, the third floor is no longer open to the public. It's a must-see attraction on any trip to Lhasa.

Jokhang Temple

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Anonymous user31 July 2026
5.0
When visiting Lhasa, seeing the Princess Wencheng Theater is a must-do attraction. The theater is quite large, with a museum nearby, and the Potala Palace is visible in the distance directly opposite. It's definitely worth a visit.

Princess Wencheng Theater

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武汉老龙17 February 2021
4.0
Sangding Temple is the only temple of a female living Buddha in Tibet. No photos are allowed. Tibetans, young and old, men and women, enter the temple to worship. It's a pity that I can't understand the thangkas collected in the temple. The scenery facing Yanghu Lake is good.

Sangding Temple

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Michelle Okano Anzanello26 September 2023
4.0
Barkor Street where you can buy souvenirs for a fair price. On weekends you will find many locals on their way to Jokhang Temple. If you want some Western food, I’m this street also has a KFC and Pizza Hut.

Barkhor Street

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lyn99092918 January 2021
5.0
Walking in Tibet, you will see different scenery every day. Sitting in the car, you can take pictures of the beautiful scenery. After a while, I passed by a viewing platform and saw a stone with "Yajiang River Valley" written on it. There were two majestic Tibetan mastiffs standing on both sides of the stone. The Yajiang River Valley is located in Shigatse, Tibet. When driving from Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake, one of the three sacred lakes in Tibet, you will pass by the river valley viewing platform, which is 4,280 meters above sea level. Looking into the distance, the river valley, blue sky and white clouds are extremely beautiful.

Yajiang River Valley Viewing Platform

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