Barkhor Street

八廓街 · Pilgrimage Circuit · Lhasa

Barkhor Street is the octagonal pilgrim circuit encircling Jokhang Temple, walked clockwise by Tibetan pilgrims for centuries. Today the stone-paved kora doubles as Lhasa's liveliest bazaar of prayer flags, thangka paintings and butter-tea houses.

See stays
TypePilgrimage Circuit
Visit lengthAbout 2 hours
TicketsFree
Opening hoursOpen all day; shops 9:00–20:00, pilgrims from dawn

Overview

Quick facts about Barkhor Street

Quick answer

Barkhor Street is the octagonal pilgrim circuit encircling Jokhang Temple, walked clockwise by Tibetan pilgrims for centuries. Today the stone-paved kora doubles as Lhasa's liveliest bazaar of prayer flags, thangka paintings and butter-tea houses.

TypePilgrimage Circuit
Visit lengthAbout 2 hours
TicketsFree
Opening hoursOpen all day; shops 9:00–20:00, pilgrims from dawn

How to visit

Practical advice from our Lhasa team.

  • Taxi drop-off: Barkhor Street east entrance (pedestrian zone beyond)
  • Bus: Walk from Jokhang Temple; city buses 7, 22 stop nearby

Hotels near Barkhor Street

Sorted by walking or driving distance when we have it; otherwise hotels we use in the same city.

Best time to visit

Average daily high and low in °C, and monthly rain in mm. Winter is cold and dry, with fewer visitors and lower hotel prices.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec24°-9°130 mm
Daily highDaily lowRain
BestGoodCold or limited access

Nearby

Questions

The better months are usually May, June, September, October.
Yes. All foreign visitors need a Tibet Travel Permit, and some areas need extra permits. We file them for you with every booking.
Your guide books timed entry when we confirm the tour. Free

Visiting Lhasa?

Tell us your dates. A Lhasa specialist replies within one working day with a day-by-day plan and a price.