Barkhor Street is a very important tourist attraction in Tibet, located in the center of the old city of Lhasa, it is the representative street of the most living and religious atmosphere in the whole of Tibet.
Built around the Da Zhao Monastery, it is a thoroughfare for Tibetans to make pilgrimages, make detours and pray for blessings every day, and at the same time, it retains a strong urban culture. The stone road, Tibetan-style houses, handicraft stores and tea houses intertwine to create the most realistic scene of life in the ancient city.Walking into Barkhor Street is like walking into the heart of Lhasa - faith flows here and culture breathes here.You'll feel the business vibe, and you'll feel the local life right in front of you.
I. Overview of viewpoints
Barkhor Street, also known as Barkhor Street.Located in Lhasa's Chengkuan District, it is an ancient neighborhood formed around the periphery of the Dazhao Temple.
This is an amazing attraction, a classic street that blends religion, life and commerce:
The charm of Barkhor Street comes from its unique living texture - the
Like ... white, yellow and red interlaced with Tibetan-style buildings along the street, and believers from morning to night around the Da Zhao Monastery worship;The street is full of stores selling handmade artifacts such as Buddhist beads, thangkas and Tibetan incense.In addition, there are some special old teahouses where you can feel the aroma of ghee tea as you pass by, while Tibetans sit in front of the door, under the tree or on chairs along the street, spinning their buckets or chatting.
In recent years, there have been more Netflix restaurants, Tibetan restaurants, and even chains such as Bubble Mart, KFC and Pizza Hut.
Barkhor Street is one of the few places where tradition and modernity coexist. Also.The streets are full of "Tibetan Photography" stores.(math.) genusTravelers change into gorgeous Tibetan clothes and leave the most unique Lhasa memories in the alleys of the ancient city.
This is a place where the crowds are constant during the day and the lights are dim at night, presenting one of the most fascinating cultural undertones of Lhasa.
Historical Origins of Barkhor Street
The formation of Barkhor Street dates back to the 7th century AD.
With Songtsen Gampo's construction of the Da Zhao Monastery, believers began to circumambulate the outside of the temple, gradually forming the first outer circumference of the circumambulation path.
The word "Barkhor" means "outer meridian path", symbolizing the practice and accumulation of merits around the Buddha's temple.
With the increase of pilgrims, caravans also gathered here. Goods from the Central Plains, Nepal, Bhutan and India were traded on Barkhor Street, making it the earliest international trade zone in Lhasa.
Barkhor Street is not just a commercial street-
It is a historical portal where faith, culture and commerce are intertwined.
Architectural and Cultural Characteristics of the Neighborhoods
Barkhor Street is a 1-kilometer-long circular street lined with two- to three-story Tibetan-style houses:
- White masonry facade
- Red Window Frames
- Wooden Lintel
- Sutra fluttering on the eaves
The air is filled with the scent of ghee and Tibetan incense as devotees are often seen kowtowing, transmigrating, and chanting in the alleyways.
The streets offer a wide variety of handicrafts and are the best place to shop for Tibetan specialties.
Faith and Humanistic Atmosphere
Barkhor Street is one of the most important daily practice places for Tibetans.
From early morning to sunset, the devotees hold a transept and recite the six-word mantra, "Buzz Mani Padme Hum".
Walking slowly in a clockwise direction is the most sincere way to pay respect to the Dharma.
During festivals, such as Saga Dawa and Snowdon, Barkhor Street is flooded with pilgrims.
Dazzling clouds of incense, chanting sutras, the whole street into the most solemn religious scene in Lhasa.
V. Barkhor Street Food Recommendation
Barkhor Street is also a very busy food gathering place, if you can only pick a few taste of the real flavor of Lhasa, the following six will not step on mine.
If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to start with theFront Station Yak Yogurt Shop next to the Potala PalaceStart. Plain yogurt is tart and tangy.Barley Yogurt CakeRefreshing and dense, it is the "first taste" for many travelers in Lhasa. If you want to experience the teahouse culture"Bright Okachika Sweet Tea House is the most representative local sweet tea house in Old Town.(math.) genusA cup of sweet tea with a bowl of Tibetan noodlesIt is the most ordinary but authentic Lhasa daily life.
If you want to eat a full course meal, the local favorite, "The Bird's Nest", is a great choice for you.Don't miss Ibiza Bun Shop, where beef buns and knife-shaved noodles are often sold out by mid-afternoon!The alley is a very small area, and the"Golden Pot of Treasure Tibetan Meal"It is famous for its yak bibimbap, which is simple but very tasty. If you want toIn a more cozy environment, the wild mushroom soup of "Lenten Food - Tibetan Fixed Food" is rich and warming.It is recommended by many celebrities and travelers alike. Finally, if you want to have someA light snack, "Paga's Mom's Potato Shop" at the corner of Barkhor Street.Crispy fried Tibetan potatoes are perfect for a street snack on a walk.
The six restaurants have different styles, but they each represent the taste memories of Barkhor Street: the simplicity of sweet tea, the refreshing yogurt, the hot noodle, and the aroma of fried potatoes. But... you don't need to look for a restaurant in Barkhor Street, you can always come across the delicious flavors of this ancient city.
VI. Code of Conduct
In order to respect local beliefs and culture, travelers are advised to comply:
- Turn clockwise and try not to go against the clock.
- Not stopping the long kowtowers.
- Avoid taking close-up pictures of pilgrims' faces.
- Dress modestly, avoiding revealing or exaggerated styles
- Do not touch the Sutra Wheel, the offerings, or the monk's vestments.
- Keep quiet, don't play music or make a lot of noise.
VII. Address information
📍 **Address:** Barkhor Street, Chengguan District, Lhasa City, Tibet Autonomous Region, China
(Located on the periphery of Jokhang Temple, within walking distance of the whole circle)
VIII. Summary of view characteristics
Here is a collection of Lhasa's most representative religious routes, but also the best place to feel the ancient city of life and faith blend. On both sides of the street gathered the most complete Tibetan handicraft stores, old tea house, thangka store, silversmith shop adjacent to each other, whether it is a cultural exploration, faith experience, or photography and framing, can be in the Barkhor Street one time to satisfy.
