Jokhang Temple
Tibet's holiest temple, housing the Jowo Sakyamuni statue. Pilgrims circumambulate the temple daily.
History & Background
Jokhang Temple, founded in 647 AD by King Songtsen Gampo, is Tibet's holiest temple. It houses the Jowo Sakyamuni statue, brought from Nepal by Princess Bhrikuti. Every day, thousands of pilgrims circumambulate the temple along the Barkhor circuit, spinning prayer wheels and prostrating. The temple has survived fires, earthquakes, and political upheavals over 1,300 years.
What to See & Do
- Jowo Sakyamuni statue, Tibet's most sacred Buddha image
- Chapel of King Songtsen Gampo with original 7th-century pillars
- Rooftop terrace with views of the temple courtyard
- Barkhor pilgrimage circuit with prayer wheel stalls
- Murals depicting the life of Buddha and Tibetan history
Visitor Tips
- Visit early morning to see pilgrims prostrating
- Walk the Barkhor circuit clockwise
- Buy butter for offerings at nearby stalls
- Photography allowed outside but not inside main hall
- Combine with a visit to the nearby Ramoche Temple
Visit Jokhang Temple with QTour
Our private tours include this attraction with an expert guide, private vehicle, and flexible itinerary.
QTour builds private itineraries around Jokhang Temple with a dedicated English-speaking guide and a private air-conditioned vehicle. Your guide arranges entrance tickets, skips the queues where possible and explains the history in your language — no fixed group schedule and no shopping stops. Every booking follows our one-booking-one-team policy.
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