The Jokhang Temple, in Tibetan language is called “Jingkang”, and it is the end of the pilgrimage of Tibetan Buddhist believers. The sacredness of the Jokhang Temple is not inferior to the Potala Palace.
It was built by Srongtsen Gampo in commemoration of the Princess of the Chizun. It is often said that “there is Jokhang Temple first, then followed by Lhasa City.”
Lhasa has three circumambulations: internal, middle and external meridians, all centered around the Jokhang Temple. Every day, saints come here to turn scripture. The biggest highlight of the Jokhang Temple is the 12-year-old statue of Sakyamuni when Princess Wencheng entered the country. The reason why Lhasa is called “Holy Land” is related to this Buddha image. Also don’t forget to board the third-floor platform, which is a good place to look at the Potala Palace and overlook the Jokhang Temple Square.
Official phone number of the Jokhang Temple: 0891-6323129
Time reference for visiting: 1-3 hours
Transportation to the Jokhang Temple: Take the 9, 10, 11 ring line, No.12, 15, 17, 18, 19 and other buses to the city maternal and child health care station to get off; take the No.23, 25, 28, 29 and other buses to the Cuomeilin station to get off; or walk up from Barkhor Street.
Tickets: Ordinary ticket: 85 RMB (from Monday – Sunday during January 1st – December 31st)
Tips: The photography permission in the hall is 90 yuan / piece (some halls don’t allow photography in the temple).
Opening hours: 07:00-17:30 (from Monday – Sunday during January 1st – December 31st)
Tips: 07:00-11:30 is mainly open to believers, it does not accept teams of more than 10 people; and it is open to tourists from 11:30-17:30.
Special Note:
Every afternoon, there will be a lama debate on the second floor of the Jokhang Temple. On the second-floor terrace of the Jokhang Temple, you can see the Potala Palace from afar. The annual Ganoderma Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the Tibetan calendar and the Lucky Heavenly Mother’s Day on the 15th of the Tibetan calendar are the liveliest times of the Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street. Don’t miss it.