Barkhor, a unique street in Lhasa

July,28 2016 BY Master Catherine Jigme 0 COMMENTS

Barkhor Street is one of the special streets among the millions of streets in China. It may not look that spectacular or grand, but for many people it’s sacred. It’s a circular road that draws pilgrims and tourists from all over the world.

Barkhor Street in Lhasa

In the morning, in front of the Jokhang Temple, smoke from the joss sticks begins to rise, with faithful pilgrims praying peacefully. Here, an old man chants a mantra, as he follows the divine road.

The Barkhor Street is a circuit of 1800 meters around the Jokhang Temple. 1300 years ago, it was formed as a pilgrimage route for prayer around the Jokhang Temple, according to Tibetan Buddhism, you must walk in Barkhor Street in a clockwise direction as you pray to the figure of the Buddha in the temple.

For many pilgrim’s this is a sacred walk. They are from different places, with different families, but they share the same faith, showing their devotion on the path of prayer.

There are 120 stores and more than 200 stands on either side of the street. There are religious supplies like prayer wheels, rosary beads, handicrafts like Tangka, a traditional art, tapestries, and even products from India, Nepal and Myanmar.

A market trader said, “The best seller here is turquoise, which is one of the typical Tibetan products. Many tourists like this most.”

In Barkhor Street, you don’t have to buy anything, just walk freely in the crowds, enjoying the sunshine. You may see many foreign tourists, which gives you an international and modern image of the street. But the traditional Tibetan buildings constantly remind you that is Tibet’s holiest street where old and new, traditional and modern exist side by side and integrate harmoniously.

A tourist said, “Beautiful city. People here are very friendly. The street is very busy. Good.”

A tourist said, “We come to this street every day we are in Lhasa. Besides buying some products, we’ve seen many faithful pilgrims, and the power of faith is very big. ”

You may not find another street like Barkhor Street anywhere in the world. It promotes faith and gathers traders, and attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists from all over the world. It is living history and at the same time, it is writing a new legend. Thus, it should be a must-see site when you travel to Tibet.

About the Author - Master Catherine Jigme

With exceptional passion and outstanding leadership, Mrs. Catherine has dedicated herself to Tibet inbound tourism and China tour for 15 years. As one of the handful females who see great potential of Chinese inbound tourism, Catherine has made great contribution to promoting Tibet tourism and enhancing the employment of Tibetans and prosperity of local Tibetan community.

Over the years, she travelled overseas with Tibet Tourism Bureau many times to promote Tibet tourism. Currently, Catherine works as the marketing director of Tibet Vista, an opinion leader behind the whole team of Tibet Vista.

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