Barkhor Street is Lhasa's oldest lane — follow the Tibetans' clockwise kora and feel the city's purest atmosphere of faith.
Why It's Worth the Trip
The Potala Palace is built up the Red Hill, its white and red palaces stacked into the clouds — the most staggering palace on the plateau. It is both palace and faith; save a breath for the climb.
Experiences Not to Miss
Potala Palace
The Potala Palace is built up the Red Hill, its white and red palaces stacked into the clouds — the most staggering palace on the plateau. It is both palace and faith; save a breath for the climb.
Jokhang Temple
The Jokhang Temple enshrines a life-size statue of Sakyamuni at age twelve; the prostrating figures before it never cease. It is the faithful heart of Lhasa, and Barkhor Street grew around it. Plan about two hours to wander slowly.
Barkhor Street
Barkhor Street is the kora path around the Jokhang; the yellow wall of Makye Ame and the prayer-bead stalls weave into a market. Circle with the crowd and you merge into a city's devotion. Plan 2–3 hours to wander slowly.
🧭 Local Tips
- Book tickets ahead by time slot; plan 2–3 hours
- Walk up slowly to ward off altitude sickness
- The square's reflection pool is a classic night-shot spot
- Mornings bring the most pilgrims — most moving; plan 2 hours
- The top platform views the Potala from afar
- No photos inside halls; walk clockwise
Frequently Asked Questions
What season is safest for Lhasa?
June–October is best — higher oxygen, clear roads, wildflowers blooming in the lingka. Winter is sunny but bitterly cold, and some passes close.
How to acclimatize over four to five days?
Day one: no shower, no rushing. Half a day each for Potala and Jokhang, a day for Namtso, the rest for the Barkhor kora and sweet-tea houses.