Jokhang temple (Chinese Name: 大昭寺), also known as "Zuglagkang" and "Jokang" (meaning Buddhist temple in Tibetan), is a Buddhist temple located in Barkhor Square in the center of old Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet. The oldest part of the temple was built in the heyday of the Tubo dynasty in the 7th century (in 652) by King Songtsen Gampo (the first king of a unified Tibet).

According to legend, the temple was built for the king’s two brides: Princess Wencheng of the Chinese Tang Dynasty and Princess Bhrikuti of Nepal.

Jokhang Temple integrates the architectural styles of Tibet, Nepal, India, and the Tang Dynasty, and has become a symbol and a model of Tibetan religious architecture. After undergoing renovations and expansions many times during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, the temple now covers an area of 25,100 square meters.

Jokhang temple is the most splendid building constructed during the Tubo period and the earliest example of civil architecture in Tibet.

Jokhang Temple has four storeys. The building’s main design features classic Han nationality architecture styling, while the carved roof beams are Tibetan in style. Under the main-hall eaves of the second and third floors, there are 103 wooden carvings of beasts and sphinxes.

One of the most precious Buddha statues enshrined in the temple is the Sakyamuni statue. It was brought to Tibet by Princess Wencheng.

Looking out from the roof of Jokhang Temple, on the far mountain to the right stands the famous Potala Palace. Nearby, there was once a willow tree called the "princess willow,” which is said to have been planted by princess Wencheng, but the tree is now gone. Beside the princess willow stood three steles which were erected in the Tang, Ming, and Qing Dynasties.

Most monasteries in Tibet belong to a certain sect of Tibetan Buddhism, but Jokhang Temple is a sacred temple shared by all sects. After the unification of politics and religion in Tibet, the Tibetan government office, which was called “Bkav-shag,” was also located in Jokhang Temple.

The "golden urn lot-drawing ceremony” for the reincarnation of the living Buddha has always been held in Jokhang temple. In 1995, the golden urn lot-drawing ceremony for the reincarnation of the 10th Panchen Lama spirit child was also held here.

All day long, the temple is crowded with pilgrims. Tibetans in general consider this temple to be the most sacred and important temple in Tibet. Jokhang Temple is at the center of Lhasa city, not only geographically, but also socially.

Location：Barkhor Street, Chengguan District, Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region, China

Reasons to visit：
In 1961, the temple was listed among the first group of State Cultural Protection Relic Units, and has been categorized as a 4A-level tourist site.

In November 2000, UNESCO listed Jokhang Temple a world cultural heritage site as an extension of Potala Palace (a World Heritage Site since 1994).

In November 2017, the temple was named a "2017 Annual Tourism Destination" by the Second Bo’ao International Tourism Communication Forum.

Day1: Arrive in Lhasa by train or by plane

Travel to Lhasa by train or by plane. When you arrive at the train station/airport of Lhasa, there will be an employee waiting there to pick you up and take you to the hotel for check in. After check in, rest at the hotel. Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Hotel: Mandala Hotel (or a similar three-star hotel)

 

Day 2: Lhasa Sightseeing: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street

After breakfast, visit the famous Potala Palace. In the afternoon, visit Johkang Temple, and then Barkor street, a shopping street where tourists can buy traditional and religious items made in Tibet. Stay overnight in Lhasa.

 
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Hotel: Mandala Hotel (or a similar three-star hotel)

 

Day 3: Lhasa Sightseeing: Drepung Monastery (哲蚌寺) and Sera Monastery (色拉寺)

After breakfast, visit two important monasteries in Lhasa, the Drepung and the Sera monasteries. Stay overnight in Lhasa.

 
Meals included: Breakfast
Hotel: Mandala Hotel (or a similar three-star hotel)

Day 4: Lhasa airport drop-off

Your tour guide and driver will drop you off at the Lhasa airport, which marks the end of tour services

Meals included: Breakfast

Services Included
1. Tibet Entry Permit and Alien's Travel Permit
2. Transport
- Transfer between airport/train station and Lhasa city
- Lhasa City transportation, tourist vehicle according to group size
3. Admission fees for all tourist sites on the itinerary
4. Professional Tibetan English-speaking tour guide
5. Travel Agency Service Charge
6. Tourist Accident/Casualty Insurance
7. Accommodations: Lhasa Mandala Hotel (or a similar three-star hotel)
8. Tibetan-style welcome dinner

 
Services Excluded
1. Lunches and some dinners
2. Tips for drivers and tour guides
3. Other personal expenses
4. Train / plane fare

Price

From RMB 3,650 per person.