Barkhor Street in Tibet

Location: Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region
Historical Significance:
Barkhor Street, originally named "Pagkor" in Tibetan, is the oldest and most culturally vibrant street in Lhasa, encircling the sacred Jokhang Temple. Built during the 7th century alongside the temple, it served as a pilgrimage route for Buddhists, with devotees walking clockwise to accumulate merit. Over centuries, it evolved into a bustling hub of commerce, religion, and daily life, reflecting Tibet’s spiritual and cultural heritage.

Cultural Features:
The street is lined with shops selling traditional Tibetan Handicrafts, prayer wheels, thangka paintings, and religious artifacts. Pilgrims, including children and elderly, can be seen prostrating along the cobblestone path, demonstrating profound devotion. The area also hosts street food stalls offering local snacks like tsampa (Roasted barley flour) and butter tea.

Visitor Tips:

  • Respect local customs by walking clockwise.
  • Explore the historic Tumba Mansion, the residence of吞弥·桑布扎 (Thonmi Sambhota), the creator of the Tibetan script.
  • Avoid late-night visits due to narrow alleys and limited lighting.

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What Our Clients Say?

Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews

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Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s): Shanghai
Date of Experience: May 08,2024
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Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories. Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s): Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of Experience: June 02,2025
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Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic! Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale. For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return. A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s): Zhangjiajie
Date of Experience: May 08,2025
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