Jokhang Temple

Save

Let us know if these details are incorrect

Lonely Planet review

The 1300-year-old Jokhang Temple is the spiritual centre of Tibet. The waves of awestruck pilgrims prostrating themselves outside and the distinctive golden dome are mesmerising - planes could use the dome for navigation.Commemorating the marriage of the Tang princess Wencheng to King Songtsen Gampo, the temple was built atop a pool that the princess thought was a witch's heart.

The temple houses a pure gold statue of the Buddha Sakyamuni brought to Tibet by the princess, along with extraordinary Tibetan religious art treasures (though some are duplicates). The Jokhang Temple is best visited early in the morning; during the afternoon you'll have to enter via the side door to the right of the main entrance, and interior chapels may be shut. There are often prayers led by monks on the roof at around . The outer halls and the roof are effectively open from sunrise to sunset.