blue lotus adventures

Jokhang Temple was built in 617 during the Tang Dynasty and is one of the most sacred temples in Tibet.  The Kora follows the stone old city road around the temple passing many stores and restaurants.   Incense chords are found along the way which periodically are stoked with incense.  There are still many pilgrims that visit Lhasa and complete this Kora, the numbers have drastically dropped off since my first visit in 2006.  At that time, the Kora was lined with old world Tibetan carts with Buddhist trinkets and various other Tibetan items for sale by locals.  It was great fun negotiating back then as the Tibetans have a great sense of humor and very honest.  However, in recent years and my last visit in 2019, all these vendors have been moved to an enclosed run-down mall.  The items for sale are typically Chinese knock-offs of what could originally be found prior to this move.

Another change that I encounter as of my 2013 trip is that access to the Jokhang Temple and Kora area is regulated by security checkpoints.  All bags are screened and you must pass through a metal detector when entering the main plaza.  It is possible to enter the Kora through the old city alley’s but there is still checkpoint stations here as well.