The Barkhor Kora is a sacred pilgrimage route encircling the Jokhang Temple, attracting thousands of people who walk along Barkhor Street in a clockwise direction. This ancient ritual, known as a kora in Tibet, holds deep significance as pilgrims engage in prayers for peace while seeking to accumulate merit and virtue.
In the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, the kora serves as a form of pilgrimage and meditation. It involves circumambulating temples, stupas, or other revered sites in Tibet. Participants often spin prayer wheels, chant mantras, count mala beads, or engage in repeated prostrations as part of their practice.
Tibet is home to several renowned traditional koras, including the clockwise circumambulation of the Jokhang Temple, the pilgrimage route around Barkhor Street, and the circumambulation of Namtso Lake. Among these, the Barkhor Kora stands as the oldest pilgrimage route in Lhasa.
Barkhor Street, with a rich history spanning over 1300 years, is the oldest road in Lhasa city. Flourishing alongside the development of the Jokhang Temple, this thoroughfare became intertwined with Tibetan culture, religion, and art. The temple, constructed by Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo in 647 AD, attracted countless pilgrims who visited and offered prayers at its magnificent structure. The resulting pilgrimage route eventually formed Barkhor Street, which holds a sacred status in the hearts of Tibetans, earning the local designation of the "Sacred Road."
Please count the number of tharchens (that is, pillars with prayer flags) along Barkhor Street. There are two tharchens situated in front of the Jokhang Temple, which should be taken into account.
How many tharchens are there?
If the count of tharchens is ༣, please proceed to the Jokhang Temple.
If the count is ༤, please proceed to the Ramoche Temple.
If the count is ༥, please proceed to the Potala Palace.
If the count is ༦, please proceed to Norbulingka.
If the count is ༧, please proceed to Ani Tsankhung Teahouse.
If the count is ༨, please proceed to the Lhasa River Bank.
If the count is ༩, please proceed to Lhalu Wetlands.
The cache is hidden at one of the aforementioned waypoints. It's worth noting that the final location, as well as the other waypoints, lie outside the areas that require purchasing tickets for entry. These locations are well-known attractions in Lhasa, offering you the opportunity to explore and enjoy their splendour.
Tashi delek!