Go, Self-Drive Tibet! (12)

Today is April 17, the 12th day of our self-drive trip to Tibet.

Today's plan is to visit Jokhang Temple and Potala Palace. On the 16th we already booked tickets for 1:30 PM on the 17th to visit Potala Palace, so we decided to visit Jokhang Temple on the morning of the 17th. It was Saturday, and Jokhang Temple was packed with devotees and tourists. After buying tickets, we hired a guide to take us around.

Jokhang Temple is located in the heart of Lhasa's old town. It is a Tibetan Buddhist temple built by King Songtsen Gampo. Lhasa's reputation as a holy city has much to do with this temple. After its construction, it was expanded and renovated over the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties to reach its current size. With over 1,300 years of history, Jokhang Temple holds the highest status in Tibetan Buddhism.

Jokhang Temple square

Barkhor Street outside Jokhang Temple

The golden roof of Jokhang Temple

Devotees carrying flasks to collect holy water from the temple

It was already quite late when we came out of Jokhang Temple. To make it to Potala Palace by the 1:30 PM entry time, we hopped on share bikes and pedalled over.

A panoramic front view of Potala Palace, shot from the palace square.

Close-up of Potala Palace.

The long row of prayer wheels along the outer wall of Potala Palace

Devotees prostrating themselves along the palace's outer wall

After leaving Potala Palace, we returned to Barkhor Street outside Jokhang Temple and found Makye Ame, the little tavern where the 6th Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso, used to rendezvous with his lover. Today this former tavern serves simple tea and snacks. We went up to the second floor and ordered a light meal. As we ate, we explored the tavern, tracing the life story of this Tibetan king who was once known as the most romantic lover in the world, more than 300 years ago.

After our small meal at Makye Ame, our companion's holiday time was up, so we drove him to Lhasa Airport. After saying goodbye, we returned to our hotel for some rest.