Barkhor
Street
Before
entering the Jokhang Monastery,it is well
worth strolling around the old streets and
alleyways nearby, to get a taste of the
old Tibetan atmosphere about town. This
area bursts with atmosphere and contradictions.
On the one hand, this is one of THE holiest
areas of Tibet, awash with pilgrims, monks,
nuns and temples. On the other, the streets
around here are the hub of Lhasa's commercial
zone. Street traders, hawkers and market
sellers fill the pavements around the Barkhor
area. Today, this is not simply part of
a pilgrimage circuit but also the heart
and soul of the city.
Numerous weird and wonderful
things can be bought including souvenirs,
ornaments, Tibetan knives, Tibetan robes
and hats, tapestries, religious musical
instruments, gold and silver ware and prayer
wheels....the list of magical souvenirs
is endless.
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