The area known as the Barkhor dominates the old town of Lhasa. It is characterised by a one kilometre long kora (pilgrim route), which circumambulates the Jokhang temple, the former seat of the Tibetan state oracle. The area includes a number of important noble’s houses and a public square. In what is arguably the liveliest part of the town it is easy to be swept along by the seemingly constant tide of pilgrims that wend their way through the narrow streets. Many of them have travelled on foot for hundreds of miles making full body prostrations after every three paces. Some are dressed in ragged sheepskins of nomads whilst others wear huge cloaks and brandish ornate daggers. Many women have their hair styled into ornate plaits, decorated with coral headpieces.
The route is lined with numerous shops and thousands of stalls selling all sorts of traditional wares from prayer wheels and flags to clothes, knives and other religious itmes. Some shops are famous for their Tangkas (Tibetan scroll paintings), that cover themes of religion, history and literature.