Top Places for Pilgrimage & Prostration in Tibet

In Tibet, pilgrimage is often described as "measuring one's faith with one's body." It is a profound spiritual practice that purifies the soul and accumulates merit. However, it's important to understand that this journey doesn't always entail an epic, long-distance trek. For many, it begins with quieter, daily routes—like circling the Barkor Street in Lhasa—that even visitors can respectfully join to gain a glimpse into this sacred tradition. While prostration (full-body kowtowing) is not the only form of pilgrimage, it is universally regarded as the most devout and meritorious method. It is a powerful physical prayer, which is why at many of Tibet's holiest sites, you will witness devotees performing this act of supreme dedication.

Tibet's Core Pilgrimage Sites

The Jokhang Temple—The Ultimate Pilgrimage Center

It is the spiritual heart of Tibet and the most sacred destination for pilgrims. Its supreme sanctity comes from the enshrined Jowo Shakyamuni statue, a life-sized, 12-year-old likeness of the Buddha brought to Tibet in the 7th century. The devotion unfolds outside the temple walls on the Barkor Street, the bustling circular pilgrim's path. Here, the air hums with murmured mantras and the whirring of prayer wheels. At dawn and dusk, the circuit comes alive with a continuous flow of pilgrims. As you walk, remember to always move clockwise, following the flow of spiritual energy.

The Potala Palace—Symbol of Faith and Power

Dominating the Lhasa skyline, the Potala Palace is an architectural marvel and a potent symbol of Tibetan Buddhism. Its countless chambers, stupas, and scriptures make the entire palace a colossal object of veneration. While tourists enter for its history, pilgrims engage with its exterior. At the base of the palace, in its surrounding parks and pathways, you'll find believers prostrating themselves.

The Three Great Sacred Lakes—Nature's Sanctuaries

In Tibetan belief, lakes are the abodes of protective deities, and circumambulating them is a sacred act that brings blessings. Among them, Lake Manasarovar holds a unique place, revered by Buddhists, Bonpos, Hindus, and Jains as the "Sacred Lake" at the foot of Mount Kailash, representing purity and salvation. Lake Yamdrok: Its stunning, turquoise waters are easily accessible from Lhasa. Pilgrims circle the monasteries and shrines on its shores. Lake Namtso, one of Tibet's highest great salt lakes, is paired with the mighty Nyenchen Tangula mountain range. At its shores, particularly at Tashi Peninsula, the experience is raw and elemental. Pilgrims tend to prostrate by the water's edge.

Mount Kailash—The Axis of the World

Known as Gang Rinpoche in Tibetan, Mount Kailash is arguably the world's most revered mountain. The belief that one kora around its base can cleanse the sins of a lifetime draws pilgrims from across the globe. The 52-kilometer trek, reaching the 5,630-meter Drolma La Pass, is a supreme physical and mental test. Here, you will witness the ultimate act of devotion: pilgrims undertaking the entire route by performing full-body prostrations. Completing the kora in 2–3 days is an achievement, but watching those who prostrate their way around is a humbling lesson in perseverance and faith.

Conclusion

Beyond these iconic sites, the rhythm of pilgrimage can be found throughout Tibet. Major monasteries like Tashilhunpo, Sera, and Samye all have their own circumambulation paths, where locals and monks alike perform daily walks and prostrations, keeping the wheel of Dharma turning.