Smoke from numerous sacrifice stoves fills the streets and squares of the Tibetan capital of Lhasa in the Trans-Himalayan Mountains. This City Of The Gods well deserves its lofty reputation yet it is not only the political, cultural and economic centre of Tibet but also its religious heart.

Barkhor Road is eight hundred metres long and encircles the Jokhang Temple as well as nearby Tsuklakhang Square. The aroma of juniper rises from the sacrifice stoves that are to be seen all along the sacred road and traditional prayer flags billow in the breeze.

Jokhang Temple has a mystic atmosphere and contains many images of daily religious life in Lhasa and was built as a shrine for a unique Buddha statue.

The temple is still, more than thirteen hundred years after its foundation, a much worshipped national sanctuary as well as a vibrant centre of Buddhism in Tibet, revered home of the Dalai Lama.