Where to Stay in Tibet: Recommended Accommodations in Lhasa, EBC, Mount Kailash etc

Tibet, known as the "roof of the world," draws in many travelers with its monasteries and stunning mountains. Despite its challenging terrain and limited resources, Tibet offers decent living conditions with basic necessities.

In this article, we will discuss a diverse range of accommodations in different areas of Tibet, including Lhasa, Shigatse, Everest Base Camp, Mount Kailash area, etc. From luxury hotels in Lhasa to guesthouses and tents in remote mountains, you can find the one that suits your need during your trip.

Where to Stay in Lhasa?

Hotels in Lhasa could meet different needs of tourists from all walks of life, which can be generally classified into three categories: luxury five-star hotels, mid-range hotels, and budget hotels and hostels.

Lhasa Five-Star Hotels

Generally speaking, the top luxury hotels in Tibet are mainly located in Lhasa city. These luxury Tibetan hotels are most decorated in Tibetan style and well equipped with modern facilities, which offer you a comfortable living environment while traveling in such high altitude land. Here are some of the top picks as follows:

St. Regis Resort Lhasa - This hotel is located 75km from the airport and is very close to hot attractions like Potala palace and Jokhang Temple. It is an international hotel with modern facilities and jaw-dropping views of the Himalayan range from all the rooms. The restaurant offers various cuisines such as Tibetan, Cantonese, Nepalese, and Sichuan.

Shangri-La Lhasa Hotel - This urban luxury hotel is located 50km from the airport. It is one of the very few hotels in Tibet that has four restaurants. The interior designing of the rooms is done in Tibetan style with windows offering majestic views of the surrounding mountains. There is a pool in the hotel and the provision to hire cars to explore Lhasa.

InterContinental Lhasa Paradise - This is one of the largest hotels in Lhasa with 472 rooms. It has amenities such as free Wi-Fi, breakfast buffet, oxygen supplies, hair driers, personal mini bars etc. There are English-speaking staffs that make your stay easier. InterContinental Lhasa Paradise is located about 65 km from the airport and close to attractions such as Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, and Potala Palace.

Lhasa Mid-range Hotels

Lhasa offers a range of mid-range hotels that provide comfortable and affordable accommodation options for travelers. These hotels allow visitors to immerse themselves in the local culture while enjoying modern amenities at a reasonable price.

Tibet Gang-gyan Lhasa Hotel - This hotel is located 60km from the airport and is located near Ramoche Temple. This hotel has European-style suit rooms, Tibetan-style standard rooms, and Chinese-style conference rooms. The tea house and in-house restaurant offer Tibetan and Chinese cuisines. You can enjoy the traditional evening drums and Sanskrit chanting during your stay at the hotel.

Lhasa Kyichu Hotel - the hotel’s location near Barkhor Street and Jokhang Temple makes it a convenient base for exploring the city. The rooftop terrace offers breathtaking views of the city, including the iconic Potala Palace. The rooms are clean and comfortable, with amenities like central air conditioning, hot water, and free Wi-Fi.

House of Shambhala - This is a unique boutique hotel located in Jiri 2nd Alley, just across from Muru Temple. The hotel's decor is distinctly Tibetan, with Tibetan art murals on the walls and traditional household items in the rooms. The third-floor restaurant serves a mix of Tibetan, Chinese, and Western cuisine, along with wines and cocktails, offering an authentic Tibetan experience.

Lhasa Budget Hotels

Lhasa offers a range of budget-friendly accommodation options including hostels, guesthouses, and budget hotels. Examples include Phuntsok Kasang International Youth Hostel, Dong Cuo International Youth Hostel etc.

Although cheap hotels may not provide the same amenities as more expensive ones, they're comfortable and suitable for budget-conscious travelers. It's important to research and compares options before booking.

Where to Stay in Shigatse?

Shigatse is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Tibet, and is the main gateway to Mount Everest Base Camp from Lhasa. When it comes to accommodation, there are plenty of options available in Shigatse, ranging from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious hotels.

One of the best hotels in Shigatse is the Gesar Hotel. This hotel offers spacious and comfortable rooms equipped with modern amenities, including free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and 24-hour hot water. The hotel also has an on-site restaurant serving delicious Tibetan and Chinese cuisine, as well as a bar where guests can relax with a drink after a long day of sightseeing.

The Qomo Langzong Hotel is also a good choice for those who want to stay close to the Tashilhunpo Monastery. The hotel has authentic Tibetan-style architecture with executive and deluxe rooms. The in-house restaurant offers Chinese and western cuisine. Other amenities include 24-hour service, free parking, oxygen supply systems, and free Wi-Fi. The presidential suites in this hotel have glass ceilings for star gazing.

Other recommended hotels in Shigatse include the Shigatse Hotel and the Tashichoetai Hotel, both of which offer excellent facilities and convenient locations in the heart of the city. No matter which hotel you choose, you are sure to have an unforgettable stay in this beautiful part of Tibet.

Where to Stay at Mt. Everest Base Camp?

Accommodations become limited in remote regions like Mt.Everest where you can stay in the tent guest house or Rongbuk Monastery Guesthouse. These accommodations at EBC only offer basic facilities and simple conditions.

The Tent Guest House is the closest lodging option to Mount Everest. It offers basic amenities such as blankets, boiled drinks, and simple food. The tents have a stove for warmth and outdoor toilets. They are set up by local Tibetans and can accommodate over ten people, making them a cheaper option. However, they are only available from late April to early October due to the cold weather.

You can also stay in the Rongbuk Monastery’s guesthouse, which is only 4km from the EBC and is the only winter lodging near Everest. It has 30 twin or dorm rooms, with dorms accommodating up to five adults. Rooms have bedding, electric blankets, power sockets, lamps, hot water bottles, desks, and chairs. The guesthouse also has a small restaurant.

Where to Stay during Mt. Kailash Kora Trek?

During the Mt. Kailash Kora Trek, accommodation options include guesthouses, tents, and monasteries. In Darchen, the starting and ending point of the trek, there are several guesthouses offering basic amenities such as hot water, while tents are available at higher altitudes.

Monasteries such as the Dirapuk Monastery and Zuthulphuk Monastery offer dormitory-style rooms for trekkers. If you are getting your own tents to make sure they are water proof, bring your sleeping bags and self- inflating mattresses.

Where to Stay While Visiting Namtso Lake?

For environmental protection, the lake-shore guesthouses at Namtso Lake were all close by the local government. So for tourists visiting Namtso Lake, you have to go back to Damxung for an overnight stay. Damxung is around 60 kilometers away from Namtso Lake, and offers several hotels and guesthouses with basic accommodation conditions.

Can I Stay in a Local Monastery When I Visit Tibet?

It is not possible for foreigners to stay in the monasteries. Even the time permitted to visit the monastery is regulated for foreigners. Some monasteries have guesthouses where can you just do an overnight stay. This is mostly to preserve the monasteries from being commercialized and also because of the religious taboos.

Conclusion

When it comes to hotels in Tibet, big cities like Lhasa and Shigatse offer a wide range of options from luxury hotels to budget guesthouses. While remote areas like Mount Everest and Mount Kailash offer basic but comfortable accommodations. With proper planning, a trip to Tibet can be unforgettable regardless of where you choose to stay.