When planning a long trip to Tibet and Nepal, choosing the right hotel can make or break your journey. While both Tibet and Nepal are among the top spots for Himalayan sightseeing, the types of accommodations, services, amenities, and costs differ greatly.

In this travel guide, we offer you 6 insider tips to help you plan the right accommodation for your Tibet Nepal tour. So, you can book your hotels in Tibet and Nepal to your preference and enjoy a comfortable and pleasant stay in these two places.

Tibet Vs Nepal: Key Differences in Accommodation Nowadays

Though both Tibet and Nepal are situated at the heart of the majestic Himalayas, Tibet has a much higher altitude and tougher living environment in massive uninhabited regions than Nepal. As a result, Tibet's accommodation options are less diversified than those in Nepal.

A great case in point is that most luxury and mid-range hotels are located in central and eastern Tibet like Lhasa, Shigatse, and Nyingchi. In contrast, Nepal is a paradise for trekkers and backpackers with a wider range of accommodations including luxury hotels, budget-friendly teahouses, boutique hotels, and backpacker hostels widespread in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan and along popular Himalayan trekking routes.

The deluxe hotel rooms with graceful décor in St. Regis Lhasa Resort.

Additionally, in Tibet, essential hotel amenities are heating, oxygen supply, hot water, and Western-style toilets and showers. In most cases, you can only camp in the wilderness as you trek in Tibet. Yet, in Nepal, hotels are often equipped with gyms, pools, and spas. On trekking routes, cozy teahouses provide simple meals and warm bedding for a comfortable stay.

The cozy teahouse accommodation in Nepal for trekking.

Next, in terms of hotel service, most local Tibetan hotel staff may not be proficient in English while Nepali hotel staff typically speak fluent English as the second language and are more flexible in accommodating guests' needs and handling complaints.

What to Expect from Accommodations on a Classic Tibet-Nepal Overland Tour

The most classic Tibet Nepal overland tour lasts 7 days, with overnight stops in Lhasa, Shigatse, Tibet Everest Base Camp, Gyirong Town, and Kathmandu. Along this route, you will face a mix of accommodations that cater to different needs and budgets.

7 Days Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Small Group Tour: Traverse from the North Side to the South Side of Mt.Everest for the Best of the Himalayas

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Gyirong - Kathmandu

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Traverse the magical Himalayas and experience the beauty of Mt. Everest from four different angles.

Lhasa (3,650m) is not only the spiritual heart of Tibet for pilgrims but also the largest tourist hub that offers over 1,200 accommodations for global travelers, ranging from 5-star international luxury hotels and chic boutique hotels with views of Potala Palace to budget-friendly chain hotels, and newly-renovated 3-star hotels and hostels that perfectly blend Tibetan-décor with modern elegance.

The diverse luxury and mid-range hotels scattered around the old quarter of Lhasa on the map.

The majority of hotels in Lhasa lie around the old quarter of Lhasa, centering around Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street or near the Potala Palace. Most 4-star or higher-standard hotels in Lhasa have a diffuse oxygen supply, heating, and humidifiers for you to enjoy a comfortable stay in arid Lhasa. Learn more about hotels in Lhasa.

Take 5-star St. Regis Lhasa Resort, for example, it has sparkling-clean & artistically-designed rooms, 24-hour butler service, 24-hour oxygen supply, three restaurants, a spa, a café, and all the amenities imaginable. And it’s only 17min’s walk to Barkhor Street. Whereas, the 4-star popular boutique hotels have smaller rooms with oxygen supply facilities and heating, and some boast stunning views of the Potala Palace from your rooms. Many 3-star hotels are fashioned out of old Lhasa courtyards into stylish, atmospheric lodgings with refined Tibetan décor in the old quarter of Lhasa. Discover top luxury hotels across Tibet.

The elegant rooms with Tibetan vibes in St. Regis Lhasa Resort.

Shigatse (3,845m) is Tibet’s second-largest city and a crucial place for lodging before heading to Tibet EBC in Tingri County. Over 500 accommodations are available ranging from limited 4-star hotels to tons of 3-star hotels and hostels scattered around downtown Samzhubzê District. The 4-star Hilton Shigatse hotel is one of your go-to choices with only 1.6km to Tashilunpo Monastery.

The popular Hilton Shigatse hotel in downtown Shigatse city.

At Tibet EBC (5,000m), the best accommodation is the Rongbuk Hotel, equipped with an oxygen supply, private western toilets, a decent restaurant, tap water, underfloor heating, humidifiers, and more importantly rooms with epic window views of Mt. Everest. It is such a “luxury” accommodation here, given the extreme altitude and harsh environment. Alternatively, you can stay in yak-tented hotels (April to October available) where you can sleep with other travelers on a large dorm bed or in a two-guest room. The only downside is that no toilet is available.

The clean Rongbuk Hotel with Mt. Everest view from its rooms.

Gyriong Town (2,800m) in Gyriong County is your last lodging place before crossing the border to Kathmandu. As a small border town close to Nepal, Gyriong town offers you only one 4-star hotel and many three-star stars and hostels to choose from. The low altitude requires no oxygen supply. So, pick any hotel with a clean room for a night's stay here. Learn how to get to Gyirong Port.

Upon reaching Kathmandu, Nepal, you have an awful lot of choices from top-end luxury and mid-range 4-star hotels at Thamel, the most popular traveler district in Kathmandu to numerous tourist-friendly boutique hotels and guesthouses around Kathmandu Durbar Square. The luxury hotels here mostly feature traditional architecture, high-end pools, fitness centers, spas, and authentic Nepali and Western cuisines.

The luxury hotels in Thamel, Kathmandu.

How to Choose the Right Hotels in Tibet and Nepal?

There are some special considerations for finding the right hotels for your Tibet Nepal tour. First and foremost, the hotel location. In bigger cities like Lhasa and Kathmandu, look for hotels near landmark attractions like Barhor Street in Lhasa or the major tourist hub in Thamel in Kathmandu, which offers you easy access to shopping, local eateries, and must-see attractions.

Best local hotel locations in Lhasa and Kathmandu on the map.

In addition, consider the comfort and amenities available, esp. while traveling in Tibet, where the higher altitude and tougher climate can make travel more challenging physically compared to Nepal.

The rule of thumb is to prefer hotels with oxygen supplies, underfloor heating, private bathrooms, western-style toilets, hot water, AC, and smoke-free rooms, which can significantly enhance your stay in major cities in Tibet. In Nepal, while trekking lodges and teahouses are often basic, choosing accommodations with private bathrooms, hot showers, and heating ensures a more pleasant experience.

Finally, don’t forget to check hotel reviews on sites like TripAdvisor, Booking.com, and Trip.com to read about the experiences of other travelers before making a final decision.

Check the hotel reviews of hotels in Lhasa on TripAdvisor.

Why Tibet Nepal Travel Costs Vary So Much Between Peak and Off-Season

The cost of accommodations in Tibet and Nepal fluctuates significantly depending on the travel season.

In Tibet, the high season of the Tibet tour starts from April to October. April, May, September, and October mark the best season for Mt. Everest exploration and Mt. Kailash trek, and other outdoor activities across Tibet. The mild weather, crisp air, azure sky, and high visibility draw a large number of global travelers to Tibet. Meanwhile, major Tibetan festivals in summer and traditional summertime for domestic students in China also lead to a surge in high demand for accommodation across Tibet. During these periods, you can expect 5 to 10 times higher prices for hotels, flights, and transportation.

8 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Small Group Tour: Marvel at Mt.Everest Real Close from 4 Different Viewing Platforms

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Shigatse - Lhasa

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On the trip to Mt. Everest, prepare for the jaw-dropping northface of Mt. Everest vista on the classic 8-day Lhasa to Tibet EBC tour.

On the other hand, November to February marks the winter tour season in Tibet. During these periods, major attractions get less touristy and all hotels offer substantial discounts to fill the vacancies and Tibetan attractions rolled out an entrance-free policy to attract visitors

In Nepal, the high season begins from October to November. The golden autumn season signifies the best time to enjoy clear skies and scenic treks to Everest and Annapurna regions, plus the joyous Dashain festival in October, the accommodation in Kathmandu, and along Everest trekking trails and Pokhara get booked up and prices soar.

The increased number of travelers for trekking in the Everest region in Nepal in October.

Whereas the annoying monsoon season from June to September brings sporadic heavy rain and dense clouds that block the Himalayan views and make trekking dangerous, you can expect hefty discounts in hotels for temple tours in Kathmandu Valley and other parts of Nepal.

So, to enjoy the most ideal season for your Tibet Nepal tour, booking your hotels for at least two to three months in advance which is essential to secure availability and better rates. Another practical solution is to sign up for our small group tours, which help you split the costs for hotels, local guides, transportation, and dining, making the trip more affordable.

13 Day Lhasa, Mt. Everest, Mt. Kailash, Lake Manasarovar and Kathmandu Adventure Tour

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - EBC - Saga - Darchen - Kailash Trek - Darchen - Saga - Gyirong - Kathmandu

Price from USD2069 p.p

Embark on the epic pilgrimage to holy Mt.Kailash with an exploration at Tibet EBC before heading to Kathmandu.

Should I Book the Hotel by Myself or Through a Local Travel Agency?

In Nepal, it’s easy to book accommodations on your own. Popular online platforms like Booking.com will have many hotel options in all major destinations. If you start searching early, you can take advantage of promotions and early booking specials that might be available.

For Tibet, we recommend booking accommodations through a reputable, local travel agency like us at Tibet Vista. In high travel season, and for remote areas like Tibet Everest Base Camp and Darchen in remote western Tibet for the Mount Kailash trek, the best local hotels sell out quickly and some of them even don’t have online booking like Rongbuk Hotel at Tibet EBC. With local offices in Lhasa and Kathmandu, we will manage to help you secure the best accommodations based on your needs.

In addition, as a local Tibet travel agency with offices in Lhasa, Kathmandu, and Chengdu, we offer you a one-stop service for a seamless Tibet Nepal tour or in reverse. From Tibet travel permit, local experts, local drivers, and border transfers, to accommodations and transportation, we’ll take care of them all. So, you can enjoy the immersive experience of a lifetime.

The sample of Tibet Travel Permit.

More Insider Tips for a Comfortable Stay

If you’ve just arrived by flight to Lhasa, don’t rush to roam over Lhasa Street. Instead, staying in your hotel for a good rest is a great way to give your body enough time to acclimatize to avoid acute high altitude in the first 24 hours.

Since most local hotel staff in Tibet don’t have great spoken English after your local guide whisks you off to your hotels from the airport or train station, he/she will help you with hotel check-in. If you have any special needs, please feel free to reach our local experts.

Besides, pack appropriately for the harsh highland climate. Even in warmer seasons, you can experience all four seasons in one day in the Himalayan region. Bring layers of clothing so you can adjust to the changing temperatures.

Conclusion

Choosing the right accommodations is a big factor in having the best travel experience in Tibet and Nepal. Whether you’re staying in luxury hotels in bustling cities or basic lodges in remote mountain regions, understanding your options and planning ahead ensures a cozy and memorable journey. If you have more questions, don’t hesitate to email us for free and expert travel solutions for a Tibet Nepal tour. Cheers!